*On the outskirts of Kumamoto rests a very quiet and surreal place, a place of natural beauty, the Takachiho Gorge is a gorgeous place where you can visit Shinto shrines, the Amano Iwato Shrine faces the mythical cave of the sun goddess Amaterasu. Kunimigaoka hill’s observation deck has views of the surrounding Kyushu Mountains. You can also rent a boat and travel up and down the gorge for approx 30 min and seating is between 3-4 people, if you are not familiar with rowing a boat, the staff will gladly assist you and give you a quick crash course on the proper procedures on rowing and depending on how many people are in the river it is unavoidable to not hit someone once or twice, don’t worry it’s pretty much accepted, doesn’t lessen or dull the fun.
The high point of the boat ride is when you reach the “Manai Falls” and just remember to keep the boat steady when approaching the fall otherwise if you wander in too close you will get soaked. Whether you’re with that special person or with the entire family, this is a very beautiful and awe-inspiring ride just on the visuals alone. Easy to get to, check out the link at the bottom to get more info.
Address location:
Takachiho, Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki, Japan
**The rental boat’s go for around: ¥2,000 for 30 minutes
The rental boat’s capacity: 3 people per boat or 4 if two passengers are under 6 years old.
Rental hours: 8:30 ~ 16:30 daily Summer extended hours: 7:30 ~ 18:00**
After visiting the Gorge. I decided to head off to a small hole-in-the-wall family restaurant that serves classic Japanese homestyle cooking in a very old traditional style way of grilling over a giant wood firepit. Fresh trout and locally grown veggies that are slow-cooked over wood briquets and then finally covered with a lusciously thick and savory miso paste. A definite must if you are visiting Kumamoto.
Website: http://dengakumura.com
English
Name of restaurant: Takamori Taraga-mura Aso
Address: 814-2 Kamishikimi, Takamori, Aso District, Kumamoto 869-1601, Japan
Japanese
Name of the restaurant: 当地郷土料理 高森田楽村 阿蘇
Address: 〒869-1601 熊本県阿蘇郡高森町上色見814-2