Takachiho Gorge

Takachiho Gorge is worth visiting because of its stunning natural beauty, with its jaw-dropping cliffs and waterfalls that you won't see anywhere else. The unique row boat experience and mythical atmosphere make it a highlight of any Japan trip. It offers both scenic views and cultural significance.

According to Japanese mythology, Takachiho Gorge is where the Sun Goddess Amaterasu hid in a cave, making the world dark. The other gods and goddesses wanted her to come out, so they threw a big party. It worked, and she brought light back to the world.

Takachiho Gorge is close to the town center of Takachiho, in Miyazaki Prefecture on Kyushu Island, Japan. You can walk to the gorge in 30-40 minutes from the Takachiho Bus Center. The path is easy to follow, with clear signs and pretty views. The Gokase River flows through the gorge, making it a beautiful spot that attracts thousands of visitors every year.

To get to Takachiho Gorge, you can take a train, go by car, or join a guided tour. For trains, start by taking either the Tokaido, Sanyo, or Kyushu Shinkansen train from Tokyo to Kumamoto.

You will need to transfer at either Shin-Osaka or Hakata Station. This trip will take around 6-7 hours before reaching Kumamoto. Once you arrive at Kumamoto, you will then need to get on a bus to reach Takachiho Bus Center.

The more convenient option is to take a guided tour from nearby Fukuoka. This way, you can worry less about the route going there and focus more on enjoying the beautiful natural views.

You can't swim in Takachiho Gorge, but there are other ways to enjoy the water. You can rent a boat at the main park area to explore the gorge from the water. The rental boats let you see the cool volcanic basalt columns and Minainotaki Waterfall up close. If you don't want to get wet, there are lots of observation decks that give you awesome views from above.

The boat ride through Takachiho Gorge typically takes around 30 minutes. This allows enough time to enjoy the views of the gorge and Manai Falls. The time can vary slightly depending on river conditions and how busy it is.

Plan to spend about 2 to 3 hours exploring Takachiho Gorge. This will give you enough time for a boat rental ride or hike along the paved path next to the gorge. If you want to do more activities at the south end of the gorge, you can easily spend the whole day exploring the area. You can shop at local souvenir shops, check out the stocked fishing pond, and grab a bite to eat at some nearby restaurants.