Dear Diary, 

On my quick trip to Takachiho, I started the day as I assumed everyone in this town must: rowing a boat down the Takachiho Gorge. This was one of my bucket list moments, so gliding through the emerald water with the morning sunlight peeking through the trees was dream-like and made me wonder if Jurassic Park was actually real and in Japan. Nestled amidst the lush greenery of Miyazaki Prefecture, this quaint town was so much more than I expected with a stunning gorge and waterfall, tons of mythological history and rocks. Everywhere. 

But let's go back to the gorge. I rented a small boat to paddle down the gorge and luckily had the help of another solo traveler because let's be honest, I couldn't row a boat down a swimming pool, let alone a gorge in Japan. Manai Waterfall is one of Japan’s most impressive waterfalls in Japan, so with my new friend doing the leg work, I was able to get the perfect photo of the falls. 

Next on my itinerary was to follow the rocks and visit the Amano Iwato Shrine. Seriously, the shrine was further down the river and the best way to walk there was to follow the small stacks of rocks marking the way. No map, no signs, just follow the rocks to Amano Iwato shrine. 

Legend has it that Amano Iwato shrine marks the spot where Amaterasu, the most revered deity in Shinto mythology, threw the ultimate diva tantrum and retreated into hiding. According to the myth, Amaterasu withdrew to the cave, after a fight with her brother Susano. In her absence, the world was shrouded in chaos and despair. The other gods and goddesses devised a plan to lure her out using the most powerful curse known to man and gods alike: fomo. After hearing a grand celebration with music and dancing, Amaterasu became curious about the commotion, peeked her head out of the cave, and emerged from her hiding place, bringing light and life back to the world. 

I mean, If I lived in a place like Takachiho there's no way I’d hide in a cave. I’d throw my tantrums under the waterfall. Just saying. 

Until next time, diary. 

Xoxo 

Maria