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Amanoiwato Shrine in Takachiho, Miyazaki Prefecture is the sacred setting of the "Amano - Iwato Biraki" myth from Japanese mythology, and ranks alongside Takachiho Gorge as one of the area’s most popular attractions.
In this report, I share my experience joining the guided Amano-Iwato viewing tour at Nishi Hongu, then walking to Amanoyasukawara. What awaits when you actually walk through these mythological sites? Let me show you with photos.
For a comprehensive guide to Amanoiwato Shrine’s highlights, see the article below.
Read more about Amanoiwato Shrine highlights
After parking, I headed toward Nishi Hongu. The parking lot is free and conveniently located right near the shrine.
A torii gate and shrine marker welcome visitors. Passing through the torii, a path continues surrounded by greenery.
The approach features stone lanterns and structures harmoniously blending with nature, creating a mystical atmosphere.
A must-do when visiting Amanoiwato Shrine is the “Amano-Iwato Yohai” guided viewing tour. Led by shrine priests, you can view the sacred Amano-Iwato cave.
No reservation is needed, and tours run every 30 minutes, so you can join whenever you like.
When it’s time, visitors gather at the rest area. A shrine priest comes to greet everyone, and we head together toward Nishi Hongu.
In front of Nishi Hongu, the priest explains the Amano-Iwato myth and shrine history.
There’s also commentary about the sacred trees on the grounds. The guided explanation reveals details you wouldn’t discover on your own, deepening your understanding. There’s something special about everyone looking up at the sacred tree together.
Before heading to the viewing spot, we first pay respects at the worship hall.
Then finally, we proceed behind the worship hall.
Note that from this point on, photography is prohibited at the viewing spot and Amano-Iwato cave as they are sacred places. Please experience it with your own eyes.
From the viewing spot behind the worship hall, you can see the Amano-Iwato cave across the Iwato River—the very cave where Amaterasu is said to have hidden. This is a precious experience to witness the stage of mythology from a vantage point available nowhere else. Truly worth seeing.
After the Amano-Iwato viewing, it’s time to head to Amanoyasukawara. It’s about a 10-minute walk from Nishi Hongu.
Along the way, cafes and souvenir shops line the path. The cafes offer wonderful views overlooking the Iwato River.
The path descends toward the Iwato River. This is the walking trail leading to Amanoyasukawara.
The clear waters of the Iwato River come into view. The gentle sound of the stream is soothing, and surrounded by nature, anticipation builds for the sacred place ahead.
Just ahead lies Amanoyasukawara, the great cavern where eight million gods are said to have gathered in the "Amano - Iwato Biraki" myth.
The great cavern of Amanoyasukawara comes into view.
Inside the cavern stands a torii gate and small shrine, surrounded by countless stacked stones. A unique sight unlike anywhere else.
The stacked stones have been placed by visitors following the belief that stacking stones with a wish will make it come true.
Amanoyasukawara is said to be where eight million gods gathered to discuss how to bring Amaterasu out when she hid in the Amano-Iwato cave. Standing on this mythological stage evokes profound emotions.
Amanoyasukawara is special not only for its mystical atmosphere but also for the beautiful nature you can enjoy. Surrounded by nature, taking a deep breath, you feel released from daily life’s bustle—this is what travel is all about.
On the way back from Amanoyasukawara, I stopped by Marukiku, a souvenir shop near the Nishi Hongu parking lot.
The shop is filled with Takachiho specialty products, sweets, and sundries.
The shop owner offered me some plum tea. The slightly salty tea was refreshing after the walk.
These small interactions are one of the joys of travel.
There are other restaurants and shops around the parking area, so be sure to stop by.
Viewing the Amano-Iwato cave and walking through the great cavern of Amanoyasukawara—exploring the actual sites of Japanese mythology makes these ancient stories feel real.
This walk took about an hour at a leisurely pace. I hope you too can spend some special time here, reflecting on these timeless myths.
