Surrounded by natural beauty, Takachiho gorge.
Nestled in the heart of Miyazaki Prefecture on Japan's Kyushu Island, Takachiho Gorge is a breathtaking destination that showcases the stunning beauty of nature. Formed by ancient volcanic activity, this picturesque gorge features towering cliffs, lush greenery, and the tranquil waters of the Gokase River winding through its depths. With its dramatic rock formations and scenic waterfalls, including the famous Minainotaki Falls, Takachiho Gorge offers visitors an opportunity to immerse themselves in the serene landscapes that have inspired countless legends and stories throughout history. Whether you're an adventure seeker looking to explore its hiking trails or simply wish to soak in the stunning vistas, Takachiho Gorge promises an unforgettable experience in one of Japan's most extraordinary natural sites.
My trip to the gorge began in Fukuoka, where I boarded a bus heading to the gorge. The bus can be booked in advance and provides a comfortable way to spend the three-hour journey. Since Takachiho is off the beaten path, taking the bus is the best option unless you have a car.
The bus makes a rest stop in Kumamoto, where you can enjoy a snack or purchase cute Kumamon merchandise. There is also information available regarding events happening in Kumamoto. The bus seats are comfortable and spaced out, catering to longer night trip services that this bus line offers.
Willer Bus Company operates many services around Japan, and their overnight buses can be a budget-friendly way to travel longer distances. However, if you are older or have back issues, this option might not be the most comfortable. While I appreciated the extra space during my three-hour trip, I experienced back pain for the entire weekend after taking an overnight bus to Hiroshima.
Sometimes, it's worth paying a bit extra to fully enjoy your trip or for the convenience. Nonetheless, bus routes can be a convenient option or even the only way to access more remote locations.
As the bus approached Takachiho bus station, the landscape became increasingly dramatic, and the weather shifted from beautiful, cloudless skies to rain and full cloud cover. On both sides, you are surrounded by steep rock faces and lush green forests. The gorge itself is formed from ancient lava flows from Mount Aso in Kumamoto and creates a V-shape. This area is ideal for hiking and even rock climbing. During good weather, boats can be rented to explore the gorge, but these must be booked in advance as they sell out quickly. The area itself would also make for a beautiful bike route or car excursion. The area reminded me of childhood holidays in Scotland where an eight-hour car ride would turn fairytale and dramatic after six hours of boring motorway. There are beautiful mountain passes in Scotland that I would love to revisit at some point now I can drive.
I highly recommend the railway experience, and there is a museum attached that provides a fun way to spend an hour. The train takes visitors over a bridge spanning the gorge, offering beautiful panoramic views of the river below and the dramatic rock walls. The train line was in operation until recently, linking Miyazaki with Kumamoto. However, it was hit by a series of typhoons that made it harder to revive the line. The museum will provide some interesting information about this and allow visitors a chance to explore an old train and dress in uniforms.
It's worth noting that every colleague I spoke with about Miyazaki mentioned the same thing: it is the hardest prefecture to reach. This is due to the stunning and dramatic geography of the region, which is backed by the Aso range. While Kagoshima and Kumamoto are connected by the shinkansen line, travel to Miyazaki is limited to buses, cars, and slow local trains, or involves taking a five-hour train loop through Kagoshima to return north.
The area is hard to reach but it is rewarding for those who take on the challenge. The town of Takachiho also provides some good dining options and I enjoyed a local ramen with an out of this world gyudon. There are only two convenience stores in town so bear this in mind if you are coming via bus. From the gorge you can take an hour bus ride to Noebeka which links you to the rail line into Miyazaki.
Miyazaki is a prefecture perfect for nature lovers, hikers, and those seeking an escape from everyday life or an adventurous experience. It is said to be the birthplace of Japan and features historical sites, such as Aoshima island and shrine and the Easter Island heads, which I have yet to visit. Additionally, Miyazaki is home to many islands and hidden shrines.
This prefecture inspired Studio Ghibli's "Princess Mononoke," and it's easy to see why. Outside the city, Miyazaki feels like a rural area, disconnected from the modern world and in harmony with nature. Although there are no longer any bears in Kyushu, except for the famous Kumamon mascot, you can imagine that many bears once called this prefecture home.
I believe this is one of the easiest prefectures to get lost in, so I urge hikers to exercise caution when exploring the area. Much of Japan is formed over old lava flows and channels, and in some forests, hikers are encouraged to stick to established routes, as it's easy to twist an ankle when going off-track. One forest, famous for this, is Aokigahara, located at the base of Mount Fuji. This forest is infamous, yet fascinating; the lava flows underneath it are hollow and porous. There are many videos showing how the wind blows through the forest, causing the mossy ground to appear as if it is breathing.
My experience in Miyazaki was unforgettable, and I highly recommend visiting Takachiho Gorge. The area also offers great places for night views and camping. If this sounds like something you would enjoy, be sure to include Miyazaki in your Kyushu itinerary and break away from the typical tourist spots that many visitors only explore in Kyushu.
