The canyon of cliffs while looking up from the boat is amazing
Takachiho is a nature-filled town located in the northern part of Miyazaki Prefecture and surrounded by soaring mountains which is known as “The Village of Myths” for its status as a place where many legends have been told and for its many shrines. You will want to visit here with a rental car or through a tour. In the town, Takachiho Gorge has been designated as a Place of Scenic Beauty and a Natural Monument; the gorge runs for 7km with 50-100m high cliffs carved out from volcanic activity. A symbol of the gorge is the 17-meter-high Manai Falls which has been selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Waterfalls. You can rent out a paddle boat to get that awesome view of the falls from the bottom. As well, it’s also possible to view the gorge from the top via the walking trail. The three-arched Sandan Bridge is a unique place even for Japan where you can get that view with a difference from the trail.
Takachiho, the town where the gods resided Takachiho Shrine boasts a history of 1900 years and its main building has even been designated as an Important Cultural Property. Two gigantic trees whose trunks are fused together known as the Fuufu (Couples) Cedar are said to provide good fortune in matchmaking, household security and perpetuation of the family line if the couple joins hands and goes around the trees 3 times. In addition, the kagura dances that are famous within the Takachiho area are a local festival that gives thanks to a good harvest and prays for stable lifestyles, and the dancing ceremony brings the gods and the local people together as one. At the Kagura Hall within the shrine, Takachiho yokagura night dances can be seen nightly from 8pm under a reservation system. You will want to experience the culture of the kagura where the gods of Japanese mythology dance. At Kunimigaoka, which is a famous point at an altitude of 513m, there is the perfect view of the sea of clouds in the chill and quiet of an early morning in autumn. Regardless of the season, though, it is also a popular spot to view the Takachiho Valley during good weather.