Just over the border into Miyazaki Prefecture, the romantic Takachiho Gorge winds its way through the sleepy town of Takachiho. The gorge was formed from the pyroclastic flow of the Aso volcanos, when sudden cooling led to dramatic columnar formations and sheer cliffs that rise above the river between 80 to 100 m high. At the base the blue green Gokase river runs, and sightseers row at a leisurely pace past the stunning Manai waterfall that falls over the gorge edge. The gorge is renowned as one of the most uniquely, beautiful scenic spots in Kyushu and was designated a National Scenic and Natural Monument in 1934.
The gorge has one of Japan’s top 100 waterfalls, the 17m high Manai Falls, an ethereal cascade which falls over the edge of the gorge, it can be viewed from the footpath which runs alongside the gorge or from close up by rowing boat. Walking along the footpath you will also see many fascinating rock formations many of which have legends attached, such as a huge 200 ton boulder named Kihachi’s Strength Rock , deep river pot holes called the Giant’s Cauldron and the 70 m high, wonderfully named Mountain Wizard’s Precipice.
Travel tips:
There is a bus available from Kumamoto which takes around 3 hours, if you have limited time it is better to either rent a car or take a personal tour to the area.
If you take the bus, walk around 15 minutes to the Takachiho Shrine then take the path down to the gorge at the side of the shrine.
The gorge is incredibly popular particularly at the weekends and on national holidays, arrive early to avoid the crowds.
The second car park costs 300 Yen, the car park near the boat landing casts 500 Yen, the Takachiho Shrine has a free car park but you have to walk down and up many stairs to get to the gorge and back.
If you are interested in visiting Takachiho Gorge, why not take a look at Explore Kumamoto’s Takachiho Gorge private tour.
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