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Takachiho Travel Guide: Waterfalls, Flowing Noodles, and Ryokan Magic - Day 4 Part 1!
Imagine this: towering cliffs, emerald-green water, and a waterfall so stunning it looks like it was plucked straight out of a Studio Ghibli movie. Now imagine walking through the world of such natural beauty, and arriving a resting area, slurping noodles as they zip down a bamboo flume so quickly you'd be excited to catch them, and after your meal, exploring shrines where gods once partied, and finally soaking in a private hot spring under the stars to end the day. Welcome to Takachiho — where myths come alive, and every moment feels like magic! And today, I’m taking you there!
In my previous post, we drove from Kokura to Beppu and had a great experience in our accommodation with Shin-An as well as the local food! Today, we will be reaching the very spot that we think it'd be easily THE highlight of our entire journey, and that is no other than Takachiho Miyazaki prefecture!
If you’ve ever dreamed of a day that feels like it’s straight out of a travel brochure, my day in Takachiho was exactly that. From jaw-dropping natural wonders to spiritual shrines, slurping noodles in the most fun way possible, and ending with a soak in a private hot spring at Kamigakure—this day had it all. As always, here's an overview of part one of our fourth day in Kyushu, because this is actually gonna be a super long one!
Content Overview
- Why we chose Takachiho
- Road Trip Vibes: From Beppu to Takachiho
- Takachiho Gorge, here we are
- Nagashi somen at Chiho-no-ie
- Takachiho Shrine
- What's next?
Why We Chose Takachiho
If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping into a place where myths come alive, nature feels like it’s showing off, and the food makes you want to write a love letter to the chef, then Takachiho is your spot. Nestled in the northern part of Miyazaki Prefecture in Kyushu, this town is like Japan’s best-kept secret—except it’s not so secret anymore, thanks to its jaw-dropping gorge, spiritual shrines, and a vibe that screams “ancient Japan”.
Takachiho isn’t just a pretty face on travel magazines—it’s steeped in mythology. According to Japanese legends, this is where the sun goddess Amaterasu hid in a cave, plunging the world into darkness until the other gods tricked her into coming out. (Spoiler: It involved a lot of dancing and a mirror. Gods are weird sometimes, and that's okay.)
This town is basically the setting of Japan’s creation myths, and you can feel that mystical energy everywhere you go. Whether you’re rowing through a gorge that looks like it was carved by divine hands or standing in a shrine where gods once partied, Takachiho is a place where history and nature collide in the most magical way. That's how we decided that we'll drive here no matter what!
Road Trip Vibes: From Beppu to Takachiho
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| Morning soak before departing! |
Starting the day early in a hot spring is definitely a good idea to feel relaxed and refreshed! And after my much-needed soak just to watch the sunrise at 5am, our day started early with a scenic drive from Beppu, the hot spring capital of Japan. There are so much that we would still love to see, but we decided that it's best for us to make the most out of our time in Takachiho instead, because we knew it'd be the highlight of our trip!
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| We're gonna travel far away~ |
The journey to Takachiho was like a slow reveal of Kyushu’s beauty—rolling hills, misty mountains, and the occasional glimpse of the Gokase River. By the time we arrived, I was already in awe, and the day had barely begun. As our ryokan in Shin-an Beppu didn't come with meal options, we decided to hit the next roadside next station for breakfast at Namino Kaguraen Roadside Station.
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| Roadside Station - Namino Kaguraen |
Every roadside station has their uniqueness, and here in Namino Kaguraen Roadside Station you can find many local produce that are delicious and fresh. What I liked about here is the super wide parking space, and if you're lucky you might be able to catch a Kagura performance here!
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| Kumamon Pumpkin because we're passing through Kumamoto! |
I've also heard that Hinokami Kagura was also related to the popular anime Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba. There were many local produces and food, so we took a while to purchase what we needed and dined there. I also got some local rice wine as souvenirs, since I knew I'll be enjoying them for my private bath later at night!
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| When else will I consume sweets for breakfast outside of a vacation? |
After that being set, we took a quick restroom break as the drive to Takachiho will take at least 1.5 hours more from the roadside station, especially when there are quite some paths that are not on the highway!
Takachiho Gorge: A Natural Masterpiece That Feels Like a Dream
A little more than two hours later due to lane closures and us trying our best not to speed throughout the drive as law-abiding tourists, we're finally ready to meet the star of the show: Takachiho Gorge! With its towering cliffs, emerald-green water, and a waterfall so stunning it’s like Mother Nature decided to flex.
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| Descending from here will lead you to an entire region so stunning you'd be standing in awe |
Upon arriving at the free parking lot, we walked many, many steps to arrive at the breathtaking sight of Takachiho Gorge. The moment I stepped onto the walking path, I was hit with the crisp, earthy scent of the forest, mixed with the hydro scent from the mists, and the soothing sound of the Gokase River rushing below. The sunlight filtered through the trees, casting dappled shadows on the water, and I couldn’t help but feel like I’d stepped into a Studio Ghibli movie. (Minus the magical creatures, unfortunately.)
The towering cliffs, emerald-green water, and the iconic falls, even if we didn't arrive at a day where the autumn leaves were completely overtaking the region, it still left us mesmerized! From the moment I laid eyes on it, I knew this was going to be the highlight of my day—and it absolutely was.
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| My jealousy creeping into me as I watched people enjoying the boat ride (because the tickets were sold out way before our departure, and we checked at least 2 weeks before departure too)... |
Manai Falls is the star of the show here. At 17 meters high, it’s a sight to behold—water cascading down the cliffs, creating a mist that sparkles in the sunlight. Legend has it that this is where the gods once descended, and standing there, it’s easy to see why they chose this spot. The sheer power of the falls is awe-inspiring, but there’s also a sense of tranquility that makes it feel sacred.
Now, let’s talk about the boats. Rowing through the gorge is one of the most popular activities, and for good reason. Gliding across the emerald-green water, surrounded by towering cliffs and lush greenery, feels like something out of a dream. But here’s the catch: boat tickets sell out fast, especially during peak seasons. We didn’t manage to snag a spot this time (cue the jealousy as I watched others row by), but that just gives me an excuse to come back, right?
If you’re like me and miss out on the boats, don’t worry—the Takachiho Promenade offers equally stunning views. This walking path runs along the edge of the gorge, with panoramic views of the cliffs and the river below. Every turn reveals something new: a hidden waterfall, a dramatic rock formation, or a patch of vibrant greenery. One of the highlights is Yaritobi Bridge, a narrow suspension bridge that spans the narrowest part of the gorge. Walking across it feels like stepping into an adventure movie, with the river rushing below and the cliffs towering above.
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| Quack quack. Do not feed your breads to them. It's actually bad. There are duck feeds that can be purchased nearby! |
The first thing that struck me was the sheer scale of this entire area. Towering cliffs of volcanic basalt rose dramatically on either side, their jagged edges softened by lush greenery that clung to every crevice. The sunlight filtered through the trees, casting dappled shadows on the emerald-green water below. It was like stepping into a painting—one that felt almost too perfect to be real.
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| Haiku by Matsuo Basho: 梅か香に のつと日の出る 山路哉 (Translation: Through the scent of plum blossoms / suddenly the sun rises / a mountain path) |
While I may not be the expert in poetry, as somebody who completed the Shiji Kairo in Tohoku, I was elated when I saw his poem in Takachiho! While this haiku doesn’t explicitly mention Takachiho, its themes of natural beauty, sudden revelations, and spiritual awakening resonate deeply with the atmosphere of the region.
Takachiho, with its misty gorges, sacred shrines, and mythological significance, is a place where the natural and spiritual worlds intertwine. Just as the sun suddenly rises in Basho’s haiku, Takachiho has a way of revealing its beauty in unexpected moments—whether it’s the first glimpse of Manai Falls through the mist, the sudden appearance of a rainbow in the spray of the waterfall, or the way the sunlight filters through the trees along the Takachiho Promenade.
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| Not gonna lie, it's much, MUCH better to see it with your own eyes |
It can't get truer because I couldn’t resist taking a million photos, but no picture could truly capture the feeling of being there (blame my nonexistent photography skills too), and that was just the beginning! The way the sunlight hit the water, creating tiny rainbows in the mist, the autumn morning breeze, the sounds of flowing river, they were things I’ll never forget. It was one of those moments where you just have to put the camera down and soak it all in!
The Takachiho Promenade, a walking path that runs along the edge of the gorge. The path offered a completely different perspective, with panoramic views of the cliffs and the river below. Every turn revealed something new—a hidden waterfall, a dramatic rock formation, or a patch of vibrant greenery.
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| The way the sun rays shone across the river, the breeze, and the soothing sounds of nature... Memorable. Mesmerizing. |
One of the highlights was Yaritobi Bridge, a narrow suspension bridge that spans the narrowest part of the gorge. Walking across it felt like stepping into an adventure movie, with the river rushing below and the cliffs towering above. The bridge also offered the perfect vantage point for photos, and I may have spent way too long trying to get the perfect shot.
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| Blame my photography skills, really. |
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| Oh, the clear waters, the colors |
Takachiho Gorge is more than just a tourist attraction—it’s a place that feels alive, with a energy that’s both calming and exhilarating. Whether you’re rowing through the gorge, walking the promenade, or just standing in awe of Manai Falls, it’s an experience that will stay with you forever. While exploring around, we also made sure we'll be getting our lunch here, because what's better than to get lunch while having fun with nagashi somen, right?
Nagashi somen at Chiho-no-ie: Can You Catch the Noodles?
Nagashi somen isn’t just a meal—it’s a tradition that dates back centuries. The flowing noodles symbolize the passage of time, and catching them is said to bring good luck. So, if you’re as clumsy as I am, don’t worry—every missed noodle is just another chance to try again! Plus, it's all part of the fun!
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| Eateries right around here! |
If you’ve ever wanted to feel like you’re in a Japanese food commercial, Chiho-no-ie is the place to be. This spot is famous for its nagashi somen—a dining experience where thin, flowing noodles are sent down a bamboo flume, and you have to catch them with your chopsticks. It’s like a culinary obstacle course, and trust me, it’s as fun as it sounds (and slightly humbling if your chopstick skills are rusty).
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| Set lunch that came with fish and local vegetables |
We ordered their signature set lunch that comes with nagashi somen, and I’ll admit, I was a little nervous about catching the noodles with my chopsticks—even when I was confident with my chopsticks skills as a Chinese. Though, with the moving waters, I doubt I'd be anywhere close to ‘graceful and precise’. We didn't know they'd bring our missed noodle back at first, so I tried my best to catch everything!
Of course, as you can see from my little short recording right above, I did not succeed completely, but at least my cup was completely filled! There’s something oddly satisfying about slurping noodles that you’ve ‘caught’ yourself!
Not to mention, the noodles are served cold with a light dipping sauce, making it the perfect meal for a tired day of walking. Plus, the setting is gorgeous—surrounded by nature, with the sound of water flowing in the background. It’s a great spot to refuel after exploring Takachiho Gorge.
A tip: Don’t worry if you miss a few noodles—there’s no judgment here! Also, they will bring back the noodles you missed! And if you’re traveling with kids, they’ll absolutely love this interactive dining experience. (We are adults but our inner child were so happy!) You might also wanna visit around 11AM or 2PM to avoid peak hours!
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| Dango~ |
And of course, we got some dango after our meal! Desserts are always a mood booster, after all! They are super chewy, and super delicious. It has the perfect mix of savory and sweetness, and the perfect mix of stickiness and tastiness. It's easily one of my favorites now!
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| Oh, the misty breeze... |
I was attracted to getting souvenirs, and managed to browse through the souvenir stores to purchase their local specialty tea, and purchased multiple postcards containing images of Takachiho that looked mesmerizing to me, wondering if I could visit it soon. Then, after indulging in a creamy soft serve (because vacation calories don’t count, right?), we decided to take a different route back to our car. Little did we know, this detour would lead us to another breathtaking sight.
We decided that we should take a different route to return to our rental car, to be in awe of another sight! We also returned to take another look at Manai Falls and gasp at its beauty once again (yes, again), I stood there for quite a moment, mesmerized by the sight of the tumbling water, taking it all in and couldn't help but to be in awe of its beauty (totally not because my legs were giving up on me).
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| Boat Rowing... |
Honestly, the sheer power of the falls was awe-inspiring, but there was also a sense of tranquility. It’s easy to see why this place is considered sacred—it feels like a space where the natural and the spiritual worlds meet. I also spent some time giggling over the boat movements, finding bits of joy of funny moments from a different perspective. And right after, we returned to our car and head straight to Takachiho Shrine!
Takachiho Shrine: Where Myths and Nature Collide
If Takachiho is the heart of Japan’s mythological roots, then Takachiho Shrine is its spiritual pulse. Built over 1,900 years ago, this shrine is one of the oldest and most revered in the region. It’s dedicated to the gods of Japanese mythology, including Takachiho-no-Mikoto, a deity associated with the founding of Japan. Walking through its grounds feels like stepping into a living storybook, where every tree, rock, and building has a tale to tell.
The shrine is surrounded by towering cedar trees, some of which are centuries old. These trees aren’t just for show—they’re considered sacred, acting as natural guardians of the shrine. The air here is thick with a sense of reverence, and even if you’re not a spiritual person, it’s hard not to feel a little awestruck.
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| Meoto Sugi, the pair of cedar trees symbolizing a married couple |
While the nighttime Kagura performances are a must-see, Takachiho Shrine is just as enchanting during the day. Built over 1,900 years ago, this shrine is the spiritual heart of Takachiho and is surrounded by towering cedar trees that feel like they’ve been there since the dawn of time.
The shrine is dedicated to the gods of Japanese mythology, and you can feel the sacred energy as soon as you step onto the grounds. Don’t miss the Meoto Sugi, a pair of cedar trees symbolizing a married couple. Legend has it that walking between them will bring you good luck in love. (Single travelers, take note!)
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| Kagura Hall during daytime |
Takachiho Shrine’s sacredness is deeply tied to its role in Japanese mythology. According to legend, this area is where the sun goddess Amaterasu hid in a cave, plunging the world into darkness. The other gods gathered here to devise a plan to lure her out, which involved a lot of dancing, music, and a strategically placed mirror.
During the day, Takachiho Shrine is a haven of tranquility. The sunlight filters through the cedar trees, casting dappled shadows on the stone pathways. The sound of rustling leaves and the occasional chirp of birds create a soothing soundtrack, making it easy to forget the outside world.
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| Shrine |
No visit to a Japanese shrine is complete without picking up an omamori, a small charm believed to bring luck, protection, or blessings. At Takachiho Shrine, you’ll find a variety of omamori, each with its own special meaning. We spent some time purchasing omamori, and I definitely have purchased quite a few for myself, and for my family! And of course, with how spiritual Takachiho Shrine is, it's only right to give omikuji a try too!
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| The moment I saw the goldfish, I knew this is meant for me! |
After giggling and laughing at the omikuji results, it's only a little past 1PM. Too early for us to check in to our ryokan, and we already had our stomachs filled, so we decided to also visit a couple more interesting spots which I happened to be drawn to when I saw images of postcards I bought earlier!
What's Next?
We'll be visiting Amanoiwato Shrine, then to Ama no Yasugawara, checking-in to our ryokan at Kamigakure, have our wagyu dinner, and more! There are so, SO much that I'd like to write about so you can understand the lore and background to understand how significant our visit was, and till I'm done with the next post, I hope for your patience!
Takachiho is a place where myths come alive, and every moment feels like magic. Whether you’re rowing through the gorge, catching noodles at Chiho-no-ie, or soaking in a private onsen, this town has something for everyone. Ready to start planning your trip? Click here to find the best accommodations on Agoda and make your Takachiho dreams a reality!
Have you visited Takachiho? What was your favorite part? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your stories! And if you’re planning a trip, don’t forget to bookmark this post for later! Also, if you find my post helpful, feel free to check out my guide for this trip here! Or if you have questions for your upcoming trip to Japan, feel free to drop by my stream on Twitch and ask questions if you'd like! See you soon!
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