Takachiho sits in the mountainous center of Miyazaki Prefecture in Kyushu, serving as a hub for early Japanese mythology and volcanic landscapes. Visitors frequently access the area by renting a car in Kumamoto or Fukuoka for a scenic two-hour drive. The main draw is Takachiho Gorge, where you can row rental boats directly beneath Manai Falls and explore trails lined with towering basalt cliffs. Beyond the gorge, the region features historical power spots like Amanoyasukawara, the open-air Amaterasu Railway, and ancient shrines set deep in the surrounding forests.
Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series 2023 at Takachiho Gorge
Red Bull Cliff Diving showcases professional athletes diving off the high stone walls of Takachiho Gorge in Miyazaki Prefecture. The video captures divers like Molly Carlson and Carlos Gimeno performing acrobatic high dives into the flowing river below. High-definition FPV drone footage tracks the extreme sports event as it takes place deep in the mountains of Kyushu.
- 📍 Featured Spot: Takachiho Gorge
- 💡 Best for: Sports Fans, Adventure Seekers
Planning a One-Day Itinerary with The Invisible Tourist
Creator Alyse outlines a detailed day-trip itinerary for visiting Takachiho Gorge from either Fukuoka or Kumamoto. She explains the volcanic formation and history of the gorge before sharing a key mistake she made with the local boat rental service. The video provides guidance on driving a rental car in Japan and tips on the best times to visit to bypass crowds. Alyse also highlights overlooked nearby attractions and suggests regional travel paths through Miyazaki and Kyushu.
- 📍 Featured Spot: Takachiho Gorge Boat Rental
- 💡 Best for: Solo Travelers, Road Trippers
Walking the Forest Approach to Mukoyama Shrine
Mukoyama Shrine in Takachiho, Miyazaki Prefecture, is reached by traveling along a winding, unpaved road. The creator shows the 500-meter-long approach path starting from the torii gate, which features Nio statues and 20 stone lanterns. Some of these stone lanterns feature rare carvings of monkeys and the Seven Lucky Gods. The main wooden shrine building houses enshrined deities such as Izanagi-no-Mikoto, Izanami-no-Mikoto, and Amaterasu Omikami.
- 📍 Featured Spot: Mukoyama Shrine
- 💡 Best for: History Buffs, Nature Lovers
Eddie Woods’ One-Day Drive from Kumamoto to Takachiho
Solo traveler Eddie Woods rents a small car in Kumamoto to complete a busy one-day road trip to Takachiho. He makes the two-hour drive to explore a series of major sites in the area. The video shows his visits to Takachiho Gorge and the nearby Takachiho Shrine. He also experiences the Amaterasu Railway, stops at Kushifuru Shrine, and walks to Amanoyasukawara and Iwato Shrine. The journey is set to a lo-fi soundtrack featuring songs like “Bubble Gum” by New Jeans and “Heavenly” by Cigarettes After Sex.
- 📍 Featured Spot: Amaterasu Railway
- 💡 Best for: Solo Travelers, Day Trippers
Michael and Yemisi’s Guide to Takachiho Cafés and Shrines
Vlogging couple Michael and Yemisi share a full day itinerary exploring the sights and food spots of Takachiho. They begin their day at Takachiho Shrine before heading down to Takachiho Gorge for the scenic river views. For food and drink, they stop at Marumoku Coffee, sample regional dishes at Nagomi, and pick up baked goods at Uipan. The trip continues with a visit to Amanoiwato Shrine, a quick stop at Sweets Shop Maeda, and panoramic views from Kunimigaoka Lookout. They wrap up their travel vlog with a final meal at Tomoemaru.
- 📍 Featured Spot: Kunimigaoka Lookout
- 💡 Best for: Couples, Foodies
Cindy and Dion’s Road Trip to Aso and Takachiho
Vlogging couple Cindy and Dion document a summer trip through Kumamoto and Miyazaki using an iPhone. On the second day of their itinerary, they drive to Takachiho Gorge to view the canyon landscape. They film the green scenery and water features before continuing their road trip. The video also shows their visits to Aso town, a local paddy field cafe, and a Ghibli-inspired Laputan robot spot. They use a lightweight travel setup with a mini drone to capture aerial shots of rural Kyushu.
- 📍 Featured Spot: Takachiho Gorge
- 💡 Best for: Couples, Photographers
Anaba Japan’s 10 Things to Do in Miyazaki Prefecture
The channel Anaba Japan presents a curated list of ten activities to experience across Miyazaki Prefecture. The guide features the volcanic geology of Takachiho Gorge and encourages viewers to immerse themselves in the local myths of Takachiho. Other locations highlighted include Aoshima Island and its unique “Devil’s Washboard” rock formations, Udo Jingu Shrine built inside a coastal cave, and the Miyazaki Prefectural Museum of Nature and History. The video also showcases regional food specialties like chicken nanban and Miyazaki beef. It concludes with a look at Heiwadai Park and its historical Peace Tower.
- 📍 Featured Spot: Miyazaki Prefecture
- 💡 Best for: First-Time Travelers, Culture Seekers
Family Autumn Road Trip with 3 Tickets Please
The family travel channel 3 Tickets Please documents an autumn road trip through Miyazaki and Kumamoto. They begin at Takachiho Gorge, where they take the rental boat ride beneath Manai Falls. Next, they visit Amanoiwato Shrine and experience the open-air cart ride on the Amaterasu Railway. The family then drives to Mount Aso to see the vast grass plains of Kurasenrigahama. They end their mountain adventure by taking a Jet Heli Service helicopter ride directly over the Mt. Aso summit.
- 📍 Featured Spot: Amaterasu Railway
- 💡 Best for: Families, Nature Lovers
Mthtravel’s Solo November Journey Through Miyazaki
Solo traveler mthtravel documents a two-day journey through Miyazaki Prefecture during a trip in November 2024. The itinerary covers Takachiho Gorge before moving on to Amano Iwato Shrine. The creator also travels along the coast to visit Cape Hyuga to see the ocean views. Additional stops during the solo trip include Udo Shrine, Aoshima Island, and the Easter Island statues at Sun Messe Nichinan. The vlog concludes with the creator’s departure from Miyazaki after completing the loop.
- 📍 Featured Spot: Cape Hyuga
- 💡 Best for: Solo Travelers, Coastal Explorers
Rowing Beneath Manai Falls with Travel Japan Together
Travel Japan Together showcases the dramatic volcanic geology of Takachiho Gorge in Miyazaki Prefecture. The video highlights taking a scenic boat ride directly beneath the towering basalt cliffs. Passengers can experience the mist of the famous Manai Falls as they row through the emerald water. The spot is introduced as a destination deeply connected to early Japanese mythology and nature.
- 📍 Featured Spot: Manai Falls
- 💡 Best for: Nature Lovers, Photographers
