Takachiho Gorge

A lava flow from Mount Aso, chilled abruptly by the Gokase river, split into hexagonal columns that water then carved over seven kilometres. The narrowest passage, where the Manai waterfall drops, is travelled in rowing boats rented by the hour. A few kilometres away, Amano Iwato shrine faces the cave where the sun goddess is said to have hidden; the Takachiho kagura, thirty-three dances performed from November to February in village houses, tells of her coming out and is listed as national intangible heritage.