Takachiho Gorge 高千穂峡

Takachiho Gorge (高千穂峡) is a narrow chasm cut through the rock by the Gokase River. The Gorge was formed after an eruption of Mount Aso the lava flowed from Mount Aso and over time eroded to create 80～ 100m high cliffs of volcanic basalt columns which filled the narrow valley of the Gokase River.

We got up early that morning as we could not wait to visit Takachiho Gorge again. We had traditional Japanese breakfast at the traditional hotel we put up for the night.

When we reached the carpark at the Takachiho Gorge, the crowd was already building up. Glad we managed to get a parking lot else we would probably need to park somewhere further away.

As the crowd was already building up, we headed straight for the boat ride which we did not get to do the day before as the boat rental hours is till half-past four in the afternoon daily except during summer, the rental hours extended till six in the evening. A boat ride is the best way to appreciate the Takachiho Gorge, an experience one should not miss when visiting Takachiho Gorge.

Manai Falls

We put on the life jacket, got on to the boat and started our thirty minutes boat ride. The view from the boat directly up the 17-metre Manai Falls was beautiful. Everyone stopped their boat to take pictures, enjoyed the view and the sprinkles from the waterfall. Definitely a highlight of our trip.

Besides enjoying the view of the Manai Falls, there were ducks swimming, waiting for visitors to feed them. There was a couple who bought duck feeds and the ducks were following them, waiting to be fed.

Walking Trail

Thirty-minutes flew past quickly, it was time to return the boat. The Takachiho Gorge has a few attractions. Besides Manai Falls, the Gorge has a 600-metre long walking trail.

Another way to admire the beauty of the Takachiho Gorge is by walking the paved path that runs along the edge of the Gorge. The views are captivating. I am sure it would look amazing in autumn when the leaves change colour.

Tamatare Waterfall

We continued exploring the Takachiho Gorge, following the trail and reached the Tamatare Waterfall. It was not the waterfall that caught my attention, rather the rocks. Check out the photos below, what do you see?

Besides the trail and boat ride, there is a freshwater aquarium which we gave that a miss. After spending more than two hours at Takachiho Gorge, we continued our road trip to our next destination, Oita Prefecture.

This trip was made in October 2017.

The Lowdown

Address: Mukoyama, Takachiho, Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture 882-1103, Japan

Cost per boat ride: ¥2000 for 30 minutes
Boat capacity: Up to 3 people per boat (Only persons of junior high school age or older may row the boat and pets are not allowed)
Boat rental hours: 8:30 ~ 16:30 daily (Close early if waiting time is too long. During summer, hours extended till 18:00)

For more information, go to takachiho-kanko.info/en/sightseeing/.

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