Takachiho Gorge 高千穂峡

Imagine lazily cruising through a deep volcanic gorge in a rowboat while a waterfall forms rainbows in the mist around you.

If that appeals to you, put Takachiho Gorge in Miyazaki Prefecture on your Kyushu itinerary. The gorge is formed by columnar jointing, the result of the rapid cooling of an ancient lava flow. The view of the gorge from a boat directly up the 17-meter Manai Falls is truly thrilling.

The Takachiho area also offers some wonderful shrines and inns near the gorge. You can see the gorge and more nature, culture and history on the Takachiho Course.

You can get to the closest large transportation hubs, Kumamoto and Miyazaki, via shinkansen or plane. There are direct buses from there to the Takachiho area from Kumamoto.

Cars are another option. It's 140 kilometers from Miyazaki and takes about 2.5 hours if you use the toll road. Get onto the Higashi Kyushu Express (Miyazaki Route) and head north toward Nobeoka. After about 90 km, pass through the Kadokawa IC, and at the Nobeoka JCT, take the Kyushu Chuo Expressway, which becomes Route 218 at Kurata (at the end of the route). Follow Route 218 for about 25 km, and follow signs for Takachiho. It is clearly marked.

The gorgeous shots you typically see of Takachiho Gorge are taken when the leaves are green, from April to October. Once the fall season begins, the gorge is filled with orange and red leaves. Plan your autumnal visit from mid-November to early December.

A paved path runs along the edge of the gorge for a kilometer. At some points on the trail, you can look practically straight down to the Gokase River below.

You can also walk along the water's edge. It's rocky and slippery in spots, so make sure you've got appropriate footwear. You won't be able to go directly under the falls without riding in one of the boats, but you will be able to see the mossy cavern.

The southern end of the gorge offers a freshwater aquarium, a stocked fishing pond and restaurants and souvenir shops.

Staying overnight is a possibility. There are traditional Japanese inns, ryokan, and hotels close to the gorge.

One reason to do so in summer is that the gorge is illuminated. You should also make the trip to Takachiho Shrine and the Kagura Night Festival dance performance. ou might even squeeze in a side trip to Takachiho Shrine to get a full cultural experience.