Takachiho Gorge in Japan โ photo, description, history
For many centuries, Japan kept the foundations of its cultural heritage a secret. Nowadays, everyone can visit the most secluded corners, where the most beautiful legends originate, revealing the very essence of the character of the people living on these beautiful islands. Such a place is the Takachiho Gorge.
Myths and legends
The events of Japanese history are closely connected with the rituals and ceremonies of the traditional national religion called โShintoismโ. She learned a lot from Confucianism, Buddhism, Taoism. It is based on the deification of nature, its phenomena, endowing with the spirit of everything that is on Earth.
The myths about Amaerasu, the high priestess of the homonymous cult, are among the most delightful. One day, the god Izanagi washed his left eye during purification, his eldest daughter appeared from the splashes of water. She received the โplain of the high skyโ, that is, she became the goddess of the sun and light. Susanno-Mikoto, her younger brother, the god of water, wind and storm, constantly joked and taunted his sister. Amaerasu was offended and hid deep into the cave. Darkness reigned on the earth.
Many different gods gathered at the entrance to this cave in order to somehow rectify the situation. After a long discussion, they decided to arrange a grand celebration with singing and dancing in the hope that a curious girl would come out to see the action with at least one eye. And so it happened. As soon as the goddess appeared, they grabbed her by the hands and pulled her out of hiding. The sun shone again in the sky.
Kagura dances
Today, at Ama no Yasugawara, the name given to the venue where the legendary celebration took place, kagura dances can be seen every night from November to February. With this, the Japanese not only remember ancient events, but also thank the gods for the harvest, and pray for a rich harvest next year. This dance is also performed daily at other times of the year, exclusively for inquisitive tourists who are not indifferent to the values โโof the Japanese people.
Description of Takachiho Gorge
Amanoiwato Shrine, which houses the famous cave, is located in the city of Takachiho. Its walls are lined with countless stone pyramids, which were built by pilgrims from all over the country. The surrounding natural landscape does not leave indifferent any lover of the exotic corners of our planet. Takachiho Gorge impresses with its unusual views. Green oaks, maples, under them dense ferns, creepers, cover the mountain range, which cuts through a deep canyon. The emerald-colored Gokasegawa River flows for about five kilometers between high cliffs. In ancient times, after the eruption of the Aso volcano, basalt deposits were formed. In which the stream of water made its way.
Black blocks of incredible size go under the turquoise surface, reflected in it, as in a mirror. In some places, the distance between the walls of the canyon does not exceed ten meters. A bewitching spectacle is experienced by people walking on boats. The coolness and damp air create a feeling of a dungeon, but, looking up, they see an azure sky breaking through the green leaves of the trees, brightly lit by the sun.
The smell of wet stone, splashing fish, complete silence, which is broken only by the sound of leaves somewhere far away, as if from outside โฆ. It seems that you are touching something fabulous, unreal. But now the rocks seem to part slightly, a new picture opens up, even more amazing. From a great height, a silvery jet, crumbling into a myriad of small drops, shakes the waterfall all around with a rumble.
Manai no Taki waterfall
There are several such waterfalls in the gorge. The largest of them has a height of seventeen meters. It's called Manai no Taki and guests love it for its big cloud of spray. The rainbow that forms in the sunlight adds even more charm to this magical place.
During the day, the colors that fill the gorge change. In the early morning, everything around is sleeping in a foggy haze. And only the bright rays that fall on the water surface around noon illuminate the water with enthusiasm and enliven the black walls with sunbeams. By evening, the rocks again hide in the shade and calm down, in some places painted with red reflections of the sunset.
hiking trails
You can enjoy the local beauties not only in a boat, but also walking along a special path laid out for this purpose. From above, the valley looks no less attractive. Unusual bridges connect the cliffs with each other. They โemergeโ like stone giants from the stormy vegetation, and hide back in it, as in historical films about ancient samurai. There are also hanging rope bridges, many viewing platforms from which magnificent views of the incomparable creation of wildlife open up.
And the vegetation here is really dense and varied, in other matters, as on the entire island of Kyushu. Many evergreen trees grow here, although autumn delights with its frenzy of colors. In the spring, when the cherries are in bloom, you cannot take your eyes off these hills, the awakening nature attracts you so much. Singing birds, alluring aromas of flowers endow with a joyful, life-affirming mood. Takachiho Gorge is considered a sacred place in Japan. The combination of religious traditions of the local people and wonderful natural landscapes explain the appearance of such beautiful myths. Who knows, maybe these are not myths at all, but a half-forgotten reality.
Infrastructure
The tourist infrastructure is well developed for travelers in the gorge. There are several souvenir shops where you can buy not only images of nature, handicrafts of local craftsmen. Japanese religion attaches great attention to various kinds of amulets. Here you can become the owner of one or more of them. In the restaurants you can taste dishes of national cuisine. Miyajaki Prefecture is distinguished by its vegetable soups, specially prepared mushrooms, and pumpkin. And, of course, admire the traditional dances and chants on the territory of the temples. Even if it is not a festive date, when the rituals are not accompanied by colorful outfits and enchanting stage performances, it will still leave an indelible impression.