Takachiho, said to be the place where the gods descended, is dotted with many mythological spots and shrines.
First thing in the morning, we will go to Amanoiwato Shrine of Amaterasu Omikami, the representative god of Japan, and take a deep breath in the fresh morning air of the shrine. From there, we will walk for about 10 minutes to「Amanoyasukawara」
As you walk alongside the beautiful green mountain stream, the air changes rapidly and you will soon see a solemn cave.
It is said that when Amaterasu was in hiding and the world was in darkness, all the gods gathered in this cave and held a meeting with the gods. It is said that if you pile up stones and make a wish, it will come true, and there are many stones piled up around the cave, making it a mysterious power spot.
From there, a 10-minute drive takes you toTakachiho Shrine, which is also famous for its okagura (traditional Shinto music and dance). This shrine is said to be beneficial for matchmaking and marital bliss, and was crowded with many tourists.
The next stop was the「Takachiho Amaterasu Railway.
It is a 30-minute round-trip trolley-like ride through the magnificent scenery, but on the way there is a thrilling and spectacular view looking down from the 105-meter-high railway bridge, the tallest in Japan!
The colorful lights in the tunnel and the bubbles that the driver sends flying along the way are a big hit with everyone from children to the elderly. Everyone enjoyed taking pictures and watching videos.
「Takachiho Gorge,」 a power spot overwhelmed by the beauty of the gorge, is a must-see.The Manai Falls,」one of the top 100 waterfalls in Japan, cascading down the steep gorge is breathtakingly beautiful.
There is a 1-km promenade and you can enjoy the spectacular view from the waterfall viewing platform, but we recommend renting a boat (reservation required).
The best way to enjoy the spectacular view from the waterfall viewing platform is to rent a boat (reservations are required)! (I have never been this close to a waterfall before!) (I have never been this close to a waterfall before!) The sunlight shining through the high cliffs and trees is absolutely divine. I was enraptured by the negative ions.
In the evening, we went to see 「Takachiho Kagura」performed by dancers wearing masks of gods from Japanese mythology.
This is a special experience of “watching a night kagura performance in Takachiho, the land of mythology,” in a shrine with a fantastic atmosphere that is different from that of the daytime!
We also enjoyed “Chicken Nanban” for lunch and Miyazaki beef in the evening! It was a very satisfying trip to Miyazaki.
It is a favorite spot that I would definitely like to visit again.
