Best way to Travel Kumamoto〜Takachiho (The Spiritual Land)

This is my first visit to Takachiho (高千穂) from Kumamoto. It is in Miyazaki Prefecture in Kyushu. It is popularly known for Takachiho Gorge & Takachiho Shrine. If you are in Kumamoto and planning to visit Takachiho for the same day tour. Then, here are all the tips you’ll need to know for your first visit to Takachiho from Kumamoto.

How to get in: Public Transport

There are various way to go to Takachiho from Fukuoka, Kitakyushu… But the best way is from Kumamoto. There is a Bus for Nobeoka(延岡) vie Takachiho from Kumamoto.

Express Bus: Takachiho-go (Kumamoto ~ Takachiho)

If you love to feel the natural beauty while traveling then I personally recommend you to go by Bus. There is a bus i.e. Takachiho-go (高千穂号) which goes to Takachiho from Kumamoto station (熊本駅), Kumamoto Kotsu Center (熊本交通センター) providing a 3 hours journey in the lap of nature.

Here is the time-table:

09:11 ⇨ Depart from Kumamoto Station (Platform #3)

09:22 ⇨ Depart from Kumamoto Koutsu Center (Platform #26)

For more details about Takachiho Bus time-table & Bus-stop click here…

There is a break time @ Takamori (高森) for 15 minutes. It is one of the best village in Japan. You can refresh, buy some sweets and explore the beauty of nature & Mt. Aso.

I found some interesting things.

Owl Character in front of Tourist Information

There are JP Bank & Post office building in the front of Takamori bus stand. How cute the design. You can send some post-card from there to your beloved.

Post Office (高森郵便局)

Mt. Aso (Active volcano view from Takamori Bus Stand)

JP Bank & Mt. Aso (Active volcano view from Takamori Bus Stand)

12:24 ⇨ Arrived @ Takachiho

Takachiho Bus Center, Taxi Stand

Sightseeing Spots in Takachiho:

There are many hot spots that attract you and I would like to share about that. So, you must visit when you get chance to come in Takachiho.

Takachiho Gorge:

“The Power Spot”! I have no word to explain about this amazing place. Nothing is better around Kyushu Prefecture. That scenic beauty was formed by pyroclastic flows during Mt. Aso Volcano’s explosion.

Boat is the best way to enjoy the beauty of Takachiho Gorge. There is a rental boat and fee for 1 boat 2000 Yen for 30 minutes.

Takachiho Gorge Footpath:

Please don’t forget to take a stroll down around 1 km footpath. During excursion, you can feel the nature and its beauty with water & birds chirping around.

During walk on the Takachiho Gorge Footpath, I found an amazing view and shoot it. It is known for Takachiho 3-stage Bridge.

Takachiho 3-stage Bridge view from footpath

Takachiho Shrine:

There are 88 shrines in this area but Takachiho Shrine is the main shrine and deities of all other 88 shrine. It is widely worshiped for good harvests, life-partne and for ritual purpose. So, you must pray here specially who are single or you can come with your hubby for better livelihood!

Takachiho Shrine(高千穂神社)

There are 2-ways to go there. The simple one is, take a walk from Takachiho Bus Center just 10-12 minutes.

And, the other way that I personally experienced and would like to recommend you is a walk along the above mentioned “Takachiho Gorge Footpath” just 20-22 minutes of beautiful walk. Its like an adventuring or mountaineering while exploring this way. Caution: Be careful your steps and avoid carrying heavy weighted bags.

Way to Takachiho Shrine from Takachiho Gorge Footpath

Amanoiwato Shrine:

The historical monuments know for “the sun of goddess” nearby “holy rock cave”. It said to be the place where the 8,000,000 gods (八百万神：やおよろずのかみ)gathered to discuss opening the rock door.

If you have time then you may visit here. You may feel some spiritual. For more details please click here.

Amanoiwato Shrine

I would recommend you to take a local bus from Takachiho Gorge, Takachiho Shrine… if you don’t have your own car.

Bus Route for Takachiho hot spots!

Eat:

Takachiho is known for Nagashi Soumen (流しそうめん), Chicken-nanban(チキン南蛮). If you are with kids or in a group, you can go for Nagashi Soumen (流しそうめん). A Very thin boiled wheat noodles are placed in a bamboo floating water. This style of eating was originated in Takachiho itself.

Nagashi Soumen (流しそうめん) restaurent @ Takachiho Gorge

But, if you are with you hubby and desiring a beautiful Takachiho Gorge View from the balcony of the restaurant while having lunch then, you may go for Chicken-nanban(チキン南蛮). A deep-fried chicken marinated with nanbansu vinegar. The taste is just WOW!

Chicken-nanban(チキン南蛮) restaurant @ Takachiho Gorge

Takachiho Gorge View from the balcony of the restaurant while having Chicken-nanban!

Takachiho-no-ie(高千穂の家) ：Restaurant spots

Summery:

If you are in Japan, then you must visit Takachiho “The spiritual home of Japan” at-least once in your life. If you are going for the same day tour for Takachiho, or, you are on business tour and have only few hours but don’t know what to do? Then I would recommend you to take a ride on rental boat and enjoy the beauty of Takachiho Gorge.

Hope it will help you in traveling from Kumamoto to Takachiho and how to enjoy there! Have a nice journey!