There is an unprecedented motorbike boom at the moment!

Did you know that there are many motorbike enthusiasts in Takachiho and many places where riders are welcome?

This time we introduce some of the best touring spots known only to the locals.

Kojima, a rider living in Takachiho, will show us around!

“There are many places you can enjoy all year round, but autumn is the most pleasant season! I’ll show you around on my motorbike, so follow me!”

Shrine visits to pray for safety on the road

The first shrine visit is the Ishigami Shrine, recognised as a ‘motorcycle shrine’.

This is the 20th recognised ‘motorcycle shrine’ in the country, know as Ishigami Shrine. It is also one of the historical five Ama-no-Iwato shrines.

Wishing for safety on the road, we started our touring of Takachiho.

The Ishigami Shrine is usually unmanned, but amulets and other items are available at the shrine office next to the worship hall.

Motorcycle shrine stickers were lined up alongside the good-luck charms and amulets. Ishigami Shrine is enshrined by the god of cows and horses, so the stickers also includes the animals. As you might have guess from seeing them, these stickers are rare and only available here!

★Click here for directions to Ishigami Shrine

At the Ama-no-Iwato Shrine, one of Takachiho most famous landmarks, motorbikes can be parked on the parking lot of the East main shrine.

After parking your bike at the east main shrine, where there is a motorcycle parking area, walk to the est main shrine. On the way, there are rest areas and restaurants if you want to take a break.

Ama-no-Iwato Shrine is a must-visit place when visiting Takachiho!

The shrine enshrines the Ama-no-Iwato cave, where the sun goddess Amaterasu Omikami is said to have shut herself away in the Ama-no-Iwato myth. The air here is dignified and you can feel the atmosphere of the descent of the Amaterasu.

★Click here for directions to Ama-no-Iwato (east main shrine)

Excellent roads with scenic views of Takachiho

About a 10-minute drive from Ama-no-Iwato Shrine, the mountain road opens up the landscape and a straight bridge over a deep valley comes into view.

Since it is a bridge over a valley,  there’s nothing to block the view, and it’s just very pleasant!

Before the bridge, there is a small open space with toilets and vending machines.

It might just be a can of coffee, but seriously how can it taste this good in the middle of a touring trip? Maybe motorcyclists will understand the taste experience.

★Click here for directions to Asagiri Chaya

One of the most spectacular sights in Takachiho is a series of terraced rice fields in the mountains.

The scenery you see while riding is great, but how about stopping your bike and taking your time to look at it?

A picture taken with the terraced rice paddies in the background makes a stunning picture.

Eat, take a bath, rest and fuel up

There are many lunch restaurants that are safe for bikers, but Kojima recommends Takachiho Chicken Charcoal Grill Gohei Restaurant.

There is a dedicated motorbike parking area, but you can also park your bike in the parking lot if it is available.

At Takachiho Chicken Charcoal Grill Gohei, you can enjoy charcoal-grilled local chicken and Takachiho beef, which has repeatedly won the top prize in Japan.

A charcoal grill is brought to your table, a long with the meat. Eating while grilling it yourself over the charcoals tastes amazing!

★Click here for directions to Takachiho Tori-no-Sumibiyaki Gohei Shop

Takachiho is full of motorbike enthusiasts but..! One of them has become so fond of motorbikes that he has built a campsite exclusively for bikers!

The name of the campsite is taken directly from the greeting “Yae” for motorcyclists.

Reservations are necessary, so if you interested, make sure to send an enquiry in advance!

The campsite was built by riders, so it has been properly designed to take care of areas of concern any rider might have. There’s even a board to put under the stands.

★Click here for directions to bikers designated camp site Yae

Within walking distance of the Yae campsite is the Ama-no-Iwato hot spring. Please relax and heal your body after a long day of touring.

★Click here for directions to Ama-no-Iwato-no-Yu

A petrol station near Ama-no-Iwato Shrine and Yae Campsite is a recommended for refueling.

Why, you ask?

Because the owner is a motorbike enthusiast! Also, there is places to refuel on of the many mountain roads, so don’t forget to fill up early.

A sacred place for Kyushu touring, Senomoto Rest House to Takachiho

The Senomoto Rest House is a sacred place for Kyushu touring.

We will guide you from here to Takachiho Town on a route recommended by Kojima.

★Click here for directions to Senomoto Rest House

Take Yamanami Highway towards Kumamoto and turn left towards Ubuyama.

Drive through the grasslands and past the Ubuyama Farm.

Passing through the Aso-bo Wooden Bridge.

Continue over a loop bridge that seems to run through the air, straight into Takachiho.

Keep driving and you will find the Tonneru-no-Eki on the left. This place has been used for motorbike events.

Soft serve ice cream and coffee are available at the shop, so it is a great idea to take a break here.

The Tonneru-no-Eki has a waterfall, which makes it a popular photo spot.

Motorcycle parking in front of the fall is prohibited, but according to the staff at Tonneru-no-Eki, it’s OK to do it if you take a photo and quickly move out of the way.

We have to behave ourselves so that this kindness can continue!

★Click here for directions to Tonneru-no-Eki

Conclusion

We have introduced the touring spots for bikers in Takachiho. How was it?

According to local resident Kojima, autumn is the most pleasant season for biking in Takachiho. With that said, please come and enjoy Takachiho on your motorbike♬