As my first trip to Takachiho Gorge approached, I was none the wiser. The gorge was in Miyazaki prefecture; I planned to visit it on a day trip during the two nights I planned to spend in Miyazaki City.
Spoiler alert: This was not, in fact, a sensible plan. I’ll explain why in just a minute, though it’s not quite as juicy an explanation as you might be expecting.
Indeed, the purpose of this post is to answer a more fundamental question: Is Takachiho Gorge worth it? I mean worth it in the first place, regardless of where you originate from—is the pay-off of visiting the gorge greater than or equal to the trouble of getting there?
Is Takachiho Gorge in Miyazaki or Kumamoto?
If you quickly search for tips about a Takachiho Gorge day trip and notice that the gorge is in Miyazaki-ken, then you might be tempted to follow in my footsteps…er, tire tracks. That is, rent a car when you get to Miyazaki City and drive from there. In fact, it’s best to travel here from Kumamoto, and in particular Mt. Aso. Trust me: The journey is shorter, leaving you more time to explore. It’s a much better bet!
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What to Do at Takachiho Gorge
Admire the gorge from on high
As you enter the grounds of the gorge, you’ll first walk along a trail that passes along one side of its rim. To me, the viewpoint you pass here provides the most iconic perspective on the gorge, particularly if you don’t plan to go down to water level.
(Or within it, via boat)
If you do, of course, then renting a canoe and paddling through the gorge is certainly a good use of your time. Is Takachiho Gorge worth visiting? Yes, particularly if you’re interested in actually getting down in the gorge, rather than simply admiring it from on far.
Eat soumen noodles
Takachiho is not the only place in Japan where you can eat soumen, aka “flowing noodles,” which are basically soba noodles that come launching at you down pipes of spring water. However, having this fun meal (for which you really need to practice your chopstick skills) is especially fulfilling after a day here.
Explore underrated Amano Iwato Shrine
To me, an essential part of any Takachiho Gorge itinerary is Amano Iwato Jinja, a cave shrine that is at least as picturesque as the gorge itself. Make sure to enjoy the view both looking “in” at the torii from outside of the cave, as well as looking outward from inside.
(Or overrated Takachiho Shrine)
Now, let’s be clear: Takachiho Shrine is not terrible. The massive cedar trees rising within the spacious shrine grounds are, on their own, worth the time it takes to get here. However, it’s just something of a standard-issue Shinto shrine, which in an area so famous for Shinto mythology is maybe less impressive.
How Long Do You Need at Takachiho Gorge?
Takachiho Gorge (and the surrounding attractions) are definitely just a day trip, though how much of the day they occupy depends on where you originate. As I mentioned earlier, the drive from Miyazaki is long, on the order of three hours each way. That’s 5-6 hours round-trip, which means that you’ll scarcely have time for anything else if you come here from there.
Coming from Kumamoto prefecture makes Takachiho Gorge worth it—and not just because you have more time there. The drive to Takachiho inbound from Aso town is simply much more beautiful, with plenty of places to stop along the way (including Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine, which you’re probably planning to visit anyway).
Other FAQ About Visiting Takachiho Gorge
Is Takachiho Gorge worth it?
Takachiho Gorge is definitely worth it, though there are ways to get more bang for your travel buck. Namely, by originating in the Aso-san area of Kumamoto prefecture, in spite of the fact that the gorge is technically located in neighboring Miyazaki prefecture.
Why is Takachiho Gorge important?
Takachiho Gorge is important as a site for many important Shinto myths, in order words for Japanese religious reasons. However, it’s also extremely important to the tourism industry in southern Kyushu island, and draws many thousands of people to this very rural part of Japan every year.
How do I get to Takachiho Gorge, Miyazaki?
The best way to reach Takachiho Gorge is by renting a car, whether you do so in Miyazaki or in Kumamoto, which is closer to the gorge (in spite of the fact that it is technically located within Miyazaki prefecture). Public transport options do exist, but they are tedious and infrequent.
The Bottom Line
Is Takachiho Gorge worth it? Yes, though I’d say it’s probably better to plan on visiting from Kumamoto prefecture (and, in particular, the Mt. Aso area) than from Miyazaki like I did. This is because in spite of being in Miyazaki-ken, Takachiho is actually much closer to the mountainous areas of Kumamoto-ken, geographically speaking. Make a day of it by visiting a pair (or maybe just one) of the two shrines nearby, and having a local lunch. Want personalized help putting your Takachiho excursion together? Consider hiring me to plan your itinerary!
