Located in southwestern Miyazaki Prefecture, Takaharu is a charming town home to captivating nature, rich cultural heritage, and culinary delights.
In late February 2025, Sano Shrine in Takaharu hosted a unique event called “Immersive Journey Through the Reminiscence of Takaharu” (高原、記憶のイマーシブ), which digitally showcased the town’s nationally designated cultural properties through enchanting imagery and sound.
Although the event has passed, you can still explore the cultural highlights of this experience firsthand, and discover all of the town’s wonders. Read on to learn more about this hidden Miyazaki gem.
Introduction to Takaharu Town
Takaharu is a relatively small town about a one-hour drive from the city of Miyazaki. Partially home to Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park, Takaharu offers scenic snapshots of rural Japanese life, where agricultural fields and farming communities sit encircled by mountains.
Culturally, the town is known as the birthplace of Japan’s first emperor, Emperor Jimmu—a legendary figure related to the gods. Sano Shrine enshrines Emperor Jimmu and is built where the emperor is said to have been born.
Nature
Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park is Japan’s first national park, characterized by its active volcanoes, crater lakes, waterfalls, and forested mountain landscapes.
During spring, the area turns vibrant with pink Kyushu azaleas and light pink Malus spontanea flowers, which are endemic to the area. The park has a variety of hiking trails that range from leisure to advanced, all of which offer magnificent nature views.
Mt. Takachiho is an especially notable hike as it is connected to Japanese folklore. According to legend, when Ninigi no Mikoto—the Sun Goddess' grandson and great-grandfather of Emperor Jimmu—descended to Earth, he pierced the mountain’s summit with his spear. Today, you can still see this spear, called Amanosakahoko, protruding from the mountain’s peak.
Culture
Takaharu has a wealth of cultural heritage steeped in mythology and long-practiced customs. Sano Shrine is one of the town’s most significant cultural destinations, featuring a serene complex where nature, traditions, and mythology coexist. The cedar-lined path to Sano Shrine, designated as a national natural monument, is home to cedars that are said to have been planted around 400 years ago with various wishes in mind. Today, the trees create a mystical atmosphere that captivates visitors. The area around Sano Shrine is also a breeding ground for migrating Oriental dollarbirds (buppousou in Japanese). During summer, the peaceful forest becomes a viewing spot for these blue-feathered birds, creating an even deeper connection to nature.
Sano Shrine hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, including Nawashiroda Matsuri—an intangible folk cultural property of Miyazaki Prefecture held on February 18 to pray for a good harvest—and Otaue Sai—a spring festival held on May 16 that features traditional Bou Odori (stick) and Yakko Odori dances.
Takaharu is also home to two traditional kagura rituals that locals have passed down for generations. Every year, the town holds Sano Kagura on the first Saturday of December and Haraigawa Kagura on the second Saturday of December. Both rituals integrate real swords into their distinct movements.
Cuisine
Undoubtedly, one of Takaharu’s culinary staples is Miyazaki Beef, a type of high-quality wagyu known for its exquisite marbling, rich, buttery flavor, and tender texture. The town is also abundant in fresh vegetables and fruits.
“Immersive Journey Through the Reminiscence of Takaharu:” A cultural heritage digital experience
“Immersive Journey Through the Reminiscence of Takaharu” was a free event held from February 22–24, 2025 at Sano Shrine. This roughly 20-minute digital experience took viewers on a mystical journey through Sano cedar trees, the forested breeding grounds of Oriental dollarbirds, and the revered kagura dances of Takaharu. The viewing experience did not include any words and instead relied on fantastical imagery and music to express the area’s depth of culture. Viewers soared through the sky beside Oriental dollarbirds and witnessed Sano Shrine bathed in sparkling light. Through the use of modern technology, this mystical showing connected the shrine’s past to the present.
During the event, Sano Shrine also displayed works of art crafted from Sano cedar, showcasing the regenerative power of nature alongside human creativity.
Video from “Immersive Journey Through the Reminiscence of Takaharu”
Check out the video below, and admire the artistic representation of Takaharu’s cultural legacy.
Access to and around Takaharu Town
From Miyazaki Station, take the JR Kirishima Line to Miyakonojo Station (about 50 minutes). Then, transfer to the JR Kitto Line for Takaharu Station (about 40 minutes).
From Kagoshima Station, you can use the same train lines. Take the JR Kirishima Line to Miyakonojo Station (about one hour and 20 minutes). Then, transfer to the JR Kitto Line for Takaharu Station (about 40 minutes).
Takaharu only has one major train line (JR Kitto) that runs through its center, so you will need to rely on public buses and car travel to reach many of the town’s destinations. If you would like to travel by rental car, please note that Takaharu does not have any rental services. You must rent a car outside of Takaharu. Nearby Kobayashi City, about a 10-minute train ride, has numerous car rental options.
Visit Takaharu
Takaharu is a quiet town far from the crowds of tourist hotspots. Craft a memorable Japanese experience through its peaceful ambience, vibrant cultural heritage, and natural allure.
Related links
- Cultural Assets of Takaharu Town
- Takaharucho Tourism Association (Japanese only)
- Immersive Journey Through the reminiscence of Takaharu event page (Japanese only)
