 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
 |
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
Takachiho-kyo |
|
| Takachiho-kyo is a valley with a magnificent columnar jointing precipice, which was created when the lava erupted during Mt. Aso's volcanic activity long time ago flowed down along the Gokase River like a ribbon and suddenly cooled. It was designated as a special natural treasure and scenic spot on November 20, 1934. In the vicinity, places of interest include a pond called Nanatsu-ga-ike, one of the most prominent falls in Japan called Manai-no-taki and Yaritobi Bridge. In Takachiho-kyo, you can get close to the scenic spot Manai-no-taki by a rental boat, which is a truly thrilling experience. You'll also find nature-watching paths, a fishing pond and a fresh water aquarium. During summer, you can enjoy nagashi-somen (cold thin noodles released in flowing water). |
| Takachiho-kyo Sightseeing by Boat (rental boat) |
| Open |
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
(During summer vacation: 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.)
*Not available when the water is high. |
| Price |
1,500 yen for a 30-minute ride (Capacity of the boat is three persons including babies and infants) |
| Contact |
Tel.0982-72-2457 |
|
 |
|
|
|
Takachiho Shrine |
|
|
| Enshrined here are Joko Takachiho Sumegami (three gods of three generations that appear in the Himuka myths), also known as Jissha Daimyojin. It is handed down by word of mouth that the shrine was founded during the reign of the 11th Emperor Suinin (29-70 A.D.). According to the six historic chronicles of Japan, including Zoku Nihon Koki, it received the highest grade as a shrine in the Province of Himuka from the Imperial Court. In the final years of the Heian period, the shrine, as the head shrine of 88 shrines in 18 villages in the Takachiho area, was popular among believers for its divine grace in protecting them from evil, providing a bountiful harvest and match-making. In the worshippers' hall is a designated important cultural asset Tetsuzo Komainu Ittsui (a pair of iron guardian dogs), which was built in the Kamakura period. In the precincts is a huge 800-year-old chichibu-sugi (a kind of cedar), which was planted by Hatakeyama Shigetada, who visited the shrine on behalf of the shogunate Minamoto Yoritomo. Kagura is performed everyday for the tourists at the kagura hall. |
|
| Address |
1307 Mitai, Takachiho-cho,
Nishi-usuki-gun, Miyazaki Prefecture |
| Admission |
Worshipping is free
(Evening okagura: 500 yen per person) |
| Annual festival |
April 16 |
| Contact |
Tel.0982-72-2413 |
|
|
|
|
|
Ama-no-iwato Shrine |
|
| In the West Main Hall, Ame-no-iwayado, behind which the goddess Amaterasu Omikami hid herself, is enshrined as an object of worship. In the East Main Hall the goddess is enshrined. Ame-no-iwayado is in the holy precincts and a priest will show you to it if you wish to directly worship there. |
| Address |
1073-1 Amanoiwato Takachiho-cho,
Nishi-usuki-gun, Miyazaki Prefecture |
| Admission |
Worshipping is free. 150 yen to enter Chokokan |
| Open |
8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. |
| Annual festivals |
West Main Hall: May 2 and 3
East Main Hall: September 22 and 23 |
| Contact |
Tel.0982-74-8239 |
|
|
|
|
|
Kunimi-ga-oka |
|
The sea of clouds and Nirvana in Aso
This is a legendary hill where Tateiwa Tatsumino Mikoto, a grandson of Emperor Jinmu looked down on the country. It has an altitude of 513 meters. The sea of clouds covers Takachiho Basin on perfectly clear days in the fall and on cold mornings with no wind. The best time to see the clouds is before and after the sunrise and you get to enjoy the view until early winter. Viewed from the hill, the five mountains of Aso resemble the appearance of Sakyamuni lying on her side and that is why the view is also called Nirvana in Aso. Kunimi-ga-oka is a perfect viewing point where you can overlook the Nirvana and the sea of clouds as well as the divine mountains. |
|
 |
|
 |
