Takachiho mountain town

Est. 0Takachiho, Kyushu

Overview

Mountain town in northern Miyazaki tied to Japan's foundational Amaterasu sun-goddess myth, with a famous gorge, nightly kagura dance, and a cluster of myth-tied shrines.

A small mountain town in northern Miyazaki considered the cradle of Japan's foundational creation myth — the Amaterasu sun goddess hid in a cave nearby, and the village's nightly kagura performance reenacts how the other gods coaxed her out. The town's gorge, traversed by rowboat, runs past Manai Falls; Takachiho Shrine, Kushifuru Shrine, and Aratate Shrine each anchor a piece of the myth-cycle. The Amaterasu Railway is a converted local rail line that now runs as a sightseeing service through the gorge approach.

Local tips

Buy Night Kagura tickets in advance during peak season — the village hall holds 200 and sells out. The gorge boats stop at sunset; aim for a morning slot.

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