All Reviews of Takachiho Gorge

Upon entering Takachiho Gorge, the first thing that came into view was the towering rock walls on both sides. The columnar joints, formed over countless years by water erosion, rise in layer upon layer with magnificent grandeur, making you marvel at the incredible power of nature.
Walking slowly along the trail, I could hear the gentle sound of flowing water as a light breeze brushed past. The stream before me was a captivating emerald green. As I went deeper into the gorge, the scenery kept changing—sometimes revealing tranquil views where rock walls and green trees intertwined, and at other times showing sunlight falling on the water and sparkling in tiny points of light.
When Manai Falls gradually came into view, it was even more stunning. The waterfall cascades down between the high rock walls, its white water contrasting vividly with the emerald-green stream. Together with the towering gorge on both sides, it creates the most iconic view of Takachiho Gorge.
From the viewing area along the trail, you can admire the way the waterfall and gorge complement each other up close and feel the impact of the roaring water. At that moment, no words were needed. I only wanted to quietly take in the beautiful scenery before me and keep that feeling in my heart.
Riding the Sky Train for a view of the gorge from above
If the scenery along the trail lets you experience the tranquility and grandeur of nature, riding the Takachiho Sky Train offers another experience full of surprises.
Once aboard, the view gradually opened up as the train slowly moved forward. Seeing Takachiho’s forests and gorge from different heights revealed scenery that was difficult to see from the trail. The lush green woods, winding river valley, and layers of natural terrain all showed a completely different charm from walking at ground level.
When the train traveled high above, it felt as though I could embrace the entire valley from a broader perspective. A gentle breeze brushed my face, and the scenery continued to unfold as the train moved forward, creating a relaxed and carefree pace of travel.
Looking up at the gorge from the trail was a moving, immersive experience, while viewing it from above on the train added a sense of vastness and surprise from overlooking the mountains and rivers. These two completely different experiences made the trip to Takachiho Gorge even richer and more unforgettable.

I had long heard about the magnificent scenery of Takachiho Gorge, but it wasn't until I visited in person that I truly felt its impact and beauty. It was deeply captivating and incredibly soothing.

I especially captured one classic view: Manai Falls, like a strand of white silk, gently cascading into the deep emerald-green gorge. The scenery was so beautiful it hardly seemed real. Whenever I look back at the photos, the light, shadows, and atmosphere from that day remain vivid, as though they were deeply etched into my mind. This one-of-a-kind, breathtaking gorge, shaped by the extraordinary forces of nature and paired with just the right enchanting light and shadows, is truly a profound memory that will last a lifetime.

Visiting the famous natural wonder of Takachiho Gorge in Takachiho, Miyazaki Prefecture, you can witness the breathtaking columnar-jointed gorge and spectacular waterfalls in person!

The swift, clear Gokase River runs between towering volcanic lava cliffs, while the famous Manai Falls cascades from above directly into the emerald-green gorge. Walking along the trail beside the gorge, you can look down on the relaxing scene of small rowboats passing between the waterfall and cliffs. Renting a rowboat yourself is also highly recommended, letting you experience the spray from the waterfall up close and take in the grandeur of the V-shaped gorge. Filled with a mythical atmosphere and abundant negative ions, this nationally designated Place of Scenic Beauty and Natural Monument is something you absolutely shouldn’t miss when visiting Miyazaki in Kyushu!

The trail stretches along the Gokase River gorge, flanked by towering cliffs dozens of meters high, made of columnar basalt formed when lava from Mount Aso's eruptions cooled. The finely detailed patterns running vertically along the rock walls look as if they were carved with knives and axes, revealing the magnificent power of nature shaped over millions of years. As you walk through, sunlight filters through the lush green canopy and falls on the clear, emerald-green water. Surrounded by rugged boulders and dense trees, with the faint roar of flowing water in the background, every step feels like walking through a painting.
After crossing the rustic and elegant Shinbashi Bridge, you reach Takimidai, the main observation point along the trail. From here, you get a wider, more complete view of Manai Falls—the pure white stream drops straight through a gap in the cliffs like a ribbon of white silk into the deep green pool below. Even from a distance, you can still feel its surging power and the remote, mystical atmosphere of this land of legends. Looking down at the gorge, usually filled with sightseeing boats, the absence of boats at that time instead gave it a more pristine and tranquil beauty.
Two weeks earlier, I had gotten up right on time specifically to book a boat ride at Takachiho Gorge and was lucky enough to get one of the tickets that sold out in seconds. I've been to Kyushu several times, but Takachiho Gorge was the one place I had never visited. I was looking forward to rowing through the magnificent gorge toward Manai Falls and feeling the spray from the 17-meter-high waterfall beside me.
Unexpectedly, the day before departure, I was notified that the water level was too high and the boat rides had been canceled. It was a little disappointing, but every trip leaves you with a reason to come back next time.

Admire the beauty of Takachiho while rowing a small boat through the lush gorge of the Gokase River. You can also walk along the trails and enjoy the fresh forest air. Riding the little open-air train lets you take in the mountains, forests, and countryside amid the bubble-filled gorge. There are beautiful surprises everywhere, making this place feel like a fairyland. The remarkable contours here showcase nature's craftsmanship.

The first time I saw Takachiho Gorge, I was amazed by the scenery. The rock walls on both sides, clear stream, and waterfall come together to showcase the beauty of nature.
Walking slowly along the trail with the mountain breeze blowing felt very pleasant, and the whole setting was quiet and relaxing. Although it's a bit far, seeing the beautiful scenery in person made it feel well worth the trip. It's a highly recommended spot on a trip to Miyazaki.

On this trip to Kyushu, Japan, I visited the beautiful Takachiho Gorge. As soon as I entered the gorge, I was greeted by towering basalt cliffs and a crystal-clear, emerald-green stream. The scenery was truly spectacular. Walking along the trail, listening to the flowing water, and breathing in the fresh air made me feel completely relaxed, as if all my worries had disappeared.

Takachiho Gorge’s famous Manai Falls cascades down from above, creating a stunning natural picture against the lush green forest. It was absolutely breathtaking. This trip not only allowed me to take in the magnificent scenery, but also gave me a greater appreciation for the beauty of nature. I hope to visit Takachiho Gorge again someday to see it in different seasons and make more wonderful memories.

Takachiho Gorge in the wind and rain had its own poetic charm.

On 20260627, after being greeted by a rare morning rainbow over Kumamoto Castle, my very first trip to Kyushu, Japan began. Following the journey, I arrived at Takachiho Gorge in Miyazaki Prefecture. Although the area was under the outer circulation of Typhoon Mitag, with a steady drizzle along the way, it made the mountains and forest look even more lush. Mist drifted through the gorge, like an ink-wash landscape painting. The rushing stream surged past. I couldn’t get close to Manai Falls, and I also missed the chance to take a leisurely boat ride through the gorge. Still, the rain and mist created a different kind of quiet beauty and emotion.

Travel doesn’t always go exactly as planned, but the wind and rain made the experience even more meaningful. It also made this Kyushu memory feel even more precious and unforgettable.

Visited in early summer, and from the entrance all the way to the gorge, everything was lush and green. Super soothing.
The walking path was easy too, so it was a really comfortable way to get close to nature.
The columnar volcanic rock formations had a unique kind of beauty, and we were lucky to get great weather.
It was a little hot, but seeing the scenery in the sunlight with my own eyes was even more beautiful than in the photos.

Miyazaki is a place full of myths, especially stories like 'Tenson Korin' and 'Ama-no-Iwato.'
'Tenson Korin' is about Ninigi-no-Mikoto, the grandson of the sun goddess Amaterasu, who came down here to rule the world. The first Japanese emperor, Jimmu, is said to be a descendant of Amaterasu.

Takachiho Gorge was formed by lava from Mt. Aso cooling rapidly and being eroded by the Gokase River, creating this stunning V-shaped valley.

You can stroll here for about 40 minutes to an hour.
When you visit, you have to try the local specialties:
- Nagashi somen (flowing noodles)
- Rowboat ride through the gorge
You can also ride the Takachiho Amaterasu Railway, which takes about 30 minutes (10 trips a day, 30 people per trip).