The Devil’s Washboard

Make sure you come to Aoshima at the right time when the tide is low. This is the only time you will be able to see the natural formations called ‘Oni no sentaku ita‘ or ‘the Devil’s washboard’. The ridges that were formed by the ever-moving waves on the basalt rocks do indeed resemble a washboard. They look quite artificial because of the very straight lines that were formed.  Oni no sentaku ita is one of those spots you just have to take a picture of if you’ve traveled to Miyazaki.

Other Attractions of Aoshima

You might see a lot of happy couples heading to a shrine that is set amidst the jungle on Aoshima. This is Aoshima Jinja, a shrine that is supposed to bring luck to couples, and the amulets you can buy here are supposed to strengthen your bond. Also if you are single it is a good place to go, as you can buy an amulet that can help you on your way to your future partner. Even the previous Emperor and his wife have visited this spot, making it even more popular.

Beach lovers will also surely love this place, as there is a pretty white sand beach with crystal clear waters. Aoshima Beach Park is worth a stop of a few hours to cool off in the hot summer months. Flower lovers should check out Miyakoh Botanic Garden Aoshima, with over 200 species of plants growing there.

Your Japan Tour

As seasoned Japan experts, we can help you create your perfect Japan tour including destinations like Kyushu and Aoshima. Contact us to start planning your unforgettable holiday to this fascinating country full of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, culture, history, nature, and delicious food!

Area Map

Deities Izanagi and Izanami created Japan in ancient times. They had three children, Amaterasu was the goddess of the sun, Tsukuyomi was the goddess of the moon or night, and Susanoo, the youngest son, was the god of the sea. Susanoo was childish and cried all the time because he wanted to see his mother. He didn’t govern the country.  Amaterasu tried to make him a good adult but he became very violent. So she got angry and gave up raising him. She then hid in the cave. The sun disappeared and the world has become dark by losing the light.

It is said this cave is in Takachiho. A Shinto shrine was constructed at this site. It is called Amano Iwato Shrine. Ama means heaven and Iwato means stone cave.

Yokagura Dance

The Yokagura is a traditional dance performed by local men, and its secrets have been passed down from generation to generation. Its 33 dances act out various episodes from Japanese myths. Out of these dances, the most famous one is when the sun goddess Amaterasu hides in a cave as explained above.

The season of the dancing starts in November and goes on until February. The dances are performed in local houses and community centers and everyone is welcomed. An offering of money or shochu is expected (there is a reception desk), especially if you stay to watch the whole set of dances. So the Yokagura dance season provides the visitor with a unique opportunity to be welcomed into a local Japanese community and to savor the hospitality of the locals. While the men dance, the women provide a constant stream of home-made noodles and vegetable dishes. And of course, there is also a lot of shochu to drink.

Takachiho Yokagura at Takachiho Shrine

The Yokagura lasts all night long. If you are a tourist it may be difficult to stay and watch the whole 33 acts. So I recommend Takachiho Kagura which consists of 4 acts out of 33 and is played every night at the Takachiho Shrine. It starts at 20:00 and lasts for about one hour. The brief stories of these 4 acts are as follows.

Dance of Tajikarao

Tajikarao was a god known for his great strength. When the sun goddess Amaterasu hid in a cave，Tajikarao went searching for her. Tajikarao suspected that Amaterasu hid in Amano Iwato cave. This dance depicts Tajikarao listening for any sounds that would prove that Amaterasu was actually in the cave.

Dance of Ameno-Uzume

When the gods were sure that Amaterasu was hiding in the Amano Iwato Cave, they gathered in front of the cave. Ameno－uzume then performed a very unusual dance, which made the other gods laugh and make much noise. The laughter made Amaterasu curious, so she peeked out from the cave.

Totori Dance

When Amaterasu peeked out from the cave, Tajikarao removed the stone door of the cave. This dance depicts Tajikarao gathering his strength and removing the stone door.

Goshintai Dance

This dance depicts Izanagi and Izanami, the god and goddess who created Japan, as they make and drink sake．These two gods are known for their long and loving marriage. This dance is also known as ‘The creation of Japan’ dance.

This last dance is like a comedy. It is a love story, so at the end of the dance, the actors may come down to the audience and try to hug the spectators!

Your Japan Tour

As seasoned Japan experts, we create perfect Japan package tours including destinations like Miyazaki. Check out our group tours and private tours, or contact us to start planning your unforgettable holiday to this fascinating country. Japn is full of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, culture, history, nature, and delicious food!

Access Information

Access: There are direct express buses to Takachiho Bus Center from the major train stations in Kyushu. From Hakata, Kumamoto, Miyazaki, and Nobeoka. Then it takes 15 minutes to walk to the Takachiho Shrine from the bus center.
Entrance: 1,000 yen
Hours: 8 pm – 9 pm

Takachiho Area Map

Takachiho Gorge

The Takachiho Gorge, located in the southern part of the city, is quite famous as a tourist attraction.
The turquoise waters combined with the waterfalls are a sight to behold. The Minainotaki Fall, 17 meters high, is undoubtedly the most impressive. On a boat ride along the river, you can appreciate the waterfall from up close and let yourself be encapsulated by the mist it generates when it falls. You will float along the river that flows between narrow walls, resulting in a vibrant experience.

Amanoiwato Shrine

Takachiho is known as a place of mythology. There is a very important and interesting story that revolves around the shrine. A cave called Amano Iwato is where Amaterasu, the goddess of the sun, hid when she got angry at her brother and the world became dark. The sun recovered when the other gods performed a funny dance.

Amano Yasugawara is another cave, but you can feel as if you are in a mythological world.

Yokagura

Yokagura is a traditional dance performed by local men, its secrets passed down from generation to generation. It’s a 33-dance act that shows various episodes from Japanese myths, the most famous of which is when the sun goddess Amaterasu hides in a cave as explained above. Takachiho Kagura is a shortened version that consists of 4 out of 33 acts and is played every night at Takachiho Shrine.

Other Attractions

The abundant vegetation creates an environment that contributes to the peace and beauty of the area. Cherry trees and azaleas are very beautiful in the spring. To appreciate these flowers, you can go trekking in this area. The most impressive views are obtained from the Kunimigaoka viewpoint, which is located 513 meters above sea level.

Your Japan Tour

As seasoned Japan experts, we create perfect Japan package tours including destinations like Kyushu. Check out our group tours and private tours, or contact us to start planning your unforgettable holiday to this fascinating country full of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, culture, history, nature, and delicious food!

Access Information

Access: There are direct express buses to Takachiho from the major train stations in Kyushu. From Hakata, Kumamoto, Miyazaki, and Nobeoka.

Takachiho Area Map