Experience the mythical world of Takachiho Gorge and night kagura

Takachiho in Miyazaki is a mysterious place. There are shrines dotting the area dating from mythical times, creating a mysterious atmosphere that cannot be experienced anywhere else. Here, you can fully enjoy the extraordinary in a one-day trip. In the evening, you can experience an enjoyable evening of kagura: sacred music and dance!

NAVITIME

Update 2023.08.07

DAY1

2018-07-24
- Takachiho Gorge
  
  10:00
- Manai Waterfall
  
  11:30
- Tunnel Station
  
  12:30
- Ama-no-Iwato Shrine
  
  14:45
- Aratate Shrine
  
  17:00
- Kushifuru Shrine
  
  18:30
- Takachiho Shrine
  
  20:00

Based on the introduced itinerary, you can create your original itinerary. In addition, simply add the place you want to go and display the route and time schedule automatically, your itinerary will be completed in no time!

Create your itinerary from this itinerary

DAY1

- Takachiho Gorge
  
  10:00
  
  60min
  
  Valley
  
  Make Takachiho Gorge your first destination. When lava flowing from erupting Mt. Aso met with Gokase River, it rapidly cooled, leading to a series of basalt columns up to 100 meters high that now make up this remarkable gorge. Everyone should see this natural work of art at least once.
  
  Address
  
  Miyazaki Pref. Nishiusukiguntakachihochou Mitai Please Shioi
  
  How to Use JR Kyushu Rail Pass
  YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE
  - Takachiho Gorge
- Car
  
  6min
- Manai Waterfall
  
  11:30
  
  30min
  
  Waterfall
  
  Manai Waterfall is a must-see when visiting Takachiho Gorge. Hiring a rowboat is the best way to see the falls, as you can get right up close and see Manai Waterfall from the bottom up.
  
  Address
  
  Miyazaki Pref. Nishiusukiguntakachihochou Mitai
  - Manai Waterfall
- Car
  
  9min
- Tunnel Station
  
  12:30
  
  90min
  
  Souvenirs
  
  The magnificence of Takachiho Gorge is best remembered with a unique souvenir. Tunnel Station is an abandoned railway tunnel that is now used to age shochu, a liquor made from rice or potatoes, in oak barrels. There is an information center, a variety of local products and handicrafts, and free shochu tasting. Obviously, anyone driving should avoid all alcohol.
  
  Address
  
  Miyazaki Pref. Nishiusukiguntakachihochou Shimono 2221-2
  - Tunnel Station
  - Tunnel Station
- Car
  
  13min
- Ama-no-Iwato Shrine
  
  14:45
  
  60min
  
  Shrine
  
  This well-known shrine is dedicated to Ama-no-Iwato, a nearby cave. According to Shinto mythology, Amaterasu, the sun goddess, hid herself in the cave, thus depriving the world of light. The temple is divided into western and eastern shrines. If you ask, a priest will guide you to an observation deck close to the cave. From there, you can experience the world of Japanese myth.
  
  Address
  
  Miyazaki Prefecture Nishiusuki-gun, Takachiho-cho, amano-iwato 1073-1
  
  Amano Iwato Shrine
  YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE
  - Ama-no-Iwato Shrine
- Car
  
  9min
- Aratate Shrine
  
  17:00
  
  60min
  
  Shrine
  
  Legend has is that Sarutahiko-no-Mikoto, leader of the earthly Shinto deities, married and lived with Ame-no-Uzume-no-Mikoto in this part of Japan. Therefore, this little shrine has become a mecca for couples hoping for a happy marriage. It’s also famous for the Shinto deity of arts. There are several woodcut blocks on the grounds of the temple. It is said that if you strike one seven times with a mallet, your wishes will come true.
  
  Address
  
  Miyazaki Pref. Nishiusukiguntakachihochou Mitai 667
  - Aratate Shrine
  - Aratate Shrine
- Car
  
  2min
- Kushifuru Shrine
  
  18:30
  
  40min
  
  The last “power spot” to visit on this little trip is Kushifuru Shrine, which is located on a mountain that is an object of worship in itself. As such, if you follow the well-maintained walking path through the mountain, you may very well experience a feeling of clarity and self-esteem.
  
  Address
  - Kushifuru Shrine
- Car
  
  3min
- Takachiho Shrine
  
  20:00
  
  60min
  
  Shrine
  
  The day's trip ends at Takachiho Shrine, a preeminent place of worship in Takachiho and one of the area's 88 shrines. The best time to visit here is in the evening, as at 8pm each night there is a performance of Takachiho Kagura, or traditional sacred music and dance. Altogether, there are 33 episodes of the Amaterasu myth. However, the nightly kagura performance is of Episode 4, which is an easy-to-enjoy representation of the whole story.
  
  Address
  
  Miyazaki Pref. Nishiusukiguntakachihochou Mitai 1037
  
  Takachiho Shrine
  YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE
  - Takachiho Shrine
  - Takachiho Shrine
- FINISH
  
  21:00