Takachiho Gorge

Takachiho Gorge has a well-maintained walking trail that stretches about 1km, making it easy to walk. The highlights of Takachiho Gorge include the "Hermit's Screen Rock" and the "Oni Hachi's Big Stone". The Hermit's Screen Rock is a rock wall that towers over the riverbank of the gorge, and is said to be named after its shape resembling a folding screen. On the other hand, the Oni Hachi's Big Stone is a mysterious sight that fascinates people with its shape resembling two large rocks split in half. You can also enjoy the view of the vertical cliff face called "columnar jointing". The sight of rocks splitting into columns gives a sense of the amazing power of nature. The scenery created by the great nature of Takachiho Gorge has an overwhelming power!

Manai Falls is the most famous waterfall in Takachiho Gorge and has been selected as one of Japan's Top 100 Waterfalls. The sight of the waterfall flowing down like a white snake into the emerald waters of Takachiho Gorge from the magnificent columnar joint cliffs creates a beautiful and mysterious atmosphere like a painting. The area around the waterfall has been developed with promenades and boats, allowing you to get a closer look at the waterfall. In addition, the area around the waterfall offers beautiful scenery woven by nature, such as moss growing on the rock faces and leaves of trees that change depending on the season. Manai Falls, the most famous waterfall in Takachiho Gorge, is sure to impress visitors with its grandeur. While watching the waterfall flow down, you can feel the beauty and power of nature.

Renting a boat in Takachiho Gorge is an attractive activity where you can freely travel upstream while enjoying a fantastic view. From the boat, you can enjoy the sight of columnar jointing rock faces and the view from the water's surface, and you can also experience getting close to powerful waterfalls where water splashes fly. At the boat landing, you can purchase food for ducks and it's recommended to feed them while moving along. You can make a reservation online in advance and check the rental time and price on the official website, etc. However, it's important to be careful not to let the boats collide with each other. If you want to enjoy a quiet and mystical atmosphere, it's recommended to go in the early morning.

Takachiho Shrine, located near Takachiho Gorge, is the head shrine of the Takachiho Juuhachigo Yaoya Hachijuhachi-sha and is a shrine with high historical and cultural value. This shrine is said to have blessings for matchmaking, marital harmony, prosperity of descendants, and fulfillment of various wishes, and many people visit to pay their respects. In particular, the matchmaking blessings associated with the "husband and wife cedar" are famous, and many couples from all over the country visit to see it. Takachiho Gorge and Takachiho Shrine are places that symbolize Japan's beautiful nature and culture, and for many people, they are a place of healing and inspiration!

Kunimigaoka Observatory, located about a 15-minute drive from Takachiho Gorge, is an observatory situated at an elevation of 513m. From this observatory, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the mountains of Takachiho and the peaceful terraced rice paddies. Especially during sunrise, sunset, and in winter, you can see a sea of clouds. This fantastic world is so beautiful, like a sumi-e painting, that it will move your heart. Kunimigaoka Observatory has parking, toilets, and drink vending machines, and it's relatively easy to access from Takachiho Gorge. In particular, it's a popular spot among many tourists and photography enthusiasts because you can enjoy fantastic views that differ depending on the time of day, from early morning to nighttime.