Takachiho in Kyushu, Japan, is famous for its canyons formed by volcanic activity and its connection to Japanese mythology. Located about 2 hours from Kumamoto or 3 hours from Fukuoka, its natural beauty will bring you peace and relaxation.
In this article, I'll share everything you need to know based on my recent trip to Takachiho in April and conversations with guides and locals.
Top 5 Things to Do in Takachiho
While Takachiho does not have many attractions, each one leaves me with a strong impression. You could explore nature, visit shrines steeped in mysterious Japanese myths, and savor special local food. Here are the top 5 things we recommend doing after exploring Takachiho.
- Boating in Takachiho Gorge
- Visit Takachiho Shrine to gain insight into Japanese mythology
- Explore Amano Yasukawara in the cave
- Take a ride on an open-air sightseeing train
- Savour unique flowing noodles
Below are the details for each experience.
1) Go Boating in Takachiho Gorge
Takachiho GorgeAt the beginning of rowingOn the way to the waterfallIt's fun to bump into other boats under the waterfall.Takachiho Gorge is a must-see and best-known sight in Takachiho, which was formed by volcanic activity.
Boat ride at Takachiho Gorge is the most popular activity. During the 30-minute journey, you could leisurely paddle along the gorge, immerse yourself in the canyon views, and get up close to the waterfalls.
If you're new to rowing, it might feel tricky at first because you don't know how to steer. But the fun part is when everyone is just learning, the boats keep spinning in circles on the lake, and sometimes bumping into each other!
We suggest booking tickets online 2 weeks in advance. However, online tickets can be quickly booked due to high demand, especially on weekends or during peak seasons.
If online tickets are sold out, you could try buying them on-site, but availability is limited. To secure a spot, it’s best to arrive at the Gorge between 10-11 am.
During our visit in the cherry blossom season, all online tickets were booked. So, we went to the site around 10 am to try our Luck. Fortunately, we managed to get the last tickets for 2 pm. To maximize our time, we first explored other attractions before returning to the canyon for the boat ride.
If you can't get boat tickets or if the ride is canceled due to weather, you could still enjoy the canyon views by taking a leisurely walk along the trail instead.
2) Visit Takachiho Shrine to Learn About Japanese Mythology
Takachiho ShrineTowering cedar trees surround Takachiho ShrineThe entrance to Takachiho ShrineTakachiho Shrine, a thousand-year-old ancient shrine, is said to be where the Japanese gods descend. It is surrounded by towering cedar trees, creating a serene and mystical atmosphere.
The shrine is one of the highlights in Takachiho. It houses Ninigi no Mikoto (the sacred deity of Takachiho) and the Ten Great Deities, which makes locals believe it's protected by many gods. Additionally, being an important site in Japanese mythology, it also draws plenty of travelers.
Every night at 8 pm, the shrine also hosts traditional dance performances. You could learn about Japanese myths through these folk dances.
Takachiho Shrine is not very large, but with a private guide sharing stories behind it, you won't be bored or limited to only admiring the exteriors. Consult our Japan tours now, and our expert Japan travel advisors will handle everything for you. With personalized itineraries, private transfers, and knowledgeable guides, you'll maximize your trip.
3) Explore Amano Yasukawara in The Cave
Amano YasukawaraThe scenery on the way to the Amano YasukawaraAmano Yasukawara is another must-see shrine in Takachiho. This sacred site from Japanese mythology is situated in a cave by the river. As you enter, it feels like stepping into a magical world created by nature and the gods.
On the nearby riverbed, you'll find many small stone towers piled up by visitors. It's said that if you stack a stone tower here, your wishes will come true.
Beyond the shrine, the surrounding nature is also charming. A 20-minute walk from the entrance leads you along a path lined with lush forests and a flowing stream, adding to the shrine's tranquil vibe. During summer, the area stays cool, providing a great escape from the heat.
After exploring Amano Yasukawara, take a 10-minute riverside walk to reach Amano Iwato Shrine. This is where the mythical figures from the Amano Yasukawara legend are believed to have lived. If you've already visited several shrines, you could skip this one as it doesn't offer anything particularly unique.
4) Enjoy a Ride on an Open-Air Sightseeing Train
Takachiho Amaterasu RailwayTakachihoIf you're seeking an interesting and relaxing experience to enjoy Takachiho's natural beauty, don't miss the Takachiho Amaterasu Railway. Unlike other enclosed sightseeing trains in Japan, this open-air train lets you enjoy the views from every angle.
This experience is perfect for both kids and adults. The staff will engage with you using bubble machines, and colorful lights will illuminate the way as you pass through tunnels. However, all the information about the sights during the 30-minute journey is in Japanese. Don't worry, our guide will translate everything for you.
Tickets are only available for purchase on-site. It's suggested to go early during peak season as tickets often sell out quickly. Furthermore, the train doesn't run in bad weather, like rain or snow.
5) Savour Unique Flowing Noodles
Flowing noodles at Takachiho GorgeFlowing noodles (Nagashi Somen) is a unique dining experience in Takachiho. Noodles slide down a split bamboo half-pipe with flowing water, allowing you to catch them with your chopsticks and dip them in broth before eating. The most famous flowing noodles restaurant in Takachiho is at the entrance of Takachiho Gorge.
Don't worry too much about hygiene because the water is always flowing, and you won't be sharing noodles with other groups. Staff will let you know which group's noodles are coming down the bamboo chute, so only that group should catch them while others wait.
You don't need a reservation for the restaurant at Takachiho Gorge. However, on weekends or during peak seasons like Golden Week or the autumn foliage season from November to December, you might have to wait in line.
How to Get to Takachiho?
The private car we provided for our clientsTakachiho, a relatively remote destination closer to Kumamoto, is best accessed by departing from Kumamoto, just a 2-hour drive away. If you depart from Fukuoka or other cities in Kyushu, it may take around 3 hours to reach Takachiho.
Having a private car is highly recommended for reaching Takachiho since the only options are by car or bus. However, with just two buses daily from Kumamoto to Takachiho, it can be very inconvenient. Moreover, finding the bus station is challenging for travelers, and the schedule is not flexible.
Book your Japan trip with us for a hassle-free journey! Our experienced travel advisors will customize your tour to suit your needs, and answer any questions you may have. Plus, our private drivers and guides will accompany you, enhancing your travel experience.
How Long to Spend at Takachiho?
A day trip to Takachiho is perfect because you can explore all the main highlights in just one day.
To enrich your day trip in Takachiho, you're recommended to visit the nearby Mount Aso scenery as well.
You could spend most of your time in Takachiho exploring major highlights like Takachiho Gorge and Takachiho Shrine. Then, on your way back to Kumamoto, stop by to explore Mount Aso crater and Kusasenri.
Mount Aso is an active volcanic crater where you could enjoy breathtaking views of steaming white smoke, blue lake water, and hear the rumbling sounds of steam eruptions. However, the attraction may close suddenly due to high levels of toxic gas or bad weather. It's recommended to check the real-time opening information on the Mount Aso official website and plan your visit flexibly.
Mount AsoAdditionally, Kusasenri is a grassland just a 5-minute drive from Aso Volcano's crater. You could climb the observation deck for panoramic views of the volcano and meadows. The best time to visit Kusasenri is from May to October, when the grass is lush and green. In other months, the grass turns yellow, making the scenery less appealing.
Kusasenri in mid-AprilThe view of Mount Aso from KusasenriLet's Plan Your Japan Trip!
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