Takachiho -Mythical Gorge-

MYTH

Japan’s myth is said to have begun here. According to ”Kojiki” (Records of Ancient Matters, written in the 8th century), the islands of Japan were created and formed by a couple of primary gods, “Izanagi” (male) and “Izanami” (female). They also gave birth to a number of gods including the sun goddess “Amaterasu”, considered the most noble of all that Izanami bore. Since “Susano’o”, another child of Izanami’s, was a very violent god, Amaterasu hated him and hid herself in “Amano Iwato” rock cave which is said to be located at “Amano Yasugawara” riverside. The earth was gone dark since the sun goddess hid in the cave, so numerous gods gathered there at “Amano Yasugawara” to discuss how to get her out of the rock cave. Finally, a goddess “Ameno Uzume” came up with an idea. As she began dancing naked, all the gods laughed out loud at that funny scene, that made Amaterasu wonder what was going on out there and tried opening the rock cave’s door. And there was a god of power “Tajikara’o” standing by right in front of the rock door, opened the door and threw it away, then pulled her out. Thus, the earth regained the light.

One of Amaterasu’s grandchildren “Ninigi” landed in Takachiho from Heaven to control Japan upon Amaterasu’s order. 3 generations passed after Ninigi, “Jimmu” show up  and conquered today’s Kansai region to be the first Emperor of Japan, says “Kojiki” (Records of Ancient Matters)

Standard Itinerary

07:30 Pickup at your hotel / anywhere in Kumamoto city
08-10 Ride to Takachiho
09:30 Scenic view at Kunimi ga Oka
10:15  Tochimata terraced rice paddy fields
10:30  Amano Iwato shinto shrine
11:00  Amano Yasukawara
12:00  Hiking along Takachiho Gorge
12:45  Lunch (Lunch cost is not included)
13:30  Rental Rowboat at Takachiho Gorge (optional)
14:15  Leave Takachiho for Mt Aso
15:10 View of Mt Aso and its caldera
15:45 Shirakawa fountain head
17:15 Drop-off at JR Higo Ozu station

Pricing

40,000 JPY (shared among the total number of people) + 7,000 JPY per adult
(children from age 8 up to age 15: 5,000 yen, under age 7: 5,000 yen for baby seat)
Max number of people: 7 (in my mini van without large luggage)
9 (renting a 9-passenger-seat van : + 28,000 yen)
13 (renting a 13-passenger-seat van : + 32,000 yen)

This Guided Tour Includes
Tour Arrangement / Private Transport / Photographs

HIGHLIGHTS

Kunimi ga Oka 

A hill located in the northwest of Takachiho, offers a great landscape of the entire Takachiho area and the peaks of Mt Aso. A few-minute walk after arriving here leads you to this beautiful spot.

Boating at Takachiho Gorge

Breathtakingly beautiful gorge very well known to visitors. We walk down the path along the gorge viewing its curious rock formations, and enjoy a boat ride between the rock walls and with the beautiful waterfall “Manai”.

Fee:
4,100 JPY per boat (Tue – Thu)
5,100 JPY per boat (Fri – Mon, holidays & high seasons)
Capacity: up to 3 adults or 2 adults + 2 under 7 yo
Rental Hours: 8:30 – 16:30 / Winter    7:30 – 18:00 / Summer
Duration: 30 mins
NOTE:
As the rowboat ride at Takachiho Gorge is a very popular content, it is required to reserve a boat 14 – 2 days in adavance via the following website. 

https://takachiho-kanko.info/boat/detail.php

Amano Iwato shrine

The Shinto shrine that enshrines Amaterasu, the head goddess of all gods of Japan . Located in a peaceful atmosphere, 20-minute drive away from the Gorge. By applying for a 10-minute tour guided by a Shinto priest at the entrance, you can walk into the sacred zone which is behind the main Shinto building, and take a view of the ruin site of the legendary Amano Iwato rock cave.

Amano YasuKawara

We have a 10-minute walk from Amano Iwato shrine down to the nearby river, feeling the holy atmosphere. A small path leads us to a riverside with a cavern where ancient gods and goddesses had a meeting together to discuss how to get Amaterasu out of the heavenly rock cave. Inside the cavern, there is Yasugawara shrine and around there you can find a lot of stone pile-ups which have been done by visitors hoping for their good luck or family’s good health etc,.

Takachiho Grand Super Cart (optional)

Takachiho Amaterasu Railway Company presents this unique short tour. Ride a modified open-top car and go for a scenic tour. Just watch the YouTube footage below to check out what it is.

Fare: 2,000 JPY per adult / 1,300 JPY per 7 – 15 yo child / 600 JPY per under 6 yo
Duration: 30 minutes
Operation Hours: 09:40 am – 03:40 pm
NOTE: Not operated in case of bad weather
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nD-YtYGyonc

Lunch options

Nagashi Somen

Why don’t you enjoy Japanese modern tradition “Nagashi Somen” for lunch in a restaurant right at Takachiho Gorge? Soumen is the noodles made simply from wheat and typically eaten cold. They offer Somen noodles flowing through a long half-cut bamboo tube and you catch them with chopsticks as the following footage! It’s a refreshing dish especially in the summer heat. Of course they have other dishes in addition such as rice balls and grilled river trout, and hot Udon / Soba noodles.

Soba noodles at Otaniya

Otaniya is situated on the way to Amano Iwato shrine from Takachiho Gorge. They offer high quality and tasty hand made soba (buckwheat) noodles with a beautiful landscape of terraced rice fields on the hills of surrounding mountains, which is registered as one of the GIAHS (Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems)  areas. For cold soba noodles, you dip them into a soysource-based dipping sauce and experience as the Japanese do.

NOTE: They are closed on Tue, Wed and when they are not available

ROUTE

Recommended Hotels around JR Kumamoto Sta.

Related Tours

Takachiho & Aso