🌄 Kyushu, Japan | Takachiho Area Travel Guide
Celebrated my birthday in August with a self-driving tour in Kyushu, Japan 🚗. The overall route was to fly to Kumamoto ✈️, start playing from Takachiho, then go to Aso, and finally return to Kumamoto. This article will share in detail the strategies for Takachiho, Amanoiwato Shrine, and Kamikuri Jinja Shrine (Aso Volcano and Kumamoto will be saved for the next issue 😆, along with a vlog 📹). 1️⃣ Takachiho Gorge: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 ✨Takachiho Gorge was formed by the volcanic eruption of Mount Aso, featuring a 17-meter-high 'Namioi Waterfall'. ✨For boat rides, remember to book on the official website two weeks in advance; otherwise, you might have to wait in line for up to 5 hours ❗️Each boat ride lasts 30 minutes and can accommodate up to 3 people ❗️ 🚘 It's a one and a half-hour drive from Kumamoto Airport. ✨There are 3 parking lots 🅿️. One is right next to the boat rental (500 yen). Another is a 10-minute walk to the boat rental (300 yen), which is recommended! You can take photos of the gorge along the way ❗️The last parking lot is free but requires a 30-minute walk. 2️⃣ Takachiho Shrine: 🌟🌟🌟 ✨With a long history, it was built over 1900 years ago. ✨It has several large cedar trees, including the 800-year-old 'Chichibukisugi' and the giant 'Futago Sugi'. 🚘 It's a 5-minute drive from Takachiho Gorge 🚘 and a 20-minute walk (you can easily reach the shrine after a short walk). ✨Not a must-see spot, but since it's close to Takachiho Gorge, it can be visited at the same time. 2️⃣ Amanoiwato Shrine & Amanoiwato Plain: 🌟🌟🌟🌟 ✨Amanoiwato Shrine is divided into East Main Hall and West Main Hall. ✨It takes a 10-minute walk through Amanoiwato Shrine to reach Amanoiwato Plain (a large cavern). It is said that this is where gods gather to meet. ✨It is believed that if you stack stones here and make a wish, it will come true. 🚘 It's a 20-minute drive from Takachiho Gorge and a 15-minute drive from Takachiho Shrine. Be sure to wear anti-slip shoes. ✨If you're looking forward to Amanoiwato Plain, the photos are better than the actual scenery! However, the scenery along the way is good, and the numerous stacked stones are a unique sight. 2️⃣ Kamikuri Jinja Shrine: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 ✨Covered in moss, the torii gate, towering cedar trees, and stone lanterns along the path give the shrine a mysterious atmosphere. ✨It takes about 15-20 minutes to walk from the parking lot to the worship hall, involving about 400 steps. ✨From the back of the worship hall, it's a 5-minute walk up a small path to the huge wind hole 'Toreana Iwa'. 🚘 It's about a 45-minute drive from Takachiho Gorge, and you can visit Aso Volcano before or after visiting here. 🍱 Takachiho Cuisine 🥩 Takachiho beef is a famous black-haired beef in Japan. 🍴 Restaurants to try: Nagomi Takachiho Beef Restaurant ✨Ordered a sirloin steak (6200 yen for 200g), the meat is soft, but overall, I felt the iron plate temperature was not high enough, lacking in aroma. 🚗 Rented a car from Toyota Rent A Car for 5 days with full insurance for about 2000 Hong Kong dollars, picked up and returned directly at Kumamoto Airport 🙋🏻♀️ #UnderratedHiddenGem #VisitQuaintTowns #JapanTravelGuide #KyushuSelfTour #JapanTravel #SelfDriveTour
