As my first journey to Takachiho Gorge approached, I used to be none the wiser. The gorge was in Miyazaki prefecture; I deliberate to go to it on a day journey throughout the two nights I deliberate to spend in Miyazaki Metropolis.
Spoiler alert: This was not, in truth, a wise plan. I’ll clarify why in only a minute, although it’s not fairly as juicy a proof as you could be anticipating.
Certainly, the aim of this put up is to reply a extra elementary query: Is Takachiho Gorge value it? I imply value it within the first place, no matter the place you originate from—is the pay-off of visiting the gorge larger than or equal to the difficulty of getting there?
Is Takachiho Gorge in Miyazaki or Kumamoto?
If you happen to shortly seek for recommendations on a Takachiho Gorge day journey and see that the gorge is in Miyazaki-ken, you then could be tempted to observe in my footsteps…er, tire tracks. That’s, lease a automotive if you get to Miyazaki Metropolis and drive from there. In reality, it’s greatest to journey right here from Kumamoto, and specifically Mt. Aso. Belief me: The journey is shorter, leaving you extra time to discover. It’s a significantly better wager!
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What to Do at Takachiho Gorge
Admire the gorge from on excessive
As you enter the grounds of the gorge, you’ll first stroll alongside a path that passes alongside one facet of its rim. To me, the point of view you move right here supplies probably the most iconic perspective on the gorge, significantly should you don’t plan to go all the way down to water stage.
(Or inside it, through boat)
If you happen to do, in fact, then renting a canoe and paddling via the gorge is definitely an excellent use of your time. Is Takachiho Gorge value visiting? Sure, significantly should you’re serious about truly getting down within the gorge, slightly than merely admiring it from on far.
Eat soumen noodles
Takachiho shouldn’t be the one place in Japan the place you may eat soumen, aka “flowing noodles,” that are mainly soba noodles that come launching at you down pipes of spring water. Nevertheless, having this enjoyable meal (for which you actually need to apply your chopstick abilities) is particularly fulfilling after a day right here.
Discover underrated Amano Iwato Shrine
To me, a necessary a part of any Takachiho Gorge itinerary is Amano Iwato Jinja, a cave shrine that’s at the very least as picturesque because the gorge itself. Make certain to benefit from the view each wanting “in” on the torii from exterior of the cave, in addition to wanting outward from inside.
(Or overrated Takachiho Shrine)
Now, let’s be clear: Takachiho Shrine shouldn’t be horrible. The huge cedar bushes rising inside the spacious shrine grounds are, on their very own, definitely worth the time it takes to get right here. Nevertheless, it’s simply one thing of a standard-issue Shinto shrine, which in an space so well-known for Shinto mythology is possibly much less spectacular.
How Lengthy Do You Want at Takachiho Gorge?
Takachiho Gorge (and the encompassing sights) are undoubtedly only a day journey, although how a lot of the day they occupy relies on the place you originate. As I discussed earlier, the drive from Miyazaki is lengthy, on the order of three hours every manner. That’s 5-6 hours round-trip, which signifies that you’ll scarcely have time for anything should you come right here from there.
Coming from Kumamoto prefecture makes Takachiho Gorge value it—and never simply because you might have extra time there. The drive to Takachiho inbound from Aso city is just way more stunning, with loads of locations to cease alongside the best way (together with Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine, which you’re most likely planning to go to anyway).
Different FAQ About Visiting Takachiho Gorge
Is Takachiho Gorge value it?
Takachiho Gorge is certainly value it, although there are methods to get extra bang in your journey buck. Particularly, by originating within the Aso-san space of Kumamoto prefecture, regardless of the truth that the gorge is technically situated in neighboring Miyazaki prefecture.
Why is Takachiho Gorge essential?
Takachiho Gorge is essential as a website for a lot of essential Shinto myths, so as phrases for Japanese spiritual causes. Nevertheless, it’s additionally extraordinarily essential to the tourism business in southern Kyushu island, and attracts many 1000’s of individuals to this very rural a part of Japan yearly.
How do I get to Takachiho Gorge, Miyazaki?
One of the simplest ways to achieve Takachiho Gorge is by renting a automotive, whether or not you accomplish that in Miyazaki or in Kumamoto, which is nearer to the gorge (regardless of the truth that it’s technically situated inside Miyazaki prefecture). Public transport choices do exist, however they’re tedious and rare.
The Backside Line
Is Takachiho Gorge value it? Sure, although I’d say it’s most likely higher to plan on visiting from Kumamoto prefecture (and, specifically, the Mt. Aso space) than from Miyazaki like I did. It’s because regardless of being in Miyazaki-ken, Takachiho is definitely a lot nearer to the mountainous areas of Kumamoto-ken, geographically talking. Make a day of it by visiting a pair (or possibly only one) of the 2 shrines close by, and having a neighborhood lunch. Need personalised assist placing your Takachiho tour collectively? Contemplate hiring me to plan your itinerary!