Takachiho Gorge

Takachiho Gorge is a gorge along the Gokase River, which flows through Takachiho Town in Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture. The river winds between steep cliffs, while lush trees grow abundantly around it. As you walk along the promenade, you can hear the sound of waterfalls and flowing water, and when you look up, the height of the cliffs is overwhelming. According to the Takachiho Tourism Association, the cliffs extend approximately 7 kilometers from east to west, with an average height of about 80 meters and reaching approximately 100 meters at their highest points. In 1934, they were designated a National Place of Scenic Beauty and Natural Monument under the name “Gokasegawa Gorge,” and in 1965, they became part of Sobo-Katamuki Quasi-National Park.

The magnificent scenery was created by the volcanic activity of Mount Aso and the flow of the Gokase River. In ancient times, pyroclastic flows erupted from Mount Aso, reached this area, and cooled and hardened. Over many years, the river eroded the rock, forming the deep gorge seen today. The patterns on the cliff walls, which look like rows of columns, are called columnar joints. One of Takachiho Gorge’s greatest attractions is that visitors can observe both the characteristics of volcanic rock and the traces of erosion caused by the river in one place.

The scene that symbolizes Takachiho Gorge is Manai Falls. The waterfall drops from a height of approximately 17 meters and has been selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Waterfalls. The rugged rock faces, green foliage, and white stream of water flowing toward the river come together to create the quintessential scenery of Takachiho Gorge. From the waterfall observatory, visitors can view the falls and gorge together. Because the impression changes depending on the volume of water and the way the light falls, even the same location can reveal a different appearance depending on the season or time of day.

Manai Falls is also connected to a myth passed down in Takachiho. It is said that during the descent of the heavenly grandson to earth, there was no water in this area, so Ame-no-Murakumo-no-Mikoto brought water from Ama-no-Manai, and that this water now flows down as the waterfall. By experiencing both the natural scenery before your eyes and the traditions handed down through generations, you can appreciate the falls on a deeper level.

For those who would like to enjoy Manai Falls from a different angle, rental boats are available. Once you take a hand-rowed boat onto the water, the cliff walls that you viewed from above along the promenade can be seen from below. Experiencing the depth of the space surrounded by cliffs and the height from which the waterfall descends is a special attraction of the boat ride. The falls are powerful when viewed from the water, but enjoy the scenery calmly while also paying attention to the other boats around you. Because the rental boats are highly popular, it is recommended that you consider making an online reservation in advance. Operations may be suspended because of rising river levels or other conditions, so check the operating status announced by the Tourism Association on the day of your visit.

For those who prefer to take their time viewing the gorge from land, walking along the gorge is ideal. Takachiho Gorge has a promenade extending approximately 1 kilometer, with several viewpoints where visitors can see the cliff walls and the flowing river in addition to the waterfall observatory. Compared with the full stretch of the cliffs, the promenade used by tourists covers only part of the area. Looking closely at the patterns on the rock walls or gazing up at the cliffs on the opposite side of the river allows you to sense the immense passage of time shaped by volcanoes and water. Sennin-no-Byobu Rock is one of the highlights, where columnar joints spread out like a folding screen.

As you walk, be sure to look not only at nature’s formations but also at the bridges built by people. At a viewpoint known as the “Three Bridges of Takachiho,” visitors can see three bridges spanning the gorge at once. From the bottom upward, they are Shinbashi, a stone bridge; Takachiho Ohashi, a steel bridge; and Shinto Takachiho Ohashi, a concrete bridge. The sight of bridges made from different materials and standing at different heights within a single landscape is also ideal for photography. Their presence evokes the history of how people built bridges in different eras to cross the deep gorge.

Onigachi-no-Chikaraishi, located near the promenade, is another attraction unique to Takachiho. This enormous rock is estimated to weigh approximately 200 tons and is said to have been thrown by the fierce spirit or demon Kihachi to demonstrate his strength. Another local legend is associated with Yaritori Bridge, which spans the narrowest point of the Gokase River. It is said that warriors fleeing after losing a battle used their spears to leap across to the opposite bank. Seeing the enormous rock and the narrow river in person helps visitors understand how each legend is tied to the terrain of the area.

Takachiho is also known as the “Village of Myths.” After visiting the gorge, you can continue into the town and visit places such as Amano-Iwato Shrine, Amanoyasukawara, and Kushifuru Shrine, which is said to stand at the site where the heavenly grandson descended to earth. These places are not located within the promenade area of Takachiho Gorge, so it is advisable to allow separate time to visit them. At the gorge, you can enjoy nature and local traditions, while at the shrines and historic sites in town, you can visit places associated with the setting of Japanese myths. Experiencing both will deepen your understanding of Takachiho.

The changing scenery from season to season is another pleasure of visiting Takachiho Gorge. From spring through early summer, fresh green foliage colors the rock faces, while in autumn, the gorge is tinted with brilliant leaves. The sunlight filtering through the trees and the color of the river’s surface also change with the weather and time of day. You can enjoy the scenery from places such as the waterfall observatory even without taking a boat. Restaurants can be found nearby, and at the Takachiho Gorge Freshwater Fish Aquarium, visitors can see fish from the Gokase River system as well as sturgeon. Stopping by along with your walk allows you to experience not only the scenery but also the local cuisine and aquatic life of the region.

The appeal of Takachiho Gorge extends far beyond Manai Falls alone. The columnar joints left by the pyroclastic flows, the deep valley carved by the Gokase River, the bridges crossing the gorge, and the legends associated with the rocks and water reveal themselves one after another as you walk. A good way to enjoy the area is to begin by viewing the scenery from the waterfall observatory, continue along the accessible promenade to see the cliff walls and bridges, and, if possible, experience the waterside scenery from a boat. The combination of landforms created by nature and stories passed down through generations is what makes Takachiho Gorge such a special scenic destination.