Takachiho: Mythology, History and Landscapes

In Mitai, the attractions range from shrines and memorial sites to rice terraces, a museum, freshwater and a panoramic ride. These differences give your planning a clear direction: history, seasonal landscapes and a half-hour ride appeal to different interests.

Shrines, Legends and Local History

The Takachiho History and Folklore Museum collects, preserves and displays around 10,000 cultural artifacts from Takachiho. These include traditions and historic sites, old documents, and folk-cultural artifacts. Those interested in the area’s history can get a sense of both its oral traditions and its written and material records. This distinguishes the museum’s approach from shrines and memorial sites, where individual legends and religious traditions play a role.

Kushifuru Shrine was one of Takachiho’s 88 shrines; its shrine building was constructed during the Edo period. The Takamagahara worship site lies to the south, on a low hill. According to tradition, this is where the gods watched over the arrival of the heavenly grandchild Takamagahara. The Takachiho monument was erected on a hill associated with Mount Kushifuru to pass on the tradition of Takachiho as the place where the heavenly grandchild arrived. Ancient poems from the Fudoki and the Man’yōshū are carved into the stone.

The Kihachi legend also lends significance to a memorial site: Kihachizuka preserves burial sites traditionally identified as the graves of Kihachi’s head, torso, hands and feet. An old record from 1674 traces the origins of Ishigami Shrine to the worship of an ox regarded as a messenger of the Jūsha Daimyōjin of that time, now Takachiho Shrine. Futagami Shrine is located halfway up Mount Futagami, which the Hyūga Fudoki records as the mountain where the heavenly grandchild arrived.

The tradition of Amanomanai is associated with water: Ame-no-Murakumo is said to have brought a source of water to this place during the arrival of the heavenly grandchild. Water still emerges today at the foot of an old zelkova tree. Here, oral tradition and a visible feature of the landscape sit side by side.

Rice Terraces and Seasonal Views

The Odo-no-Kuchi viewpoint looks out over the Odo-no-Kuchi rice terraces, which are among Japan’s 100 Selected Rice Terraces. The Tochimata rice terraces are also included in this selection; their landscape changes with the seasons. These descriptions emphasize different things: at Odo-no-Kuchi, the focus is on the named terraces, while at Tochimata, it is on how the landscape changes over the course of the year. If you are interested in agricultural landscapes, this difference offers a practical guide for planning your trip.

Panoramic Ride and Freshwater

The Takachiho Amaterasu Railway offers a 30-minute panoramic ride on its own Super Carts along the former Takachiho Railway line, which was closed after a typhoon. As the attraction’s operating status may vary, check the latest information before making plans. The ride is the main attraction here; for a different perspective on water and scenery, visit the freshwater aquarium in Takachiho Gorge.

The aquarium uses spring water from Tamadare Falls and displays around 100 species. These include freshwater fish from the Gokase River system, as well as tropical freshwater fish from Brazil and Africa. The approximate number of species and their different places of origin give a visit here a different focus from the mythological traditions surrounding Amanomanai: here, the emphasis is on the fish and their habitats.

Products from Takachiho

Kihachi no Kura, the sales outlet at Gamadase Market, offers plenty of freshly harvested vegetables and processed agricultural products, mainly from Takachiho. This adds a focus on local produce to the area’s historical and scenic attractions. When choosing a hotel in Takachiho, you can start your search by considering the interests that will shape your stay.

For the broader travel overview: Miyazaki Prefecture.