[2025 Takachiho Attraction] Travel Guide for Amanoiwato Shrine (Updated Mar)

🌈 Known as the abode of the gods. Don't call, be respectful. Can't you feel the light of God shining on this cave? A very mysterious Japanese attraction. ☀️💫💫Very spiritual🙏🏻 #bucketlist

The Amano Iwato Shrine, about a 10-minute drive from Takachiho Gorge, is said to be the birthplace of Japanese mythology. It worships the Japanese sun god "Amaterasu Omikami" and is also a royal shrine. From the Amano Iwato Shrine Nishihongu Shrine, walk along the Iwato River for about 10 minutes, and walk down the valley while enjoying the beautiful scenery of the valley to reach the Amano Yasukawahara Cave Shrine. The entire valley is full of piles of stones for blessing, and the caves of Amano Yasukawahara are completely full. When we visited, the sun shone into the cave, which was really full of spiritual energy and had a fairyland atmosphere. #2月好去地方2025

#2024Travel Review Ama-Iwato Shrine in Miyazaki is a place of myth The shrine is located in the woods and is very quiet. There are actually two cute rabbits at the entrance. Here you can follow the shrine staff to visit the Yaobai Hall at fixed times. Just follow the instructions and continue walking forward to reach Cheonan River. It takes about 20 minutes, with gurgling streams and rocks along the way. At the end of the trail is Cheonan Hawon Cave. Unfortunately, there are too many people to take pictures of the mysterious beauty. The reason why this place is called a mythical place is that it is said that Amaterasu hid in the cave of Tenan River because he was angry with his younger brother, and the world suddenly fell into darkness. So the gods held a meeting in Tianan River to discuss. Later, the goddess Amaterasu stripped and danced, and Amaterasu was attracted. Taking advantage of the goddess Amaterasu's curiosity, the male god immediately pulled her out of the cave, and the world became bright again. This is also the origin of Ya Kagura! #MiyazakiTravel #Takachihokyo #Ama Iwato Shrine #天安河plain #Mythical Land #Dopamine Travel

The shrine of the sun, in the middle of a green forest, clear water, looks very sacred, very impressive. There were many people arranging stones, but we didn't understand so we didn't follow. Walk from the parking lot about 350 meters, not very far, not steep at all, very easy to walk, very beautiful view. Along the way, there are bridges, streams, beautiful views along the way, very enjoyable. #VisitMiyazaki #VisitIwatoShrine

A shrine revered by the people of Kyushu for generations. It is believed that the deity Amaterasu hid in this cave out of fear of the deity Susanoo, plunging the world into darkness. Later, Amaterasu was coaxed out by the other deities through festive activities in front of the cave, bringing light back to the world. **Amanoiwato Shrine** (天岩戸神社, Amanoiwato-jinja) is a Shinto shrine located in Takachiho, Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan. This shrine holds significant importance in Japanese mythology as it is associated with the legend of the sun goddess **Amaterasu**. According to the legend, Amaterasu hid herself in a cave called **Amanoiwato** (meaning 'Heavenly Rock Cave') after being angered by her brother Susanoo. This event caused the world to be engulfed in darkness since she is the sun goddess. The other deities gathered outside the cave to devise a plan to lure her out, which involved the passionate dance of the goddess Ame-no-Uzume. Eventually, Amaterasu was drawn out, bringing light back to the world. ### Key Features of Amanoiwato Shrine: - **Mythological Significance**: The shrine is built near the Amanoiwato cave, believed to be the hiding place of Amaterasu. The cave itself is not open to the public, but visitors can view it from a sacred observation point nearby, guided by the shrine's priests. - **Sacred River**: Near the shrine is **Amano-Yasukawara**, a small cave by the Iwato River where the deities gathered to discuss how to bring Amaterasu out of the cave. It is a pilgrimage site where visitors leave stone piles as offerings. - **Cultural Importance**: The shrine and its surroundings are considered one of the most sacred sites in Shinto, deeply connected to the origins of Shinto mythology. Visitors to Amanoiwato Shrine are captivated by its spiritual atmosphere and unique place in the mythological creation stories of Japan. I booked a flight to Fukuoka at noon with Trip.com. Got the ticket really fast.