Takachiho Hanare no Yado Kamigakure Review: A Mythical Escape in Miyazaki

by Jin ♡ - 4:30 PM

Mythical Escape at Takachiho Hanare no Yado Kamigakure!

A Malaysian trio reviews the 'Shion' room at Kamigakure Ryokan - complete with private onsen and divine cuisine!

★★★★★ 5/5

Ryokan Information

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Name: Takachiho Hanare no Yado Kamigakure

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Location: Takachiho, Miyazaki Prefecture

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Room: Shion (Japanese-Western w/ Private Onsen)

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Occupancy: 3 Malaysian girls road-tripping Kyushu

Key Features

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Onsen: Private indoor hot spring bath (outdoor bath during warmer seasons)

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Dining: Kaiseki dinner with A5 Miyazaki wagyu + Course Breakfast

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Atmosphere: Mythical Japanese fairytale setting

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Service: Free shuttle to Takachiho Shrine

Discovering Kamigakure

Takachiho is nestled in the northern part of Miyazaki Prefecture, steeped in Japanese mythology. According to legend, this is where the sun goddess Amaterasu hid in a cave, plunging the world into darkness until she was lured out by a raucous dance.

Road Trip Tip: When traveling to remote areas like Takachiho, always book accommodations well in advance! Kamigakure opens bookings three months ahead - which I set a reminder to secure our spot during peak season as soon as the booking slot was open.

As three Malaysian girls road-tripping through Kyushu, we appreciated Kamigakure's perfect blend of traditional charm and modern comforts. Booking the 'Shion' room through Agoda was smooth and we were thrilled to get a plan that included A5-grade wagyu beef sukiyaki!

The Shion Room: Our Mythical Sanctuary

The cozy kotatsu area in our Shion room

For more details on our Takachiho itinerary, read my two-part detailed post here and here.

Stepping right into a Fairytale in Takachiho

We stayed in the Shion room, named after the purple blossom often mentioned in classical Japanese literature. The design paid homage to the Heian period with:

A serene tatami area with kotatsu (heavenly in autumn!)
Western-style bedroom with incredibly comfortable beds
Traditional shoji sliding doors creating peaceful ambiance
Private onsen bath with sacred water from Tamare Falls

The color palette of soft purples and muted tones created a sense of refinement and grace. As Malaysians, we felt like we'd stepped into a scene from The Tale of Genji!

Onsen Bliss

The private hot spring bath was nothing short of magical. The bath used sacred water sourced from the Tamare Falls in Takachiho Gorge, with healing properties. The stone finish and gentle sound of trickling water created perfect serenity.

After exploring Takachiho all day, soaking in the therapeutic waters melted our fatigue away. The complementary herbal pack and hinoki scent made it a truly spiritual experience.

Our private indoor hot spring bath

Divine Dining: A Feast Fit for the Gods

Our exquisite kaiseki dinner

Dinner: A Seasonal Symphony

Our multi-course kaiseki dinner featured local ingredients from Takachiho. Highlights included:

Appetizer Platter: Delicate shrimp, rich duck, earthy burdock root
Sashimi: Flounder and amberjack so fresh they melted in our mouths
Main Event: Takachiho sukiyaki with A5 Miyazaki wagyu beef
Dessert: Beautifully arranged persimmon and jelly

The wagyu beef was so tender it practically melted in our mouths. I proudly finished five bowls of rice with the delicious sukiyaki broth!

Breakfast: A Colorful Start

Breakfast was a beautifully arranged seven small plates of side dishes served in a woven basket. The meal featured:

Light and refreshing soba noodles
Perfectly grilled fish with crispy skin
Sweet and savory tamagoyaki (Japanese omelette)
Crisp green salad and comforting miso soup
Refillable rice (essential for Asian travelers!)

Each dish was a colorful and flavorful representation of local ingredients, enjoyed with a view of Takachiho's morning beauty.

Our exquisite Japanese breakfast

Impeccable Service

Thoughtful Transportation

While it's walkable from Kamigakure to Takachiho Shrine, they provided free shuttle service to Takachiho Shrine for the Yokagura show we booked. On a cold autumn night, this was incredibly appreciated!

Reading Materials

In the lobby, there are also Japanese reading materials to learn more on the Yokagura and Takachiho's culture!
To learn more on Yokagura, here's an informative Yokagura post to satisfy your curiosity!

Car Care

We were touched to find a windshield cover on our rental car in the morning - a thoughtful gesture we hadn't even considered during the cold night.

Attention to Detail

While we were at the Yokagura show, staff prepared our futons and left our dessert carefully cling-wrapped in our room.

What We Loved

Private onsen with sacred water from Tamare Falls
Exquisite kaiseki dinner featuring A5 Miyazaki wagyu
Perfect blend of traditional and modern design
Thoughtful service and attention to detail
Free shuttle to Takachiho Shrine
Comfortable Western beds + traditional tatami area
Beautiful Heian-period inspired decor
Refillable rice with meals (a Malaysian must!)

Minor Considerations

Booking requires planning (opens 3 months in advance)
Remote location requires driving
Premium price point (worth every yen!)
Limited English support (my Japanese came in handy)

Experience Kamigakure Yourself!

Ready for your own mythical retreat in Takachiho?

Book Kamigakure via Agoda

Final Verdict

★★★★★ 5/5

Kamigakure's Shion room provided a perfect blend of mythical atmosphere, luxury amenities, and exceptional service. The private onsen, divine cuisine, and thoughtful touches made this a highlight of our Kyushu road trip.

Perfect for

♡ Travelers seeking a mythical Japanese experience
♡ Those who appreciate exquisite kaiseki cuisine
♡ Visitors wanting to explore Takachiho's wonders
♡ Anyone needing relaxation in a private onsen

Consider elsewhere if

✖ You need extensive English support
✖ You're on a very tight budget
✖ You prefer urban environments