Takachiho Gorge

When I visited Takachiho Gorge in Miyazaki prefecture, I was blown away by its stunning beauty. The Takachiho River flows through a narrow, deep ravine surrounded by towering, verdant cliffs. It’s truly a sight to behold.

But that’s not all Takachiho Gorge has to offer. The Takachiho Shrine is also located in the gorge and is known for its stunning architectural beauty. It’s a popular spot for prayer and reflection.

I also visited the Amano Iwato Shrine, which is named after the legend of the sun goddess who hid behind a rock at the shrine. The legend says that the sun only comes out when the goddess is pleased, so I made sure to make an offering and pray for good weather.

One of the highlights of my visit to Takachiho Gorge was the Takachiho River Boat Cruise. It was a unique and peaceful way to experience the gorge. I was able to sit back and relax as I drifted down the river, taking in the stunning natural beauty of the surrounding cliffs and forest.

In addition to the Takachiho River Boat Cruise, I also had the opportunity to take the sightseeing train during my visit to Takachiho Gorge. The mini train is only for tourists and it drives on a huge bridge high up, offering stunning views of the gorge.

The mini train runs on the tracks after the actual rail service was terminated after a typhoon destroyed the Takachiho Amaterasu Railway tracks in 2005. It was a truly unique experience and I was able to see the gorge from a whole new perspective.

The train ride was peaceful and relaxing, and I was able to take in the beauty of the surrounding cliffs and forest. It was a great way to complement the other experiences I had in Takachiho Gorge.

Overall, my trip to Takachiho Gorge was truly unforgettable and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a peaceful and beautiful vacation destination.

During my trip to Takachiho Gorge, I had the opportunity to take the Amaterasu Railway on the track of the former Miyazaki’s Takachiho Lines. The Grand Supercart offers a 30-minute, 5-kilometer round-trip ride from Takachiho Station, allowing visitors to enjoy the spectacular scenery of the gorge.

One of the highlights of the train ride was the Japan’s highest railway bridge, which stands at 105 meters. I was able to enjoy beautiful views of the gorge, including the new green leaves in spring and colorful leaves in autumn, from the high railway bridge.

The train also passes through a tunnel, which is lit up to provide a unique and beautiful viewing experience. I was able to take in the spectacular views from the open-car Grand Supercart as we passed through the tunnel and along the old railway’s existing line. It was a truly memorable experience.

Be sure to take the sightseeing train - I was delighted to learn that it runs on recycled ramen oil. A sustainable attraction!

Overall, I had a truly unforgettable and serene experience when I visited Takachiho Gorge. And the local cuisine was delicious, too - I especially enjoyed the grilled river fish and hearty bowls of udon noodles. If you’re looking for a peaceful and beautiful vacation destination, I highly recommend Takachiho Gorge.