Before I even knew where Takachiho Gorge was, I had saved pictures of it from Instagram because I knew I wanted to visit one day.
The almost-unreal turquoise blue waters flowing through the dark volcanic basalt columns that make up the gorge cliff-face and the idyllic bridge arching over the vibrant water. Not to mention the cute rowing boats passing alongside the waterfall catching the sunlight through the gorge - it really is a magical location.
And I almost didn’t see it…
You see, we visited Kyushu in May-June and the rainy season hit early this year. My husband had been to Takachiho Gorge 8 years earlier but I’d never been. And when he realised the rain was coming in (and wasn’t going to stop for 2 weeks) he warned me… if we visit during the rainy season, it’s not going to look how you expect.
It resulted in us changing our entire Kyushu itinerary to visit Takachiho Gorge near the start of our itinerary rather than at the end. We ended up driving 7+ hours in one day to make sure we got to the Gorge to see it on the last day of sunny weather before the rain started… and I’m so glad we made that call.
That’s what prompted me to write this guide. I was almost disappointed in my years-long goal to see Takachiho Gorge and I really don’t want the same thing to happen to you. So here I’m sharing everything you need to know about how to get to Takachiho Gorge, the best time to visit and what to do while you’re there.
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Takachiho Gorge
Best time to visit Takachiho Gorge
As I mentioned above, we changed our entire itinerary to drive to Takachiho Gorge much earlier than we had originally planned. This is because the weather forecast showed torrential rain coming in and it not stopping for 2 weeks.
If you visit Takachiho Gorge during heavy rain or when there has recently been heavy rain, the gorge will look VERY DIFFERENT. The water is not turquoise, it’s brown and like river rapids, the water flows so high and so fast that not only is it too dangerous to go boating, but the Takachiho Gorge boat rental station is completely submerged under the water…
It’s not going to look how you expect if you’ve seen those beautiful Takachiho Gorge photos…
If you’re wondering how I know, we actually went twice. Once for our last minute rush to see it on the last day of sunshine, then again on the day towards the end of the trip when we had originally planned to visit. I’m sharing the pictures below to show you the shocking difference.
All this to say, I would advise not visiting the gorge during periods of heavy rainfall as it will not look as you’d expect and you won’t be able to hire a boat.
The rainy season in Kyushu is typically June-July, these are the wettest months so I would advise avoiding during this time. We were here late May/early June and it was raining heavily already.
I would also suggest visiting on a weekday if you’re able to. Weekends get extremely busy and the boats book up on weekends often weeks in advance whereas it’s easier to get a boat booking during the week, sometimes even only a day or two before.
Takachiho Gorge clear day
Takachiho Gorge after rainstorm
Where is Takachiho Gorge?
Takachiho Gorge is located in Miyazaki prefecture in Kyushu - Japan’s southern main island.
It’s located inland, almost centrally between Kumamoto and Nobeoka and about 4 hours drive south of Fukuoka.
How to get to Takachiho Gorge
There are a few options for getting to Miyazaki Takachiho Gorge but the easiest way to get there is definitely to hire a car.
NOTE: if you hire a car in Japan you will need an International Driving Permit (IDP) from your own country as well as your regular driving license.
We hired a car from Fukuoka for our 2 weeks in Kyushu. If you were to drive from Fukuoka to Takachiho Gorge, it’s around 4 hours.
Our original plan was to visit towards the end of our trip and drive from Miyazaki which is only 2.5 hours drive.
Unfortunately there is no easy way to get from Fukuoka to Takachiho Gorge by public transport, there is no train station in Takachiho.
So the easiest way to get to Takachiho Gorge without a car is to either hire a private driver or to go on a tour.
Takachiho Gorge tour from Fukuoka
Fortunately there are many tour options to get from Fukuoka to Takachiho Gorge. There are less options from Miyazaki or Kumamoto, mostly only private tours.
If you’d like to visit Takachiho Gorge but you don’t want to rent a car or can’t rent a car, then a Takachiho Gorge tour from Fukuoka is the easiest option.
Try one of these Takachiho Gorge tours from Fukuoka
If you’re coming from Kumamoto This private tour starts from there.
Alternatively this private tour leaves from Miyazaki and is more expensive because it’s private, but would work well if you’re already in Miyazaki.
Me at Takachiho Gorge
A day trip to Takachiho Gorge
A Takachiho Gorge day trip is the most common way to visit. There are a limited number of hotel options in Takachiho town. Some people visit Aso-Kuju National Park and stay overnight there; it’s only 45 minutes drive to the gorge from Aso National Park.
Boat docking area
Parking at Takachiho Gorge
If you are driving to Takachiho Gorge, you’ll need to consider parking.
There is only one car park right by the famous bridge/waterfall area and it’s prioritised for those with boat bookings. It’s called “Oshioi Parking Lot Takachiho Gorge” on Google Maps. When we visited the second time on the rainy day, it was mostly empty and we were able to park without issue, parking here costs 500 yen. But it was already full the first time we visited (on the sunny weather day) so the entrance was closed and we were directed away.
Instead we parked at Ohashi parking lot, called “Takachiho Kyo Dai San Ohashi Parking Lot” on Google Maps which is free to park and has toilet facilities and a cafe. However it is a bit of a walk to the main gorge area and is definitely NOT accessible for those with mobility issues. You will have to go down stairs and walk along the gorge trail which is very scenic but takes around 20+ minutes.
Takachiho Gorge bridge view
Walk through the river gorge trail
I was actually really pleased that we ended up parking further away the first time we visited as I’m not sure we would have walked along the whole gorge trail if we hadn’t and it really is beautiful. It was a beautiful build-up to the most scenic spot of the gorge with the bridge and made me even more excited to finally be visiting.
You’ll also see a few other sites with information boards for things like the Kihachi’s Power Stone where legend says that Emperor Jinmu threw evil Mikenunomikoto against the rock to show his strength and protect the Takachiho township.
Takachiho Gorge trail
Takachiho Gorge trail views
Takachiho Gorge Observation Point
Along this trail is also where you’ll find the Takachiho Gorge observation point which is the famous view of Takachiho Gorge that you’ve probably seen the photos of and the Manai Waterfall cascading down the volcanic cliff face.
I was pleasantly surprised that despite how busy it was on the last day of sunshine and on a weekend, the observation point was not overcrowded and it was really easy to enjoy this view and take plenty of photos.
Takachiho Gorge bridge
Of course don’t miss heading up to the bridge itself.
It’s a great spot to see a different view of the gorge and really appreciate how vibrant the powder-blue water really is.
Just be aware that this road is also used by vehicles, so don’t block the road and be aware of cars.
Takachiho Gorge seen from the bridge
Shops and cafes
In the Takachiho Gorge complex there are several cafes, restaurants, food stands, an information centre and even a small aquarium.
The spot I would highly recommend is the restaurant Nagashi Somen Chiho-no-ie. Nagashi Somen is flowing noodles: where cooked noodles are sent down bamboo chute to the table where you’re sitting in cold water.
Nagashi Somen isn’t that common to find in Japan, although you can find it in a few places dotted around the country. The key feature is that they are cooked in the natural springs of water sources nearby. As the noodles come down the bamboo chute, you have to catch them with your chopsticks, then you can dip them in the homemade broth which comes with your order.
This was something I’d wanted to do for so long and it was loads of fun, super affordable and there was no wait time either.
Nagashi Somen Chiho-no-ie
The bamboo chute
Takachiho Gorge boat rental
Of course the most famous thing to do in Takachiho Gorge is to rent a rowing boat.
I cannot stress this enough: you need to book boats in advance.
When my husband visited 8 years earlier, there was barely anyone there and no need to prebook, but now if the weather is good and/or it’s a weekend, you will need to book in advance.
Even in the rainy season, unfortunately there were no bookings available 1 week out. The next booking I could find available ended up being cancelled because of the torrential rain.
Boat reservation tickets are released 2 weeks ahead. You can make a boat reservation from 9am, two weeks before your planned visit. On the same site you can also check the business status and whether the boats are running, if the weather is impacting it etc.
Book your Takachiho Gorge rowing boat rental here.
The cost to rent a boat varies depending on the season but usual rates are between 4,100 and 5,100 yen for a 30 minute boat ride.
While you don’t need any rowing boat experience to rent a boat, definitely consider who you’re in a boat with and how you’re dressed for the water. I saw two different boats unable to steer themselves properly and steer directly into the waterfall!
Boat rental info
Boat rental sign
Summary: visiting Takachiho Gorge, Kyushu Japan
It is absolutely worth visiting Takachiho Gorge on your trip to Kyushu. It totally lived up to the Takachiho Gorge photos that I’d seen online and more - it was magical!
But with that being said, I hope this guide helps you to plan the best time to visit based on the weather, the season and the day of the week. Also make sure you book your boat in advance if you would like to go boating on your Takachiho Gorge itinerary.
Enjoy your trip!
