Why Visit Takachiho Gorge?
I visited Takachiho Gorge in February 2025, and it really surprised me. I knew it was beautiful, but I didn’t expect it to be so peaceful. The narrow gorge with its hexagonal basalt columns, the emerald water, and Manai Waterfall create magical, otherworldly views. I expected crowds … but it was very quiet when we arrived. So if you come early, you will have the whole place to yourself.
In this Takachiho Gorge guide, based on my experience, I share everything you need to know: how to get there, what to expect, where to stay nearby, and a few tips to help you enjoy the place. If you are a nature lover and looking for Japan’s hidden gems, Takachiho Gorge should be on your bucket list.
Where Is Takachiho Gorge Located?
Takachiho Gorge is tucked away in the mountains of Miyazaki Prefecture in the central-northern part of Kyushu, the southernmost of Japan’s main islands. It’s not the easiest place to reach, which is probably why it still feels so peaceful.
Most people travelling to Kyushu visit more popular places, like Kumamoto, Mount Aso, or Beppu, but if you rent a car, Takachiho Gorge is not that far from Mount Aso (about 56 km) and Kumamoto (about 80 km). That makes it a perfect stop if you plan to explore central Kyushu or have a road trip around the island.
But keep in mind that there is no train station here, and you can only get there by car or a bus. Because it’s a bit out of the way, Takachiho Gorge is mostly overlooked by foreign tourists. You’ll mostly see local travellers, which makes the experience even more authentic.
How to Get to Takachiho Gorge
By Public Transport
Getting to Takachiho Gorge takes a little planning. There is no train station in Takachiho, so the only public transport option is going by bus.
Getting from Kumamoto to Takachiho by bus
Total cost: ¥5,400
From Kumamoto Station, you can take a 3.5 hour bus ride to Miyakoh Bus Center in Takachiho. The fare is from ¥2,700 one way. The bus departs from Kumamoto Station at 9.11 am and arrives in Takachiho at 12.34 pm. There is only one bus daily.
Miyakoh Bus Center is in the centre of Takachiho town, so it will take about 20-30 min to walk from the bus center to Takachiho Gorge.
The bus back to Kumamoto station departs at 4.57pm and arrives at Kumamoto at 7.58 pm (travel time 3 hours), which means you have enough time to explore the gorge and return to Kumamoto the same day. You can check up-to-date bus information on Google Maps.
This information is accurate as of December 2025.
Getting from Fukuoka to Takachiho Gorge by train and bus
Total cost: ¥16,020.
To get from Fukuoka to Takachiho Gorge, you need to combine Shinkansen and bus. Take Kyushu Shinkansen from Hakata Station to Kumamoto Station departing at 8.30 am. The ride takes from 32 min to 49 min, depending on the number of stops. Make sure to arrive at Kumamoto Station early enough to catch a bus at 9.11 am. In general, the total travel time one way is about 4.5 hours. The fare is ¥5,310 one way if you do not have a JR Pass.
At Kumamoto Station, take a bus going to Miyakoh Bus Center in Takachiho. All the details are in the above section. Fare is from ¥2,700 one way. You can check up-to-date Shinkansen and bus information on Google Maps.
Where to buy JR Pass
You can buy a JR Pass directly on Japan Rail Pass official site. When I travelled to Japan last time, I bought a JR Pass via Klook, as it was cheaper. As of December 2025, buying via Klook is 5% cheaper than from the JR Pass official site.
This information is accurate as of December 2025.
By Car
Driving to Takachiho Gorge is the easiest way to see the area at your own pace. The ride is scenic and winds through mountains and small villages, which makes the trip as scenic as the destination itself. During this trip, we rented a campervan, which gave us a lot of flexibility. Driving in Japan was easy, and in Kyushu, we didn’t have to worry about snowy or icy roads.
If you’re coming from Kumamoto, the drive is about 80 km and takes roughly from 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on the route you take and traffic.
From Fukuoka, it’s a longer drive, about 200 km, which takes roughly 3 to 4.5 hours depending on the route you take and traffic.
Driving gives you the flexibility to arrive when you want, take detours, and enjoy the scenery. Because we traveled by campervan, we managed to arrive early when it was very quiet. If you like road trips, this is the perfect way to get to Takachiho Gorge without worrying about bus schedules.
Parking at Takachiho Gorge
There are both free and paid parking options near Takachiho Gorge, so you can pick what works best for you.
Ohashi Parking – free parking. Link to Google Map
Araragi Parking (¥300) is the closest to the Shinbashi Bridge. Link to Google Map
Oshioi Parking (¥500). It’s the closest parking lot to the boat rental reception. Link to Google Map
Takachiho Shrine Parking – free parking. This parking lot is the furthest from the gorge. Link to Google Map
Takachiho Gorge One Day Tours
If you are short on time or you don’t want to drive or deal with buses, a day trip to Takachiho Gorge is the easiest way to explore the place. If you are based in Fukuoka, taking a tour actually saves you time and energy.
If you are staying in Fukuoka, a tour makes the most sense. Unless you have a JR Pass, taking a tour is cheaper than getting there by shinkansen and bus. If we hadn’t rented a campervan, we would have taken a tour.
The tours are reasonably priced and usually include air-conditioned transportation and a guide. If you book a tour via Viator and GetYourGuide there are English-speaking guides available. A boat ride is not included. Some tours include a visit to the Takachiho Amaterasu Railway and Amano Iwato Shrine. An Amaterasu train ticket (¥2,000) is not included in the tour price.
If you would like to take a tour from Fukuoka, you can book tours via Viator or GetYourGuide. The duration of these tours is 10-11 hours. The ride is about 3 hours each way.
However, if you prefer a tour from Kumamoto, check out Klook tours. Please be aware that Klook tours from Kumamoto do not provide a guide. Essentially, you just buy public bus tickets. You will need to walk 20-30 min from Miyakoh Bus Center to the gorge and back on your own.
What to Do at Takachiho Gorge
Walk the Trail Along the Gorge
The walking path follows the edge of Takachiho Gorge, so you keep getting new views of the emerald river and the basalt cliffs. The trail length is 1 km, and it takes about 30–40 minutes if you walk it without breaks. But allow more time, as you will definitely stop for photos.
Take the Takachiho Gorge Boat Ride
This is the popular thing to do here. You row under Manai Waterfall and get close to the cliffs. We didn’t do it because we didn’t book a boat in advance. If you would like to take a boat ride, make sure to book a boat rental in advance, as tickets sell out fast. Reservations are open from 2 weeks to 2 days before your visit. You can book a boat here. Boat rental costs from ¥4,100 to ¥5,100 for 30 min per boat, depending on the day and season. Up to 3 people are allowed per boat.
Visit Takachiho Amaterasu Railway
If you have time, the Amaterasu Railway is a fun little detour. The train goes along a short scenic route with great views of the valley. Tickets cost extra, but many day trips from Fukuoka include a stop here.
Visit Takachiho Shrine
Takachiho Shrine sits just a 5-minute drive or 20-minute walk from the gorge. It is hidden among tall cedar trees, and the atmosphere there is mystical and serene. Besides, if you stay in Takachiho, you can visit the shrine in the evening to catch a traditional Takachiho Kagura dance performance. Takachiho Shrine is worth a quick stop if you are already in the area.
Best Time to Visit Takachiho Gorge?
The best time to visit Takachiho Gorge is early in the morning. We came around 7.30 am, and the gorge was empty at this time. Organised tours start arriving around noon, so it will be the busiest time at the gorge.
Best season to visit Takachiho Gorge
The beauty of Takachiho Gorge changes with the seasons, so the best time really depends on what you want to see. Autumn (late November to early December) is the most photogenic season when the iconic red and orange leaves frame the gorge. But if you want photos when the leaves are green, plan your trip from April to October. In the summer months, the gorge is illuminated every day until 10 pm. However, if you would like to avoid crowds, visit the gorge in winter. I visited in February, and it was still greenish, and in the morning, it was very quiet.
Where to Stay in Takachiho
Below are my picks for accommodation in Takachiho.
Ryokan Recommendation for Takachiho Gorge: Hana Ryokan Iwatoya
If you are looking for a genuine traditional Japanese ryokan experience at a reasonable price, Hana Ryokan Iwatoya is a perfect choice. It’s a small family-run ryokan with clean rooms. You can book it via Agoda or Trip.com
It has great reviews: a score of 8.3/10 based on 103 reviews on Agoda and 9.1/10 based on 13 reviews on Trip.com. It’s a great value for money. On weekdays, it’s $120-130 for a twin room (price for 2 people) including breakfast.
Location: close to Amano Iwato Shrine, but it’s about 9 km away from Takachiho Gorge. If you have a car, it should not be an issue.
Best Mid-Range Pick in Takachiho: Solest Takachiho Hotel
If you prefer something modern, Solest Takachiho Hotel is the best mid-range choice. It’s clean, stylish, and feels a bit more like a traditional hotel compared to ryokans. You can book it on Agoda, Booking.com, and Trip.com.
The reviews are great: on average, it sits around 8.7–9.1/10, depending on the platform. The rooms are clean, modern, and bigger than usual for Japan. Prices are usually $150-170 for a double or twin room (for 2 people).
The location is perfect. It’s within walking distance to Takachiho Shrine, restaurants, and convenience stores. It’s also about 20–25 minute walk to Takachiho Gorge.
Best Budget Stay Near Takachiho Gorge: Guest House Iwato
If you’re travelling on a budget but still want a clean and cosy place near Takachiho Gorge, Guest House Iwato is a perfect pick. It’s simple, but clean with friendly staff. The reviews are great: 8.7/10 on Booking.com and 9.0/10 on Agoda. Book this guesthouse on Booking.com and Agoda.
The guesthouse is one of the most affordable stays in Takachiho. Prices range from $39 for a twin room with a shared bathroom to $52 for a room with a private bathroom (price for 2 people). It is close to Amano Iwato Shrine, but it’s about 8 km away from Takachiho Gorge.
Takachiho Gorge FAQ
Absolutely. If you are a nature lover, Takachiho Gorge is one of the must-visit destinations in Kyushu.
Yes, public transport is available. You can get to Takachiho town by a direct bus from Kumamoto. The bus departs daily at 9.11 am. The ride is about 3.5 hours. The return bus departs from Takachiho at 4.57 pm.
For lush greenery, come from April to October. For red and orange foliage, visit late November to early December.
Morning is the best time to visit Takachiho Gorge: it’s before organised tours arrive, it’s better lighting for photos, and easier to find parking, both free and paid.
Most people spend around 1.5–2 hours walking the trail and enjoying the view. If you plan to take a boat ride, add another hour.
Yes, absolutely. I skipped the boat ride, but still enjoyed it a lot. The walking trail and bridges give you amazing views of the gorge and Manai Waterfall.
Boats are rented for 30 minutes.
Expect to pay from ¥4,100 to ¥5,100 per boat. The price depends on the day of the week and season. One boat can take up to 3 people. (The price is accurate as of December 2025)
Yes, it’s best to book a boat in advance. Tickets open up to 2 weeks before your visit and often sell out quickly, so reserve early to secure your spot.
No, swimming is not allowed.
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