Trip to Miyazaki & Aso Day 3 – 1: Takachiho Gorge

It was already the final day of our trip. We finally made it to Takachiho Gorge!
We had booked a boat for 11:00 AM, so until then, we decided to stroll along the walking trail toward Manai Falls.

First, we parked our car at the No. 3 Ohashi Parking Lot and entered the trail from there.

The gallery below shows photos from the trail.
There were already so many gorgeous spots along the way.

Here is a map of Takachiho Gorge.
We walked along the river from the left side of the map.

Finally, the long-awaited photo spot at Takachiho Gorge!
I’ve seen it in photos so many times, but seeing it in person made me so happy!
I enthusiastically tried to take photos, but they just didn’t look like the ones in the brochures.
Plus, zooming in with my iPhone made the photo quality a bit grainy…

So, I took a photo from a slightly elevated spot at 1x zoom.
Apparently, Takachiho Gorge looks its absolute best during the hour around noon.
The photo was taken around 9:30 AM, so it was still a bit too early.
Since our boat ride was scheduled for 30 minutes starting at 11:00 AM, my heart was full of excitement.

They were selling magatama (comma-shaped beads) and heart-shaped plates made from the clay of Takachiho Gorge.
They were 150 yen each.
The sign suggested writing a wish or a message to someone special to take home as a souvenir.
You just drop the money into the offering box.

Instead of taking them home, many people tie them up here to make a prayer.

Onokoro Island, located in a pond at the top of the walking trail.

There was also a watermill.

Right next to the pond, there was an area lined with souvenir shops.

30Takachiho Gorge viewed from Mihashi Bridge.

Finally, it was time for the boat ride!
We rode this rowboat. Off we go!

Since you row backward, you can’t see where you’re going…
It was a bit tricky for a total beginner like me.
And since almost everyone else in the other boats was a beginner too, it was quite a struggle…
I left the photography to my kid and focused entirely on rowing.

This is right in front of Manai Falls.
I edited them out, but there were actually boats gathered here.
Some people were trying to take photos, while others couldn’t steer properly and got stuck.
To move forward, you had to pass them, but passing meant getting pretty close to the waterfall.
However, if you got too close, you’d get soaked!
Because of that, a little “boat traffic jam” had formed here.

We got about this close, which was a little scary for beginners.

We finally made it through to the other side.
You could see the bridge, and it looked quite lovely.

Here is a shot taken by my mother-in-law.
It might actually be the prettiest one!

Rowing a boat is definitely a bit tough if you’re not used to it.
I didn’t even have time to enjoy the scenery (lol).
After that, I thought about taking more photos at the observation deck, but it turned cloudy, so we decided to call it a day. We said goodbye to the magnificent Takachiho Gorge and headed toward Aso.

I wonder if we’ll be able to visit again someday?

Since the section on Takachiho Gorge got so long, I’ll write about Aso in the next post.
Have a wonderful day!