Takachiho, a town in Miyazaki Prefecture on the island of Kyushu, is renowned for its deep connections to Japanese mythology. It was here that Amaterasu, the Shinto goddess of the Sun and the most important deity in Shintoism, took refuge when distressed by her brother's chaotic behavior. Yet Takachiho is far more than legend. With its impressive gorges, lush vegetation and the celebrated sea of clouds at Kunimigaoka, it is also a favored destination for nature lovers. The village lies roughly 2.5 hours' drive from Miyazaki, the prefectural capital.

History

According to legend, Amaterasu withdrew into the Amano Yasukawara cave at Takachiho after her brother Susanoo devastated her rice fields and caused the death of one of her weavers following a dispute between the two deities. This retreat plunged the Earth into darkness. Concerned by this situation, the other gods deliberated on how to convince her to emerge. As they debated, one of the goddesses began dancing provocatively, triggering laughter among the divine assembly. Intrigued by this commotion, Amaterasu left her cave to see what was happening. This restored light to the world.

From the end of the Heian period through the Sengoku period, Takachiho was controlled by the Kikuchi clan, before becoming contested between the Shimazu and Otomo clans. Under the Tokugawa shogunate, it became part of the Nobeoka domain.

Takachiho prospered through mining until 1962. During World War II, the village served as a training base for an airborne unit of the Japanese imperial army.

What to Do in Takachiho?

Explore Takachiho Gorges

Nature has sculpted a picturesque landscape in the southern section of Takachiho village. More than 100,000 years ago, intense volcanic activity in the region led to the formation of the Takachiho Gorges. The Gokase River subsequently slowly carved through the basalt cliffs, giving them an appearance reminiscent of dragon scales.

The Takachiho Gorges can be explored on foot via various hiking trails, or by boat, drifting along emerald waters. The surrounding forest, with its vibrant colors, enhances the sense of immersion in nature. During your visit, do not miss the Minai waterfall, which plunges majestically from a height of 17 meters. It is among Japan's 100 most beautiful waterfalls.

Visit Takachiho Jinja

At the heart of the village stands Takachiho Jinja shrine, which has transmitted the legend of Amaterasu for 1,900 years. It is said that the building was constructed at the spot where the goddess arrived on Earth. In the past, the sacred area contained more than 500 shrines. While Shinto monuments throughout Japan typically radiate vibrant red tones, Takachiho Jinja displays a subtle, earthy appearance amid hundred-year-old cedars. Its main hall and two iron komainu statues (lion-dogs) are designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan.

Attend a Kagura Performance

Witnessing a Kagura performance at Takachiho is a genuine immersion into Japan's spiritual universe. This Shinto ritual, where dance, music and epic narratives blend harmoniously, revisits the great mythological legends, notably that of Amaterasu. This mystical spectacle is performed every evening at 8 PM at Takachiho Shrine year-round. To fully enjoy this cultural experience, it is recommended to stay overnight in the area. Many regional hotels offer shuttle services to the shrine, ensuring an evening free of hassle and rich in emotion.

See Amano Yasukawa Cavern

The Amano Yasukawara cave, located near Amano Iwato shrine, is a place of great spiritual significance in Takachiho. Beyond being known as the hiding place of the sun goddess, it is also famous for its hundreds of small cairns, left by visitors as offerings of wishes. A path along the Iwato River leads to this enchanting site.

Take a Scenic Journey Along the Amaterasu Railway

The Amaterasu Railway offers an exhilarating ride through Takachiho's splendid landscapes. Board the Grand Super Cart, an open-roof train, and enjoy the journey. The train crosses Japan's highest railway bridge, perched 105 meters above the river, guaranteed to deliver an adrenaline rush. Another highlight of the 30-minute round-trip is the passage through a tunnel illuminated by the train's lights.

Behold the Sea of Clouds at Kunimigaoka

Kunimigaoka, 5 km from Takachiho, is a privileged vantage point for witnessing the natural phenomenon of the sea of clouds. Located at 513 meters elevation, this platform offers breathtaking views over the Takachiho basin, especially when mist envelops the surrounding mountains.

To maximize your chances of witnessing this spectacle, it is wise to visit between mid-September and late November, early in the morning, during calm, clear weather. The striking contrast between the clouds and the mountainous landscape creates a mystical, almost otherworldly atmosphere.

During your visit, be sure to gaze westward to glimpse the majestic Mount Aso, Japan's largest active volcano, rising proudly on the horizon. The experience at Kunimigaoka is truly unforgettable. It attracts many photographers and nature enthusiasts seeking to capture this ephemeral beauty.

Practical Information

Access

By car

Public transportation in the Takachiho region is extremely limited. The most reliable way to reach the town is to rent a car, the most common mode of transportation for tourists visiting Kyushu.

The largest nearby cities to Takachiho are Kumamoto and Miyazaki, situated roughly two hours' drive away. Fukuoka lies just under three hours from the village.

If you are taking a road trip from Mount Aso, you can reach Takachiho in under an hour. From the hot spring town of Beppu, allow approximately two hours of travel time.

By bus

If you do not have a car, buses to Takachiho are available from the bus stations in these three cities. Note that you will need to check schedules carefully, given the limited number of daily departures (between 1 to 4 per day depending on the city).

Best Time to Visit

Takachiho's landscapes are stunning in spring, autumn and early summer. The rainy season is not recommended due to risk of landslides. Additionally, boat excursions are prohibited when water levels rise in the gorges.