[Kumamoto] Divine Footsteps & Anime Locations: Takachiho Gorge One Day Trip

• **- Points of interest to visit Takachiho now**
• Visit Takachiho, featured in manga and anime, exploring Aratate Shrine dedicated to entertainment deities, the scenic Takachiho Gorge, and Takachiho Shrine famous for matchmaking. We'll guide you through the world depicted in these works, including Kunimigaoka Observatory, Takachiho Roadside Station, and Gamadase Market. Enjoy a lunch of Miyazaki's specialty charcoal-grilled chicken using local poultry.

Nestled in the misty mountains of **Takachiho** lies **Aratate Shrine**, a sacred site steeped in Japanese mythology. This hidden gem is dedicated to Ame-no-Uzume-no-Mikoto, the goddess of entertainment, and Sarutahiko-no-Okami, the god of guidance. The shrine has gained popularity among performers and artists as a "key to success" and has garnered global attention due to its portrayal in anime. **Manai falls'** unique terrain, shaped by cooled pyroclastic flow from Mount Aso's eruption, features water plummeting from a height of 55 meters. This spectacle resembles a mystical ribbon connecting the heavens and earth. The mist rising from the basin, intertwining with the lush surrounding greenery, creates an otherworldly landscape that blurs the line between reality and fantasy.