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Takachiho in Miyazaki Prefecture is known as the land where the gods descended from heaven. At its heart stands Takachiho Shrine, a sacred site with approximately 1,900 years of history.
Revered as the head shrine of the 88 shrines of Takachiho, this ancient sanctuary offers an abundance of attractions: the matchmaking power spot Meoto Sugi (Couple Cedars), the main hall designated as an Important Cultural Property featuring the Kihachi legend carvings, and nightly Kagura dance performances.
This article provides a detailed guide to the must-see highlights of Takachiho Shrine.
Takachiho Shrine is an ancient sanctuary located in Takachiho Town, Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture, with approximately 1,900 years of history. Revered as the head shrine of the 88 shrines of Takachiho, it enshrines the gods of three generations of Hyuga and Mikenu-no-Mikoto, known for slaying the demon Kihachi. Famous for blessings of matchmaking and marital harmony, the shrine’s Meoto Sugi and Shizume-ishi stone are popular power spots.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Takachiho Shrine |
| Visiting Hours | Grounds open 24 hours (Shrine office 8:00 am - 5:00 pm) |
| Admission | Free |
| Address | 1037 Mitai, Takachiho Town, Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture |
| Access | 15 - minute walk from Takachiho Bus Center |
| Parking | Free (approximately 100 spaces) |
| Official Website | https://takachiho-kanko.info/sightseeing/5/ |
At Takachiho Shrine, you can enjoy the nationally designated Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property “Takachiho Yokagura” every night.
Originally, Takachiho Yokagura is a 33-act ritual dance performed through the night in local villages to give thanks for the autumn harvest. At the Kagura Hall in Takachiho Shrine, four representative dances from this tradition are performed every night.
The program includes: Tajikarao-no-Mai, searching for the sun goddess Amaterasu; Uzume-no-Mai, dancing before the cave to lure out Amaterasu; Totori-no-Mai, powerfully opening the heavenly rock cave; and Goshintai-no-Mai, depicting the creation of Japan by the deities Izanagi and Izanami. Through these performances based on the Ama-no-Iwato mythology, you can experience the world of Japanese myths firsthand.
Dancers from various villages take turns performing authentic dances. This is the main evening attraction in Takachiho, so be sure to attend.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Venue | Kagura Hall within Takachiho Shrine grounds |
| Performance Time | Nightly 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm |
| Duration | Approximately 1 hour |
| Admission | Adults 1,000 yen, Groups (20+) 900 yen, Elementary school and under Free |
| Reservations | Online reservations (200 seats) / Walk-in (50 seats, from 19:00 at Kagura Hall) |
The main hall of Takachiho Shrine is a precious structure designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan in 2004.
The current main hall was completed in 1778 during the An’ei period, commissioned by Naito Masanaga, the lord of Nobeoka Domain. Built in the gokansha-nagare-zukuri style with chigi and katsuogi ornaments on the ridge, it features meticulous craftsmanship using zelkova wood. It is highly regarded as one of the largest main hall structures in southern Kyushu.
The highlight of the main hall is the carving on the eastern side panel depicting “Mikenu-no-Mikoto slaying the demon Kihachi.” Mikenu-no-Mikoto was the elder brother of Emperor Jimmu, and according to Takachiho legend, he returned from the eastern expedition to Takachiho and defeated the fearsome demon Kihachi who had been tormenting the people. This local legend is immortalized in the hall’s decorations.
Additional decorative details include phoenix carvings on the front gable and rainbow beams between the pillars. The main hall, where architecture and legend unite, is a must-see.
The Meoto Sugi (Couple Cedars) is the reason Takachiho Shrine is known as a matchmaking shrine.
These approximately 800-year-old giant cedars have two trunks joined at the base, making them the shrine’s premier power spot for matchmaking.
It is said that couples who walk around these cedars three times clockwise while holding hands will be blessed with good relationships, marital happiness, and prosperity for future generations.
When visiting Takachiho, be sure to walk around the Meoto Sugi with your partner.
Towering along the approach, the Chichibu Cedar is a symbolic presence at Takachiho Shrine.
This cedar is said to have been planted by Hatakeyama Shigetada, a powerful warrior from Chichibu, who was sent by Minamoto no Yoritomo, founder of the Kamakura shogunate, as a proxy pilgrim to pray for peace throughout the land.
Standing approximately 800 years old, with a trunk circumference of 715 cm and a height of 55 m, this majestic tree has watched over Takachiho since the Kamakura period. Be sure to look up and admire its impressive stature.
Quietly enshrined behind the main hall, the Shizume-ishi is an unmissable power spot at Takachiho Shrine.
This stone is said to be the foundation stone used when both Ise Grand Shrine and Takachiho Shrine were established by imperial decree of Emperor Suinin. It is believed that touching and praying at this stone can calm worries and worldly troubles. Since being featured on television, more visitors have come specifically to see this stone.
According to legend, the Kaname-ishi at Kashima Shrine in the Kanto region was a gift from the Shizume-ishi of Takachiho Shrine.
After visiting the main hall, be sure to walk around to the back and touch the Shizume-ishi.
Goshuin (shrine stamps) are available at the shrine office at Takachiho Shrine.
The offering is 300 yen, and stamps are available from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Special limited edition goshuin are sometimes offered during seasonal festivals like the Spring Grand Festival.
The goshuin at Takachiho Shrine are beautifully colorful and extremely popular.
Takachiho is located in a mountainous area, so driving is the main mode of access. For public transportation, express buses from Kumamoto Station are convenient.
From the Kyushu Expressway “Mifune IC,” take Route 445 and Route 218 for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. From Oita, take the Oita Expressway to “Chitose Ono IC” and follow Route 57 and Route 325 for approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes.
Once in Takachiho Town, turn from Route 218 onto Prefectural Route 203 and follow the signs to reach the shrine.
There is a free parking lot beside the shrine approach that can accommodate approximately 100 vehicles. The same parking lot is available for Kagura evening performances.
Take the express bus “Aso-go” or “Takachiho-go” from Kumamoto Station for approximately 3 hours, get off at Takachiho Bus Center, and walk about 15 minutes (advance reservation required).
*Express buses from Miyazaki Station have been suspended since May 2024.
Takachiho Shrine is a sacred site enveloped in the solemn atmosphere woven by 1,900 years of history.
The Kihachi legend carved into the Important Cultural Property main hall, the popular matchmaking Meoto Sugi, the historic Chichibu Cedar connected to Minamoto no Yoritomo, and the worry-calming Shizume-ishi. And at the nightly Takachiho Kagura, you can experience the world of the Ama-no-Iwato mythology before your eyes.
During the day, take your time exploring the grounds, feeling the mystical and solemn atmosphere created by the giant trees and dappled sunlight.
Then at 8 PM, in the darkness, the drums echo through the Kagura Hall, and the world of mythology appears before you.
The Totori-no-Mai opening the heavenly rock cave, the Goshintai-no-Mai depicting the creation of Japan. Experience the nationally designated Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property Kagura found nowhere else.
Takachiho, the land where the gods descended. Visit Takachiho Shrine at its heart.
