Arrive by bus and then stroll leisurely on foot to Takachiho in Miyazaki Prefecture, a treasure trove of spectacular views and delicious food.

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This time, we will introduce the charms and recommended sightseeing spots of Takachiho, a place with many traditional sites related to nature and Japanese mythology. We will also summarize the cheapest transportation options, so be sure to check it out.

Written by

Miyazaki Prefecture MaaS Executive Committee

The Miyazaki Prefecture MaaS Executive Committee is a collaboration between organizations, mainly transportation companies, within the prefecture, aiming to make transportation in Miyazaki smarter and create an environment where people can enjoy the prefecture even more.

What is the charm of Takachiho?

Takachiho is known as the village of mythology and is a tourist destination where magnificent nature and history come to life.

At Takachiho Gorge, you can enjoy boating while looking at the steep cliffs and the beautiful Manai Falls, and be soothed by the spectacular scenery throughout the four seasons.

There are also many mythical power spots such as Takachiho Shrine and Amanoiwato Shrine. You can also experience traditional culture such as Yokagura, and spend a mystical time interwoven with nature and faith.

Numerous power spots

Takachiho is home to many power spots, including Takachiho Shrine, Ama-no-Iwato Shrine, and Aratate Shrine.

Takachiho Shrine, which is home to the couple cedar trees associated with matchmaking, is famous for granting blessings in finding a partner and marital harmony.

There are many other shrines, each with its own mythological legends. Takachiho is a recommended place for those who like Japanese history, and also for those who want to visit shrines, as each shrine has its own unique benefits.

A place associated with Japanese mythology

There are many places that appear in Japanese mythology, including the Ama-no-Iwato cave where Amaterasu Omikami hid, and Amenoyasugawara, where the gods gathered.

The stories depicted in the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki consist of three stories: Takamagahara mythology, Izumo mythology, and Hyuga mythology, and Takachiho is the setting for Takamagahara mythology and Hyuga mythology.

*Photo provided by Takachiho Tourism Association

Takachiho is a treasure trove of gourmet food

Takachiho is a treasure trove of gourmet food that can be enjoyed alongside the spectacular natural scenery. In particular, along "Kodo-dori Street" that runs from Takachiho Gorge to Takachiho Shrine, there are stylish cafes and gourmet spots filled with local charm, and one of the attractions is that you can easily stop by while strolling around.

When in Takachiho, you should definitely try Takachiho beef. It is juicy, tender, and full of flavor, and can be enjoyed in a variety of styles, including as steak or yakiniku, as well as in hamburgers and rice bowls.

The dishes made with fresh, locally raised chicken are also excellent, with a savory, juicy flavor whether grilled over charcoal or deep-fried.

At the cafes on Temple Street, you can relax and enjoy smoothies and sweets made with locally grown fruits, as well as carefully brewed coffee, while taking in the beautiful mountains and rural landscapes. A gourmet experience awaits, where you can enjoy the natural and culinary bounty of Takachiho with all five senses.

How to get to Takachiho

We recommend using the highway bus departing from Kumamoto City to get to Takachiho. If you are thinking of taking a highway bus from Kumamoto to Takachiho, we recommend purchasing your ticket online in advance. Highway buses require reserved seats. Tickets can be purchased on the day, but only if there are seats available.
■How to make a reservation: highwaybus.com

If you are touring Miyazaki Prefecture, we recommend the route from Kumamoto to Takachiho to Nobeoka to Miyazaki City.

Another great thing about traveling is that you can leave your luggage at the station or at each tourist spot after you arrive at your destination. This means you can enjoy sightseeing empty-handed, so be sure to take full advantage of these services.

You can leave your luggage at the Takachiho Town Tourist Association's Tourist Information Center for 500 yen per item per day.

Travel at a great price with a discounted express bus + JR ticket!

In fact, from March 1st, discounted travel tickets will be on sale for Miyazaki Kotsu buses (Takachiho to Nobeoka) and JR express tickets (Nobeoka to Miyazaki Station/Miyazaki Airport).

Not only can you purchase tickets at a 20% discount off the regular price, but purchasing in advance also makes boarding smoother, which is a nice plus.

■Sales Overview

・Miyazaki Kotsu Bus "Takachiho - Nobeoka" one-way ticket + JR "Nobeoka - Miyazaki Station / Miyazaki Airport" one-way ticket / unreserved seat express ticket set

・The ticket is valid for two days and can be used once on each of the above bus and train sections during the validity period (either the outbound or return journey)

■Sales price

・Scheduled release date ・Sales price: 4,200 yen (approximately 20% off the regular price)

Release date: Sales will begin in Japan on March 1st, and overseas sales will begin in late March.

■ How to purchase

・You can purchase it through the my route app.

Recommended sightseeing spots in Takachiho

Takachiho Gorge

This gorge was formed by the eruption of Mount Aso. It has been designated a national natural monument and features cliffs over 100 meters high.

The Gokase River that flows through the gorge is home to Manai Falls, which has been selected as one of the 100 best waterfalls in Japan, and you're sure to feel the negative ions in the midst of this magnificent natural environment.

Manai Falls: A 17-meter waterfall located almost in the center of Takachiho Gorge. There is a myth that when the heavenly grandson descended to earth, there was no water in this area, so Ame-no-Murakumo-no-Mikoto transferred water seeds from "Ame-no-Manai" and the water flows down as a waterfall.

Note: Manai Falls is one of the most popular spots in Kyushu, so if you want to try it out, we recommend that you make a reservation in advance on the Takachiho Town Tourism Association website.

■How to make a reservation: https://takachiho-kanko.info/boat/detail.php
*Reservation period: From two weeks before to 9:00 a.m. two days before (JST)

Takachiho Gorge

882-1103 Mukaiyama, Takachiho-cho, Nishiusuki-gun, Miyazaki Prefecture

Takachiho Gorge is one of the most scenic spots in the Kyushu region. Formed by the eruption of Mount Aso in Kumamoto Prefecture, this gorge features cliffs reaching a height of about 80 meters, stretching for seven kilometers. You can enjoy trekking in this beautiful gorge, but the most recommended way to explore it is to rent a boat. The luxurious experience of watching the combination of cliffs and autumn leaves from a boat is so beautiful that it is difficult to put into words.

*Photo provided by Takachiho Tourism Association

Amano Iwato Shrine

It is unknown when the shrine was first built, but there is a record of Urabe Ason, a Kyoto shrine official, visiting the shrine during the Taiho era (701-704), which suggests that it must have been built quite some time ago.

It is also the origin of the myth of Amaterasu Omikami hiding in the Ama-no-Iwato cave, a famous myth recorded in the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki.

According to legend, the festival originated when Ninigi-no-Mikoto, remembering the story of the Ama-no-Iwato cave, performed a ritual at the ancient site.

Amano Iwato Shrine

620-0321 Kyoto Prefecture Fukuchiyama City Oe-cho Bussho-ji Hiuragatak...

This shrine is dedicated to the deities Kushiishimadoto and Toyoiishimadoto, and is located at the foot of Mt. Iwato, the sacred mountain where Amaterasu Omikami is said to have descended. You can worship by climbing up the slope using chains.

Amanoyasugawara

Amanoyasugawara is said to be the place where eight million gods gathered to discuss counter measures when Amaterasu Omikami hid in the Heavenly Rock Cave.

It is located about a 10-minute walk along the Iwato River from the Nishi-Hongu Shrine of Amanoiwato Shrine, so it is a spot you should definitely stop by when visiting Amanoiwato Shrine.

Mount Takachiho

Takachiho-no-mine, with an elevation of 1,574 meters, is the second peak of the Kirishima mountain range and is located on the border between Miyazaki and Kagoshima prefectures.

It is counted among the 200 most famous mountains in Japan and is known as the place where the heavenly grandson descended to earth. At the summit stands the "Amanosakahoko", which is said to have been thrust into the ground by Ninigi-no-Mikoto when he descended to earth.

Also, speaking of stories related to historical figures, this mountain is famous for being climbed by Sakamoto Ryoma with his wife Oryo during the late Edo period.

*Photo provided by Takachiho Tourism Association

Amaterasu Railway

The Amaterasu Railway operates on the abandoned tracks of the former Takachiho Railway.

Board the open-deck trolley car "Grand Super Cart" and take in the beautiful scenery of Takachiho as you travel approximately 5.1 km round trip in about 30 minutes.

Starting in 2022, the service will begin running on environmentally friendly biodiesel fuel, and it remains a popular tourist spot with a steady stream of passengers.

Route: Old Takachiho Station - Takachiho Bridge (approx. 5.1km round trip)

Operating hours: 9:40-15:40 (10 flights per day, with additional flights)

Regular holiday: 3rd Thursday of every month (if a public holiday falls on the third Thursday, the holiday will be moved to another day)

*Suspended in bad weather

Admission fee: 100 yen (environmental maintenance fee)

Grand Super Cart fare: High school students and above 2,000 yen, elementary and junior high school students 1,300 yen, preschoolers 700 yen

A trip to Takachiho that touches Japanese history will bring you a surreal experience

What did you think?

Takachiho is a great place to visit power spots, and you're sure to enjoy sightseeing that exposes you to Japanese mythology.

Of course, there is no shortage of gourmet food, with an abundance of delicious restaurants and cafes, so if you're visiting Miyazaki Prefecture, be sure to stop by Takachiho.

After sightseeing in Takachiho, we also recommend staying at a private lodging!

Located next to Takachiho, Nobeoka has not only business hotels but also a unique accommodation option called private lodging.

[The appeal of private lodging]

You can experience the local traditions and culture by staying in a private home, tasting home-cooked meals, and interacting with the local people.

There are also private lodgings that offer a shuttle service from the station, making travelling easy. We recommend staying at a private lodging in the Nobeoka area after sightseeing in Takachiho.

[How to make a reservation] Reservations in foreign languages: We recommend " Stay Japan ". From this site you can search for private lodgings around Nobeoka. *If you require transportation, please indicate this in the request section when booking.

Come stay at a private home and interact with the warm people of Nobeoka, making your trip a memorable one.

Written by

Miyazaki Prefecture MaaS Executive Committee

Miyazaki

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