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HOME > Japan’s Local Treasures > Takachiho Gorge
Hop in a rental boat for a close-up view of a waterfall
Miyazaki Prefecture
Takachiho Gorge is located in the north of Miyazaki Prefecture on the island of Kyushu, on the borders of neighboring Kumamoto Prefecture and Oita Prefecture. This beautiful sight was formed long ago by an eruption of Mt. Aso, a nearby volcano.
The gorge is 100 meters deep, running 7 kilometers east to west. In the heat of summer, the lush green scenery will help you cool off, and in autumn, the area is blanketed in beautiful bronze and crimson leaves – this natural wonder is a great place to visit any time of year.
Make sure to rent a boat – the sight of the sheer 80-100-meter-high cliff walls from below are awe-inspiring.
The real pleasure of seeing the gorge by boat, however, is that you can get up close to the 17-meter-high Manai waterfall. Some adorable local ducks might also join you for a trip along the river!
Takachiho is also famous as the setting for myths and legends of Shinto mythology about the origins of Japan, and there are many places of religious and spiritual importance in the area, referred to as ‘power spots’ in Japanese, that draw a lot of people.
How to get there
From Haneda Airport, fly to Miyazaki Airport (about 90 minutes). Next, take the train to Nobeoka Station (about 90 minutes) and a bus to Takachiho Bus Center (about 80 minutes). Then, walk (about 25 minutes) or take a cab (about 10 minutes).
Mukoyama, Takachiho, Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki-ken
