Takachiho [2019]

Tales of deities and demons weave into the history of the small town of Takachiho, and their stories are magnified by the spectacular scenery of the region. Driving from the Mt. Aso region, we took a rental car through the quaint countryside and winding mountain roads to reach this lush paradise, and it ended up being one of my favorite day trips to date.

Apr 2019

© Kevin Yao, 2026

The start of the trail at Takachiho Gorge.

The start of the trail at Takachiho Gorge. (1 of 13)

Manai Falls is the main attraction at the gorge.

Manai Falls is the main attraction at the gorge. (2 of 13)

Well-maintained.

Well-maintained. (3 of 13)

Gorge opening. It was a cloudy and wet day.

Gorge opening. It was a cloudy and wet day. (4 of 13)

This place must get pretty wet. The rocks have a moss blanket on them.

This place must get pretty wet. The rocks have a moss blanket on them. (5 of 13)

Tourists came by the bus-load. They were well-prepared for rain, unlike us.

Tourists came by the bus-load. They were well-prepared for rain, unlike us. (6 of 13)

Basalt formations, kind of reminds of a whale's mouth.

Basalt formations, kind of reminds of a whale's mouth. (7 of 13)

Interesting rock erosions. They are almost like faces.

Interesting rock erosions. They are almost like faces. (8 of 13)

This gigantic rock is called Kihachi-no-Chikaraishi. Legend has it, a demon threw it to showcase its strength.

This gigantic rock is called Kihachi-no-Chikaraishi. Legend has it, a demon threw it to showcase its strength. (9 of 13)

Dense maple leaves provide adequate rain cover.

Dense maple leaves provide adequate rain cover. (10 of 13)

Nearby, we visited the nearby Amano Yasukawara shrine. Seeing this place actually sent chills down my body as I turned the corner and saw all the cairns left by visitors.

Nearby, we visited the nearby Amano Yasukawara shrine. Seeing this place actually sent chills down my body as I turned the corner and saw all the cairns left by visitors. (11 of 13)

A place of power. I'm not a spiritual person, but this is as close as it gets.

A place of power. I'm not a spiritual person, but this is as close as it gets. (12 of 13)

Obligatory creative angle.

Obligatory creative angle. (13 of 13)

The start of the trail at Takachiho Gorge.
Manai Falls is the main attraction at the gorge.
Well-maintained.
Gorge opening. It was a cloudy and wet day.
This place must get pretty wet. The rocks have a moss blanket on them.
Tourists came by the bus-load. They were well-prepared for rain, unlike us.
Basalt formations, kind of reminds of a whale's mouth.
Interesting rock erosions. They are almost like faces.
This gigantic rock is called Kihachi-no-Chikaraishi. Legend has it, a demon threw it to showcase its strength.
Dense maple leaves provide adequate rain cover.
Nearby, we visited the nearby Amano Yasukawara shrine. Seeing this place actually sent chills down my body as I turned the corner and saw all the cairns left by visitors.
A place of power. I'm not a spiritual person, but this is as close as it gets.
Obligatory creative angle.