Takachiho Gorge

Looking for a beautiful and serene destination for your next vacation? Look no further than Takachiho Gorge in Miyazaki prefecture. The Gokase River flows through a narrow, deep ravine surrounded by towering, verdant cliffs.

But that’s not all Takachiho has to offer. Takachiho Shrine sits in the town rather than in the gorge itself, a short walk away, and is best known for the Yokagura sacred dance performed there nightly at 20:00.

Amano Iwato Shrine faces the cave where the sun goddess Amaterasu is said to have hidden herself away, plunging heaven and earth into darkness until the other gods coaxed her out. The cave is across the river from the shrine and can only be viewed from the observation deck, on a tour led by a priest.

The best way to see the Manai Falls is from the water — but note that this is a self-rowed rental boat, not a guided cruise. Boats are ¥4,100–¥5,100 for 30 minutes, take up to three people, and must be booked online from two weeks ahead. They sell out, and they are suspended whenever the river is high, so have the gorge walking path as your backup.

Takachiho is about three hours from Miyazaki City and awkward to reach without a car, so it works better as an overnight than a day trip. While you are there, the local food is worth seeking out — particularly the grilled river fish.