Amanoiwato Shrine [天岩戸神社]

Amanoiwato Shrine is a Shinto shrine in Takachiho town located in the mountain about 45 km west-northwest of Nobeoka city.

It is located about 7 km northeast of the center of Takachiho town and about 8 km from Takachiho Gorge.

"Amanoiwato" means "Cave of heaven", and there is a Japanese myth about this shrine.

Amaterasu-Omikami was a great sun goddess and was living on the heaven.

But her brother Susanoo was quite rough and they he had done various bad actions.

At last, Amaterasu-Omikami was furiously angry, then she had hidden in a cave named Amanoiwato and shut the entrance with a big rock.
Soon, the world became dark.

Many gods were at a total loss and discussed what they do at Ama-no-yasukawara.

Some gods and goddesses started dancing happily in front of the cave.

Amaterasu-Omikami in the cave was wondering why they were dancing happily, so she opened the rock slightly to see the dance.

At that moment, powerful god Ame-no-Tajikarao opened the door of the big rock and pulled her out of the cave.

The world became bright again.
And Susanoo reformed and went to the earth.

Iwato River flows from north to south, and forms a valley.
And two main shrines are set up on the both side of the river.

It is unknown when these shrines were established.
But, it is certain that they existed in the 9th century.

The bus stop and parking lot are on the west side.
By the parking lot, there is a statue of Ame-no-Tajikarao.

There is Nishi-Hongu (西本宮) near the parking lot.

Nishi-Hongu has no main shrine and only the worship hall is set up.
Instead, guided tour to worship "Amanoiwato" is held every 30 minutes.

The cave of "Amanoiwato" is on the opposite side of the river, and the visitors can see it only by joinning the tour.

There is Higashi-Hongu (東本宮) on the east side of the river.
It has the main shrine and the worship hall.

There is a sacred spring behind the main shrine.

And there are "Nanahon-sugi" (七本杉) near Higashi-Hongu.
They are sacred seven cedar trees and all roots are connected.

Ama-no-yasukawara (天安河原)

Ama-no-yasukawara is a riverside of Iwato River and is located about 500 meters north of the shrine.

As above, it is said that many gods discussed what they do to take Amaterasu-Omikami out of Amanoiwato at this place.

There is a cave, and the gods are enshrined.

And it is said that you will be happy if you pile up some stones with all your heart in this place.
So you can find many piled stones.

How to get here

By limited express of JR Nippo Line, to Nobeoka, about 2 hours and 10 to 20 minutes from Oita, about 1 hour and 10 minutes from Miyazaki.

By route bus, about 1 hour and 20 to 30 minutes from Nobeoka station to Takachiho Bus Center.
Then, by route bus, 15 minutes from Takachiho Bus Center to Iwato stop.

Other Tourist Attractions in Miyazaki Prefecture

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