Kunimigaoka is at an altitude of 513 meters in Takachiho.
It is known for the sea of clouds that is visible from points of high elevation.
The best time to see it is in the early morning in autumn.
Though it was February, I visited there in the morning.
I couldn’t see the sea of clouds, but the scenery was very beautiful.
In day time you can see mountains and village of Takachiho and the range of Aso mountains.
It is a beautiful and nice feeling place.
In the Takachiho area, Kagura (Shinto music and dancing) is performed.
Every year around from middle of November to early February, Kagura Dance is dedicated to the Shinto God at villages in Takachiho.
They show gratitude for the Autumn crop and pray for a good harvest in the next season.
There are 33 plays of Kagura.
They show 4 famous ones to visitors at Takachiho shrine all year round.
It is enjoyable.
This is Amanoiwato shrine which passes along the myth of Amaiwato.
According to the Records of Ancient Matters (Kojiki) and the Chronicles of Japan ( Nihonichi Shoki) :
Amaterasu Omikami (a sun goddess) got upset at her younger brother, Susanoono Mikoto’s violent behavior.
So she went and hid inside a cave ( Amaiwato), making the world become dark and a lot of bad stuff happen.
Myriads gods gathered and talked about how to get her to come out from the cave.
They had a banquet party to tempt her to come out.
Amanouzumenomikoto, who is a good dancer, danced and everybody laughed, then when Amaterasu Omikami got interested and peeked it, Tajikaraonomikoto (who is strong) opened the door of the cave and forced her out.
Then light returned to the world.
That is the story…
If you walk about 10 minutes from Amanoiwato shrine, there is Amanoyasukawara, the place where the gods held their discussion.
Takachiho is the original place of Japanese myth.
(July)
This is Takachiho gorge in Miyazaki prefecture.
I think it is one of the most beautiful places in Japan.
It was designated as a national site of scenic beauty in 1935.
The 80-100 meter cliff face extends for 7 kilometers.
There is a 1 kilometer scenic path you can walk around.
You can rent a rowboat to go on the river near the water falls.
I visited there twice, but the water was too high so I couldn’t try it.
I want to go there again and ride a rowboat.
