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Takachiho is famous for its daytime attractions like Takachiho Gorge and Amanoiwato Shrine. But the charm of Takachiho extends well beyond the daylight hours.
Every evening, the Takachiho Kagura performance takes place, and local izakaya offer regional cuisine paired with local sake. Strolling through the quiet streets is another experience unique to this mythological town.
This guide presents a model itinerary for making the most of your night in Takachiho—from dinner to an early morning walk through Takachiho Gorge the next day.
To fully enjoy Takachiho at night, here’s a recommended plan:
The beauty of this plan is that you can enjoy the iconic Takachiho Kagura while still getting enough rest for an early morning gorge walk.
Takachiho Gorge in the morning is less crowded and feels even more mystical. Don’t try to do too much at night—rest early and save your energy for the next day.
Takachiho has several izakaya where you can enjoy regional dishes made with local ingredients, along with Takachiho shochu and other local sake.
The photo shows “Izakaya Kenchan.” The large kagura mask at the entrance is a landmark, and the restaurant is a symbol of Takachiho’s downtown. It offers a wide selection of locally produced sake and is popular with tourists.
However, izakaya in Takachiho are limited in number, so reservations are recommended. March and April (farewell and welcome party season), year-end and New Year holidays, and Golden Week tend to be especially busy.
For more detailed information on izakaya and restaurants in Takachiho, check out our separate article “14 Best Dinner Spots in Takachiho.”
Read more about Izakaya & Restaurants in Takachiho
When it comes to nighttime in Takachiho, “Takachiho Kagura” is the highlight. At the Kagura-den within Takachiho Shrine, the sacred dance is performed every night from 20:00 for one hour.
Takachiho Kagura consists of thirty-three dances, and here you can watch four representative pieces: “Tajikarao no Mai,” “Uzume no Mai,” “Totori no Mai,” and “Goshintai no Mai.” It’s a precious opportunity to experience the world of Japanese mythology.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Venue | Kagura - den, Takachiho Shrine |
| Time | Every night 8:00 pm–9:00 pm (1 hour) |
| Admission | Adults: 1,000 yen, Elementary school and under: Free |
| Closed | December 31, January 1, November 22 - 23 (Kagura Festival) |
| Contact | Takachiho Tourism Association 0982 - 73 - 1213 |
| Official Website | https://takachiho-kanko.info/kagura/ |
There are two ways to reserve seats for Takachiho Kagura.
Online reservations accept up to 200 people and are available from 10:00 AM, 30 days before the performance, until 17:00 on the day of the show. Payment is by credit card only.
Same-day tickets are available for up to 50 people on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 19:00 at the Kagura-den.
If you want to guarantee a seat, online reservation is recommended.
Takachiho is a famous tourist destination, but it has no downtown entertainment district. When night falls, the town is wrapped in silence.
Even walking along the main street, Shinden-dori, you’ll find only sparse lighting. The atmosphere is calm and quite different from the daytime bustle.
At first, you might feel like “there’s nothing here.” But this quietude is part of what makes Takachiho special. Take the time to enjoy the peaceful evening in this land of myths.
If you want to enjoy a little more of Takachiho’s night after the kagura, stop by “Yamazaki Y Shop Koroki Sake & Rice Store” in the center of Shinden-dori.
Don’t underestimate it just because it’s a “convenience store.” Inside, you’ll find Takachiho shochu and Miyazaki’s local sake lining the shelves. The selection rivals that of a dedicated liquor store.
You can find seasonal limited editions of “Roro,” a famous Takachiho shochu, and other rare bottles available only here.
Take it back to your inn and savor it in your room. That’s another way to enjoy the night in Takachiho.
Nights in Takachiho are quiet. There are no neon-lit entertainment districts—just the soft glow of lanterns here and there.
But this tranquility is comforting. Enjoying regional cuisine at an izakaya, experiencing the mythological world through kagura, and relaxing at your inn with local sake in hand—these are experiences unique to Takachiho.
And the next morning, wake up early and head to Takachiho Gorge. The gorge is less crowded in the morning and feels even more mystical.
Rest early, prepare for tomorrow’s walk through Takachiho Gorge. That’s the smart way to fully enjoy Takachiho.
For more on exploring Takachiho Gorge, check out our separate article “How to Walk Takachiho Gorge.”
Read more about Takachiho Gorge
