The Takachiho and Gokase area lies in the Kyushu Mountains of north-western Miyazaki Prefecture, between Kumamoto Prefecture (Aso and Yamato) to the west and Nobeoka on the Pacific side to the east. Columnar basalt cliffs carved by the Gokase River form Takachiho Gorge and Manai Falls at the heart of the town, surrounded by Takachiho Shrine, Amanoiwato Shrine and Amanoyasukawara, Kunimigaoka viewpoint and the Takachiho Amaterasu Railway. Just to the west in Gokase Town sit Unoko Falls and Gokase Winery at 600 m elevation.
This guide follows a full-day drive from Michi-no-Eki Seiunbashi in Hinokage Town via Amanoiwato Shrine and Takachiho Gorge to Gokase Town, with every main road and stop listed below.
Map of the Takachiho area
- Views and nature
- Roadside stations
- 1Michi-no-Eki Kitakata Yocchimiroya
- 2Michi-no-Eki Seiunbashi
- 3Amanoiwato Shrine
- 4Amanoyasukawara
- 5Aratate Shrine
- 6Kushifuru Shrine
- 7Takachiho Amaterasu Railway
- 8Kunimigaoka
- 9Michi-no-Eki Takachiho
- 10Takachiho Shrine
- 11Takachiho Gorge & Manai Falls
- 12Unoko Falls
- 13Gokase Winery
Line: 2 → 3 → 5 → 7 → 8 → 9 → 10 → 11 → 12 → 13
The map could not be loaded. Use the junction-by-junction directions below.
The line follows the full-day route below, "First visit: one day from Seiunbashi via Amanoiwato and Takachiho Gorge to Gokase". Numbers mark the stops: green for scenery and nature, blue for roadside stations. Tap a marker to see its name.
Recommended drives
First visit: one day from Seiunbashi via Amanoiwato and Takachiho Gorge to Gokase
Start on Route 218 on the eastern side at Michi-no-Eki Seiunbashi, beside the Seiun Bridge (137 m above the water and 410 m long). Take the free section of the Kyushu-Chuo Expressway (the 5.1 km Takachiho-Hinokage Road) to Hinokage-Fukazumi IC, then climb the Shinwa Agri Road and Prefectural Route 7 to Amanoiwato Shrine (Amanoyasukawara cave is about 10 minutes on foot from the West Shrine).
Drop down into central Takachiho to visit Aratate Shrine, the Takachiho Amaterasu Railway, Kunimigaoka, Michi-no-Eki Takachiho, Takachiho Shrine and Takachiho Gorge (Manai Falls), then head west on Route 218 into Gokase Town for Unoko Falls and Gokase Winery (600 m elevation). If you arrive from Aso Kumamoto Airport or Yamato-Tsujunbashi IC, follow the same route in reverse from Gokase eastwards.
The route is about 58 km, with around 1 hour 10 minutes of driving. Distance and time are calculated from map data and exclude traffic. Every section on the route is toll-free. Between late September and early December, if you want to catch the sea of clouds at Kunimigaoka, head up to Kunimigaoka before dawn first and then visit Takachiho Gorge and Amanoiwato Shrine.
Takachiho Gorge parking and rowboat reservations
Paid car parks at Takachiho Gorge, in order from closest to the gorge, are No. 1 Oshioi (¥1,000), No. 2 Araragi (¥1,000; about 15 minutes and 700 m on foot to the boat dock), No. 3 Ohashi (¥800, first 60 minutes free; about 20 minutes and 1 km on foot) and No. 4 Oshikata (¥500, first 60 minutes free; about 25 minutes and 1.5 km on foot). No. 3 and No. 4 charge from 8:00 to 17:00 and are free overnight; the No. 5 Taguchino car park is closed. Vehicles over 2 m wide or 5 m long cannot enter the paid car parks. Part of the riverside footpath from the No. 3 Ohashi car park has been closed since 22 June 2025, so follow the signed detour on site.
On forecast peak days in November 2026 (1–3, 7–8, 14–15 and 21–23 November), a shuttle bus links the car parks every 20–30 minutes between 8:30 and 17:00 (¥300 for junior-high age and over, ¥200 for elementary-school children; cash only).
Rental rowboats (8:30–17:00, last entry 16:30; 30 minutes, up to 3 passengers per boat or up to 4 including pre-school children) cost ¥5,100 per boat on every day of November 2026 and require advance online booking. Reservations open online from 9:00 two weeks before your visit until 9:00 two days before; 13–15 November are sold out with no same-day tickets. Boats suspend operation when river levels rise.
Shortcut to Amanoiwato Shrine and sat-nav setup for Amanoyasukawara
When approaching Amanoiwato Shrine from Nobeoka on holiday weekends, turning off Route 218 at Makado Intersection (about 11 km) backs up with traffic. Exit the Kyushu-Chuo Expressway at Hinokage-Fukazumi IC instead and take the Shinwa Agri Road (Municipal Road Nishifukazumi-Iwato Line, about 9 km and 7 minutes) to bypass the congestion.
Amanoyasukawara has no dedicated car park. Entering "Amanoyasukawara" in a car sat-nav directs you to shopfronts with no parking, so set your destination to "Amanoiwato Shrine", park in Car Parks No. 1–4 and walk about 10 minutes from the West Shrine.
Roads you can drive
| Road | What to expect | Length and cost | Hours and restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kyushu-Chuo Expressway (Kitakata-Nobeoka Road, Takachiho-Hinokage Road, Yamato-Tsujunbashi IC) | Motorway-standard approaches from both the Nobeoka and Kumamoto sides | Open sections in Miyazaki Prefecture (Nobeoka JCT/IC–Kurata Intersection and the 5.1 km Hirasoko–Unkaibashi section) are free | Kurata Intersection–Nobeoka JCT/IC is closed overnight on weeknights 20:00–6:00 from 19 October to 6:00 on 14 November 2026 (excluding weekends and holidays; detour via Route 218). Gokase-Takachiho Road (9.2 km) and Takachiho-Unkaibashi Road (3.3 km) are not yet open |
| National Route 218 | Main east–west trunk road linking Gokase, Takachiho, Hinokage (Seiun Bridge) and Nobeoka | Free | Makado Intersection in Takachiho gets congested over holiday periods. Snow closures or chain regulations can apply in winter |
| National Routes 325 and 265 | Western approaches into Takachiho and Gokase from Aso Kumamoto Airport, Minami-Aso and Takamori | Free | Mountain sections near the Kumamoto border can face snow closures or chain regulations in winter |
| Prefectural Route 7 (Ogata-Takachiho Line) and Shinwa Agri Road | Access roads to Amanoiwato Shrine from Makado Intersection or Hinokage-Fukazumi IC | About 9 km (7 minutes) from Hinokage-Fukazumi IC, or about 11 km from Makado Intersection; free | Coming from Nobeoka, the Shinwa Agri Road avoids holiday queues at Makado Intersection |
| Prefectural Route 8 (Taketa-Gokase Line) and local roads in Gokase | Links Route 218 in Gokase with Unoko Falls and Gokase Winery | Free | Runs around 600 m elevation, so watch for icy surfaces in winter. The side road to Shirataki Falls (900 m elevation) has narrow passing places |
| Road to Kunimigaoka (Prefectural Route 203 Habu-Takachiho Line and town road) | Climb from central Takachiho to the 513 m Kunimigaoka viewpoint | Free | Pre-dawn traffic concentrates here during the sea-of-clouds season (late September–early December). Watch for early-morning frost in winter |
| Town roads and footpath around Takachiho Gorge | Connects Car Parks No. 1 Oshioi, No. 2 Araragi, No. 3 Ohashi and No. 4 Oshikata | Road free (parking ¥500–¥1,000) | Vehicles over 2 m wide or 5 m long cannot enter the paid car parks. Part of the footpath from No. 3 Ohashi has been closed since 22 June 2025; use the detour |
Places to stop
Views and nature
Numbers match the map.
| No. | Place | Parking | What to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | Amanoiwato Shrine (West and East Shrines) | Car Parks No. 1–4 | Shrine office 8:30–17:00. Guided viewing of the sacred Amanoiwato cave behind the West Shrine (10–15 minutes) is free. Museum 9:00–16:00: adults ¥300, under 18 free |
| 4 | Amanoyasukawara | Use Amanoiwato Shrine car parks (no dedicated parking) | About 10 minutes on foot along the Iwato River from the West Shrine, with stairs and no street lights. Set sat-navs to Amanoiwato Shrine. Restricted for a private service from 16:30 on 16 November 2026 |
| 5 | Aratate Shrine | Free parking | Shrine to Sarutahiko-no-Mikoto and Ame-no-Uzume-no-Mikoto, associated with performing arts and matchmaking; visitors strike a wooden clapper 7 times |
| 6 | Kushifuru Shrine | Free parking | Historic shrine on Kushifuru Peak, traditionally linked to the descent of the heavenly grandchildren; about 3 minutes by car from Takachiho Shrine |
| 7 | Takachiho Amaterasu Railway (former Takachiho Station and bridge) | Free parking | Open-top Grand Super Cart runs 5.1 km return in 30 minutes onto the 105 m-high Takachiho Railway Bridge (60 passengers per departure). High-school age and over ¥2,300, elementary/junior-high ¥1,500, pre-school ¥800 (includes ¥100 entry). Same-day counter tickets only (no advance booking), reception 9:00–15:25 (first cart 10:20 from 14 December to 28 February). Closed third Thursday of each month (19 November in November 2026) and in rain or strong wind |
| 8 | Kunimigaoka | Free parking | Viewpoint at 513 m elevation. Sea of clouds forms on clear, calm mornings from late September to early December; about 15 minutes by car from Takachiho Bus Center |
| 10 | Takachiho Shrine | Free parking (about 100 spaces) | Main shrine among ancient cedars including the Meoto-sugi and 800-year-old Chichibu-sugi. Nightly Takachiho Kagura dance 20:00–21:00 (¥1,000 per person, elementary age and under free; capacity about 300: 230 online reservations plus 50–60 same-day tickets). Regular nightly performance suspended on 22–23 November and on 31 December–1 January |
| 11 | Takachiho Gorge and Manai Falls | No. 1 Oshioi and No. 2 Araragi ¥1,000, No. 3 Ohashi ¥800, No. 4 Oshikata ¥500 (No. 5 Taguchino closed) | Columnar basalt cliffs averaging 80 m and reaching 100 m stretch for 7 km, with 17 m Manai Falls. Rowboats 8:30–17:00 (last entry 16:30); ¥5,100 per boat by advance reservation only throughout November 2026 (13–15 November sold out) |
| 12 | Unoko Falls | Free parking | A 20 m waterfall plunging into a 5,000 sq m basin in the mountains of Gokase Town, with an observation deck and trail down to the basin |
| 13 | Gokase Winery | Free parking | Hilltop winery at 600 m elevation. Shop 9:30–17:00 (until 16:30 in December–February; closed over New Year); restaurant 11:00–14:00 (last entry 13:15; closed Wednesdays and Thursdays) |
Roadside stations
| No. | Roadside station | Parking | What to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Michi-no-Eki Kitakata Yocchimiroya | 32 ordinary, 8 large; free | Beside Kurata Intersection on the Kyushu-Chuo Expressway. Farm shop 8:00–18:30 (until 18:00 in January–February; open all year), snack corner 10:00–16:00 (closed 31 December–2 January). Toilets and information open 24 hours; EV charger |
| 2 | Michi-no-Eki Seiunbashi | 50 ordinary, 2 medium, 5 large; free | On Route 218 overlooking Seiun Bridge (137 m high, 410 m long). Shop 9:00–18:00, restaurant 10:00–16:00, tourist information 8:30–17:00; closed on irregular days. Toilets open 24 hours; 1 EV charger |
| 9 | Michi-no-Eki Takachiho | 74 ordinary, 7 large; free | On Route 218 near Shinto Takachiho Bridge. Shop 8:30–17:00, restaurant 10:30–16:00, road information hall 9:00–16:45 (staffed tourist desk 10:00–15:00, irregular closures); open all year. Toilets open 24 hours; EV charger |
Best seasons and crowds
| Season | Highlights and cautions |
|---|---|
| Late September–early December | Sea-of-clouds season at Kunimigaoka on clear, windless mornings. In November, autumn foliage at Takachiho Gorge brings heavy demand for parking and rowboats |
| Forecast peak days in November 2026 (1–3, 7–8, 14–15 and 21–23 November) | Shuttle bus at Takachiho Gorge runs every 20–30 minutes from 8:30 to 17:00 (¥300 junior-high age and over, ¥200 elementary; cash only) |
| 22–23 November 2026 | Takachiho Night Kagura Festival at Takachiho Shrine (about 18:00–21:30 on the 22nd, about 10:00–21:30 on the 23rd; free admission; regular nightly Kagura suspended both nights) |
| Mid-November–mid-February | Village Night Kagura season across districts of Takachiho Town |
| December–March | Snow falls several times a winter. Carry winter tyres or chains on Routes 218, 325 and 265 towards Kumamoto and around Kunimigaoka (513 m) and Gokase Winery (600 m) |
Sunrise is at 6:41 and sunset at 17:16 on 13 November 2026, and sunrise is at 6:55 and sunset at 17:10 on 30 November (Miyazaki).
Roads and restrictions checked on 13 November 2026
- On the Kyushu-Chuo Expressway (Kitakata-Nobeoka Road), Kurata Intersection to Nobeoka JCT/IC is closed overnight from 20:00 to 6:00 on weeknights between 19 October and 6:00 on 14 November 2026 (excluding weekends and holidays; detour via Route 218).
- At Takachiho Gorge, part of the footpath from the No. 3 Ohashi car park has been closed since 22 June 2025, with a signed detour in place. The No. 5 Taguchino car park is closed.
- At Amanoyasukawara, visitor access is restricted from 16:30 on 16 November 2026 for a private service.
- Takachiho Gorge rowboats suspend operation during high river levels, and the Takachiho Amaterasu Railway suspends operation in rain or strong wind.
Getting there and fuel
| Starting point | Approximate drive |
|---|---|
| Aso Kumamoto Airport | Gokase Town 60 km and about 1 hour 5 minutes; Amanoiwato Shrine about 1 hour 30 minutes; Takachiho Town about 2 hours |
| Kyushu-Chuo Expressway, Yamato-Tsujunbashi IC | Gokase Winery about 30 minutes; Amanoiwato Shrine and Michi-no-Eki Seiunbashi about 60 minutes |
| Higashi-Kyushu / Kyushu-Chuo Expressway, Nobeoka JCT/IC | Michi-no-Eki Seiunbashi about 30 minutes. From Hinokage-Fukazumi IC via the Shinwa Agri Road to Amanoiwato Shrine: about 9 km and 7 minutes |
| Miyazaki Airport | Takachiho Town about 2 hours; Amanoiwato Shrine about 2 hours 15 minutes. From Miyazaki City to Gokase Town: 145 km and about 2 hours 15 minutes |
| Aso City | Gokase Town 54 km and about 1 hour 15 minutes |
| Fukuoka Airport | Takachiho Town about 3 hours via expressways and national highways |
There are no service areas or petrol stations on the free sections of the Kyushu-Chuo Expressway, and none of the 3 roadside stations has a fuel pump. Refuel in Nobeoka, along Route 218 in central Takachiho, or in Yamato or Takamori in Kumamoto Prefecture before heading into the mountains around Amanoiwato, Kunimigaoka and Gokase. EVs can charge at all 3 roadside stations: Michi-no-Eki Takachiho, Michi-no-Eki Seiunbashi (1 charger) and Michi-no-Eki Kitakata Yocchimiroya.
If you don't have a car
Drivers enter Takachiho and Gokase from both Aso Kumamoto Airport and Miyazaki Airport. Compare rental branches in the Kumamoto Airport car rental comparison and the Miyazaki car rental comparison. Before booking, review the driving-permit requirements in Japan and how airport car rental pickup works.
Frequently asked questions
Where should I drive with one day in Takachiho and Gokase?
Start at Michi-no-Eki Seiunbashi, take Hinokage-Fukazumi IC and the Shinwa Agri Road to Amanoiwato Shrine (walking to Amanoyasukawara), visit Aratate Shrine, the Takachiho Amaterasu Railway, Kunimigaoka, Michi-no-Eki Takachiho, Takachiho Shrine and Takachiho Gorge, and continue west on Route 218 to Unoko Falls and Gokase Winery. The drive is about 58 km and around 1 hour 10 minutes before stops. Coming from Kumamoto Airport, follow the route in reverse from Gokase.
Can I rent a rowboat at Takachiho Gorge without a reservation?
Throughout November 2026, rowboats cost ¥5,100 per boat and require advance online booking between 9:00 two weeks before your visit and 9:00 two days before (13–15 November are sold out with no same-day tickets). Hours are 8:30–17:00 (last entry 16:30), and boats stop running when river levels are high.
Where do I park for Takachiho Gorge and Amanoyasukawara?
At Takachiho Gorge, paid car parks closest to the gorge are No. 1 Oshioi (¥1,000), No. 2 Araragi (¥1,000), No. 3 Ohashi (¥800, first 60 minutes free) and No. 4 Oshikata (¥500, first 60 minutes free); vehicles over 2 m wide or 5 m long cannot enter, and No. 5 Taguchino is closed. Amanoyasukawara has no car park of its own—set your sat-nav to Amanoiwato Shrine, park in Car Parks No. 1–4 and walk about 10 minutes from the West Shrine.
Is the Kyushu-Chuo Expressway free?
Yes, the open sections in Miyazaki Prefecture—the Kitakata-Nobeoka Road (Nobeoka JCT/IC to Kurata Intersection) and the 5.1 km Takachiho-Hinokage Road (Hirasoko Intersection via Hinokage-Fukazumi IC to Unkaibashi Intersection)—are free. Because the Gokase-Takachiho Road (9.2 km) and Takachiho-Unkaibashi Road (3.3 km) are not yet open, you use Route 218 between the open sections.
Can I drive on ordinary tyres in winter?
Snow falls several times a winter, and snow closures, chain regulations and early-morning ice affect Routes 218, 325 and 265 towards Kumamoto as well as Kunimigaoka (513 m) and Gokase Winery (600 m). Fit winter tyres or carry chains in winter.
Nearby areas and guides
- Nichinan Coast driving guide: Aoshima, Udo Jingu, Obi and Cape Toi
- Aso and Yamanami Highway Day Drive: Map, Times, Parking and Crater Restrictions
- Aso Driving Guide: Recommended Routes, Map, Roads, Places to Stop and Crater Restrictions
- Miyazaki Prefecture driving and travel guide
- Kumamoto Prefecture driving and travel guide
Sources & photo creditsLast verified 2026-11-13
- MLIT Kyushu Regional Development Bureau (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-11-13
- MLIT Kyushu Regional Development Bureau (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-11-13
- Amanoiwato Shrine (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-11-13
- Takachiho Tourist Association (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-11-13
- MLIT Kyushu Regional Development Bureau (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-11-13
- Takachiho Tourist Association (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-11-13
- MLIT Kyushu Regional Development Bureau (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-11-13
- MLIT Kyushu Regional Development Bureau (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-11-13
- MLIT Kyushu Regional Development Bureau (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-11-13
- Gokase Town (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-11-13
- Miyazaki Prefecture (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-11-13
- Miyazaki Prefecture (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-11-13
- MLIT Kyushu Regional Development Bureau (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-11-13
- Gokase Town (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-11-13
- Gokase Winery (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-11-13
- Takachiho Tourist Association (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-11-13
- Takachiho Town (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-11-13
- Takachiho Tourist Association (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-11-13
- Takachiho Tourist Association (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-11-13
- Takachiho Tourist Association (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-11-13
- Takachiho Tourist Association (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-11-13
- Takachiho Tourist Association (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-11-13
- Takachiho Tourist Association (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-11-13
- Takachiho Tourist Association (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-11-13
- Takachiho Tourist Association (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-11-13
- Takachiho Tourist Association (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-11-13
- Takachiho Amaterasu Railway (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-11-13
- Takachiho Tourist Association (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-11-13
- Takachiho Amaterasu Railway (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-11-13
- Takachiho Amaterasu Railway (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-11-13
- Takachiho Tourist Association (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-11-13
- Amanoiwato Shrine (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-11-13
- Amanoiwato Shrine (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-11-13
- Amanoiwato Shrine (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-11-13
- Takachiho Tourist Association (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-11-13
- Amanoiwato Shrine (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-11-13
- Takachiho Tourist Association (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-11-13
- Takachiho Tourist Association (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-11-13
- Takachiho Tourist Association (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-11-13
- Gokase Town (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-11-13
- Gokase Winery (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-11-13
- MLIT Kyushu Regional Development Bureau (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-11-13
- Takachiho Tourist Association (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-11-13
- Michi-no-Eki Seiunbashi (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-11-13
- MLIT Kyushu Regional Development Bureau (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-11-13
- MLIT Kyushu Regional Development Bureau (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-11-13
- Takachiho Tourist Association (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-11-13
- Hinokage Town (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-11-13
- National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-11-13
- National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-11-13
- Japan Meteorological Agency (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-11-13
- Japan Meteorological Agency (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-11-13
- OpenStreetMap (map positions and route; © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL; route calculated with OSRM) · 2026-11-13
- Manai Falls and the columnar basalt cliffs along the Gokase River in Takachiho Gorge, Miyazaki Prefecture (photographed March 2025) · Photographed 2025-03-30 · The Modern Polymath · Source · CC BY-SA 4.0
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