Takachiho Gorge　高千穂峡 Besides the shrines and temples, Takachiho Gorge is considered one of the most spectacular sights in all of Japan. Over a million yearly visitors come to the gorge to take a rowboat down the river and through the narrow, waterfall-ridden chasm, associated to the birthplace of the nation. Location: 高千穂峡 (map) Oshioi Mitai, 高千穂町 … Continue reading Outdoors

Despite its small size, Takachiho does afford quite a few gastronomic delights. There are numerous restaurants available that offer both great food and great atmosphere. Tentsukuten　てんつくてん A typical Japanese izakaya (, ‘tavern/pub-eatery’) hides its grand appeal in a tricky location in town. Authentically Japanese, you can enjoy fried eggplant, cheese balls, the prefectural specialty ‘chicken … Continue reading Food & Drinks

ACOOP　Ａコープ高千穂店 One of the two bigger grocery stores in town. It is often cheaper and has more selection of produce. It also has big sales. Location:　Ａコープ高千穂店 〒882-1101 宮崎県西臼杵郡高千穂町三田井33-5 Website: http://www.acoopmz.com/ TEL: 0982-73-1310 Azuro　アズーロ The other larger grocery store. Has a good selection of foods that ACOOP doesn’t have. If you can’t find something at ACOOP, chances are Azuro may … Continue reading Shopping

Hospitals and Clinics Takachiho-cho National Health Insurance Hospital　高千穂町国民健康保険病院 One of the best hospitals in the area. If you are seriously hurt or injured, you will probably be sent here or to Kumamoto. Has some of the best surgeons in the prefecture. Location: 高千穂町国民健康保険病院 (map) 435-1 Mitai, Takachiho-chō, Nishiusuki-gun, Miyazaki-ken 882-1101 Website:http://www.takachiho-hp.jp/ TEL: 0982-73-1700 Dr. Sato’s Clinic　佐藤医院 Said to … Continue reading Health & Fitness

Takachiho Gorge　高千穂峡 Besides the shrines and temples, Takachiho Gorge is considered one of the most spectacular sights in all of Japan. Over a million yearly visitors come to the gorge to take a rowboat down the river and through the narrow, waterfall-ridden chasm, associated with the birthplace of the nation. Location: 高千穂峡 (map) Oshioi Mitai, 高千穂町 … Continue reading Sights & Attractions

Yokagura Festival (夜神楽)  From November to February, each village shrine takes turns hosting performances of all-night sacred dances that act out the local mythology (annual schedule here). The revelry starts around sundown and doesn’t stop until the next morning, but the audience is free to wander in and out and drink shochu to stay warm (lots … Continue reading Festivals