Takachiho [Miyazaki]

Q. What is the best known gorge,  which has its connections to Japan's first gods and goddess?

A. Takachiho Gorge is.  It offers visitors an awesome blend of natural beauty and cultural inspiration. It is known for its crystal-clear mountain waters.

Takachiho Gorge was formed over 100,000 years ago as a result of volcanic activity nearby.

Q. How far is Takachiho from Miyazaki City? 

A. It is 140km from Miyazaki City. If you take the expressway, it takes two and a half hours. 

Q. What are popular activities we can try at the gorge?

A. Visitors can take a rowboat through the canyon and see the Minainotaki waterfall up close. Alternatively, you can view Takachiho Gorge from above along a paved path that runs along the gorge. Near the southern end of Takachiho Gorge are souvenir shops and a small aquarium. The gorge is illuminated until 10 p.m. during the warmer months.

Q. What is the famous local performance?

A. The legend is reenacted in a performance called Yokagura, or night dances. Yokagura is made up of a series of 33 episodes and takes place on Saturday evenings from mid-November to mid-February.

Q. What is a famous shrine?

A. Takachiho-jinja Shrine which was built over 1,200 years ago on this sacred ground.

Q. What are the symbolic icons that stand on the premises?

A. Called the "Couple Cedar", superstition says your descendants will prosper if you walk around these trees three times while holding the hand of a part

bawdy 下品な

paved road 舗装された道

mythology 神話

abridged version 簡約版

marital この上ない

bliss 至福

celestial 非常に美しい、天空の

archipelago 群島