{"id":47642,"date":"2019-07-06T08:00:44","date_gmt":"2019-07-05T23:00:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/?p=47642"},"modified":"2022-07-06T07:27:33","modified_gmt":"2022-07-05T22:27:33","slug":"takachiho-gorge-legends","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/takachiho-gorge-legends\/","title":{"rendered":"Takachiho Gorge: Natural Beauty that Inspired Legends"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Sponsored by Takachiho Tourist Association<\/span><\/i><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

While Kumano Kodo is one of the most famous places for pilgrimages in Japan, the Takachiho<\/strong> area in Miyazaki Prefecture is also a <\/span>prominent spiritual site<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Indeed, one of the most famous stories in<\/span> Japanese mythology<\/b> about the origin of Japan is said to have taken place in Takachiho. The story goes that the sun goddess, Amaterasu, hid in a cave in Takachiho to escape her brother’s cruel rampage, depriving the world of light.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are several interesting tourist sites related to these myths you should not miss. Along with the Amanoiwato Shrine<\/strong> and Amano Yasugawara<\/strong> (the cave in which Amaterasu is said to have hidden), one of the <\/span>best places for a spiritual experience is the Takachiho Gorge<\/strong>. This place of spectacular beauty is said to have the power to transmit spiritual energy to visitors, to heal them physically or simply to recharge their batteries.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Takachiho<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Takachiho Gorge: Exceptional Natural Beauty<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Located in Takachiho village, located near the convergence of the prefectures of Kumamoto, Miyazaki, and Oita, Takachiho Gorge rewards travelers who have made the hour and a half journey from Kumamoto airport by car. Upon arrival, visitors are greeted by the <\/span>splendor of volcanic cliffs <\/b>between which the Gokase River flows.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Designated a <\/span>National Scenic Spot<\/b> and Natural Monument in 1934, the Takachiho Gorge was formed by 4 eruptions of the volcano, Mount Aso, the first dating back 270,000 years ago. The successive lava flows formed a V-shaped valley filled by the Gokase River, which flows for about 7 kilometers. The steep cliffs are 80 to 100 meters high, made up of <\/span>columns of volcanic basalt <\/b>resembling the scales of a dragon.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The waters of the Gokase are so extraordinarily turquoise blue in places that you would understand why the gods would have made their home there!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Takachiho<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Boating<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Explore<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Takachiho<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Discover the Manai Waterfall by boat<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You can explore the gorges either on foot or by boat; by using both will enable you to admire the gorges from every angle. Start by boat, journeying down the river between<\/span> narrow cliffs<\/b>, and you can get as close as you want to the Manai waterfall.<\/strong> According to Kojiki (a collection of myths that tell the story of the origin of the Japanese islands), these fascinating 17-meter high waterfalls are <\/span>the creation of a god called Amenomuraka<\/strong>, who moved them to Takachiho Gorge. The waterfall is ranked among the 100 most beautiful waterfalls in Japan.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The boat also enables you to explore at a relaxing pace while enjoying the peacefulness of the site. In some places, the sun reflects on the crystal blue water and illuminates the rocks with dancing lights. I found the place very restful both physically and spiritually.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Boating<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Minai<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Takachiho<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Walk Takachiho Gorge’s Road of the Gods<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

To continue your pilgrimage on foot, continue on the path along the gorge for 1 kilometer. The path starts at the top of the gorge and offers spectacular views along its length.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Hiking<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Among the points of interest on the trail is Kihachi Rock. <\/span>This 200-ton rock was reportedly throwed by the god Kihachi<\/b>, to demonstrate his power and challenge the irresponsible deity who ruled the village of Takachiho.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Kihachi<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

You will also see a 70-meter high cliff called Sennin-no-Byoubuiwa, which it is said only hermits with divine strength  have the ability to climb (sennin means hermit and byoubuiwa, rock wall).<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Takachiho<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Finally, at the entrance to the footpath, there is the Onokoro-ike Bridge and Onokoro-jima Island. Onokoro-jima Island was said to be<\/span> the first island that the gods created<\/b>, and once included a sanctuary guarded by the sacred bird Unotori<\/strong> (cormorant). During the Spring Festival of the Takachiho Sanctuary, a portable shrine is brought here and must be carried across the bridge 3 times in order to be purified.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Onokoro<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

As with all Japanese tourist places, finding food options is no problem. Next to the parking lot there is an area with restaurants, ice-cream makers and souvenir shops. But if you want to get away from the crowd, take the pedestrian path to the Shin-Bashi Bridge, and you will find a restaurant where you can enjoy fresh local soba on a terrace overlooking the river. The restaurant’s location is cooled by the breeze and is<\/span> ideal for a refreshing break<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Fresh<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Useful Information<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Price<\/strong>
Boat rental: From 8:30am to 5:00pm during the season.
2000 yen (15\u20ac) \/ 30 min (3 people maximum)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Access\u00a0<\/strong>
From Tokyo and Kyoto, regular flights to Kumamoto, Oita, Fukuoka and Miyazaki airports are available. To reach Takachiho city center: by car from Kumamoto (1h30), Oita (2h45), Fukuoka (2h30), and Miyazaki (2h) airports. 3 hours by car from Kagoshima (connecting from Yakushima). Buses are also available.
From Takachiho to reach the Takachiho Gorges: 30 minutes on foot from Takachiho bus center.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Takachiko Tourism Official Website<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n