Takachiho
| Travel Reports by jioruji | view profile of jioruji |
| previous post |
| next post |
| Note: The opinions and views expressed in this user report are those of the individual author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of japan-guide.com. |
March 20, 2015 - Takachiho
Arriving the evening before by bus in Takachiho,, I arrived just in time to witness the Takachiho Yokagura in the Takachiho shrine. Even with no knowledge of the story or Japanese, it is a hypnotizing performance. That Izanami came up to hug me also was quite a pleasant surprise.
The foul weather of previous days made way for a clear sunny sky, but unfortunately still had an influence on my trip to Takachiho. Due to high waters the boats at the gorge were inaccessible when I wanted to visit in the early morning. So I changed my plans and first visited the Amanoiwate Shrine. The shrine is kept beautifully, but it is Amano Yasukawara beyond that steals the show. Thousands of stacked stones bathing in the sunlight truly make this a religious place. Early in the morning, there were no other tourists to spoil this transcendental moment.
Returning to the real world with a honey ice cream, I hoped the boats at the gorge were operational as I started the Takachiho Olle Walking Trail. Unfortunately the boats were still at bay, and even more unfortunate was the unclear water at the gorge.
However I would recommend to everyone the astonishing Olle Walking Trail.
Passing through any kind of terrain, this trail has really everything an amateur hiker can look for: passing the prominent Takachiho Gorge, walking through fields of tea, views on rice paddies and terraces, remote shrines, high camping ground vistas and gorge views from the bottom. Truly breathtaking.
You have to have at least a basic condition and good walking shoes though, as there is a lot of climbing and rough terrain.
As I had a little time left I also took a ride on the supercart; a rebuild mini tuck that rides on the tracks of the dysfunctional Takachiho Railways. Not being very special, it was fun though and could be quite interesting for train lovers. Not for people with fear of altitudes though, because the cart stops on a bridge at the highest point from the ground!
Leaving Takachiho very satisfied I took the bus headed for Oita where I would stay the night and take the tour bus for Kunisaki peninsula the next day.
| previous post |
| next post |
|
List of Posts:
2017/03/11 - Reversible Destiny at Yoro & Ogaki 2017/01/28 - Miyama - Kabuki-no-Sato - 2016/11/26 - Yatsubuchi-no-Taki 2016/11/23 - Takeda Castle Ruins 2016/11/19 - Menfudo Limestone Cave 2016/07/31 - Wagashi in Kyoto 2016/07/23 - Norikura Heights 2016/07/01 - Hakodate 2016/06/30 - Onuma Park 2016/06/29 - Exploring part of the Shikotsu-Toya National Park 2016/06/28 - To central Hokkaido 2016/06/27 - Historic Village of Hokkaido 2016/02/03 - Himeji: the real castle and the fake one 2015/09/25 - Izu Peninsula: Atami, Shimoda & Cape Irozaki 2015/07/23 - Sendai 2015/07/22 - Mount Zao 2015/07/21 - Matsushima 2015/05/30 - Climbing Mount Iwawaki 2015/03/22 - Beppu 2015/03/21 - Kunisaki Peninsula 2015/03/20 - Takachiho 2015/03/19 - Kumamoto 2015/01/12 - Satsukiyama - Minoh hike 2014/11/01 - Aizu-Wakamatsu 2014/10/31 - Sadogashima 2014/10/30 - Kurobe Gorge 2014/01/25 - Fushimi Inari hike 2014/01/04 - Hidden Nachi Falls |
