Landscape Characteristics of Takachiho Gorge in Miyazaki Prefecture

摘要

Takachiho Gorge, located in the midstream of the Gokase River that runs in northern Miyazaki Prefecture, features eroded steep valley walls made of cooled lava flows. The gorge is designated as the Sobo-Katamuki Quasi-National Park and a National Scenic Site and a Natural Monument. Takachiho, where the gorge is located, is known as a "Mythical Town."In order to clarify the landscape characteristics of Takachiho Gorge, we surveyed the approximately 1,760m designated section of the Scenic Site and Natural Monument and calculated the channel width, the running-water width, the height of the exposed part of left and right banks, the ratio between the channel width and the height of both banks (D/H), the width rate of running waters, the normal flow rate, and the site relationship between the water surface and the walking trail, and the range of boat use.As a result, it became clear that the spatial and landscape characteristics of Takachiho Gorge have contributed to generating a solid, stable topographical impression; a series of its physical features with small D/H ratios helped accentuate the continuous line of the gorge, and the strong "surrounded" feeling on the exposed part on sheer banks, and the expansion of the still-water area have created unique landscapes worthy of the appellation "Mythical Town." Its topographical features have been fully utilized on the walking trail and for the boat ride.