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In the Amano-Iwato myth, the sun goddess Amaterasu hid herself in a cave, plunging the world into darkness. The sacred site where this legendary event took place is Amanoiwato Shrine in Takachiho, Miyazaki Prefecture.
At Nishi Hongu, you can view the sacred Amano-Iwato cave from a special worship spot. Higashi Hongu enshrines the place where Amaterasu made her first home after emerging from the cave. At Amano Yasukawara, a mystical cavern filled with countless stacked stones marks where eight million gods gathered to plan how to bring Amaterasu back.
In this guide, we introduce the highlights of these three sacred sites at Amanoiwato Shrine.
Amanoiwato Shrine is located in Takachiho, Miyazaki Prefecture. The shrine enshrines the Amano-Iwato cave where Amaterasu hid during the "Amano - Iwato Biraki" myth, making it one of Japan’s most significant mythological sites visited by worshippers from around the world.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Amanoiwato Shrine |
| Enshrined Deity | Amaterasu Omikami |
| Office Hours | 8:30 am–5:00 pm |
| Address | 1073 - 1 Iwato, Takachiho, Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki |
| Parking | Available (Free) |
| Official Website | https://amanoiwato-jinja.jp/ |
Amanoiwato Shrine contains three sacred sites that bring the ancient myths to life.
From Nishi Hongu, Higashi Hongu is about a 6-minute walk across the Iwato River, while Amano Yasukawara is about 10 minutes along the riverside path. Understanding the layout beforehand will help you visit all three sites efficiently.
Nishi Hongu is the main sanctuary of Amanoiwato Shrine. It enshrines the Amano-Iwato cave where Amaterasu hid herself.
The Amano-Iwato cave is located on a cliff face across the Iwato River and is normally not visible. However, by joining a guided tour called “Amano-Iwato Yohai” led by shrine priests, you can view the sacred object from a special worship spot behind the main hall.
(Photography is prohibited at the worship spot and of the sacred object as they are considered sacred.)
Standing at the worship spot, you can feel the atmosphere change completely. This is a rare opportunity to experience the setting of Japanese mythology firsthand, making the Amano-Iwato viewing tour highly recommended.
Guided tours are held every 30 minutes daily from 9:00 to 16:40. Participation is free and no reservation is required.
The Amano-Iwato cave is the setting of the “Amano-Iwato Biraki” myth from Japanese mythology. Learn more about this legend in the article below.
Read more about Amano-Iwato Biraki
In front of the worship hall at Nishi Hongu stands the sacred Ogatama tree.
The Ogatama tree, written with characters meaning “spirit-summoning tree,” is believed to attract divine spirits. According to legend, Ame-no-Uzume held branches of this tree while performing her dance in front of the Amano-Iwato cave.
The fruit of the Ogatama tree is also said to be the origin of the kagura bell (suzu) used by shrine maidens in sacred dances, connecting it deeply to Takachiho, considered the birthplace of kagura. The Ogatama is designated as the official tree of Takachiho Town, and seedlings are available at the Nishi Hongu offering shop.
Higashi Hongu is reached by crossing the Iwato River from Nishi Hongu and climbing over 100 stone steps.
Higashi Hongu enshrines the place where Amaterasu made her first home after emerging from the Amano-Iwato cave. In contrast to the bustling Nishi Hongu, this sanctuary is surrounded by deep forest, creating a serene and sacred atmosphere.
It takes about 6 minutes on foot from Nishi Hongu, or about 15 minutes including the stone steps. This mythological forest wrapped in tranquility offers a different experience from Nishi Hongu and is a must-visit when at Amanoiwato Shrine.
Behind the Higashi Hongu shrine hall stands the sacred Nanahon Sugi (Seven Cedars).
As the name suggests, Nanahon Sugi consists of seven cedar trees standing in a row, remarkably connected at their roots. Said to have been planted during the Edo period, these sacred trees stand within a boundary marked by sacred ropes (shimenawa), emanating a divine presence.
Once off-limits due to their location at the edge of a cliff, a walking path was constructed in 2014, allowing visitors to view them up close.
A 10-minute walk along the riverside path from Nishi Hongu brings you to Amano Yasukawara.
Amano Yasukawara is said to be the place where eight million gods gathered to discuss how to bring Amaterasu out of the Amano-Iwato cave after she hid herself and plunged the world into darkness.
Within the massive cavern called Gyobo-ga-Iwaya, measuring approximately 40 meters wide and 30 meters deep, stands a small shrine dedicated to Omoikane-no-Kami (the god of wisdom) and the eight million gods.
The countless stacked stones filling the cavern have been placed by visitors following the belief that stacking stones while making a wish will make it come true. The sight of these stone piles beyond the torii gate creates a mystical atmosphere found nowhere else.
The walking path to Amano Yasukawara is also surrounded by nature, allowing you to enjoy the sounds of the Iwato River along the way.
The time needed to visit Amanoiwato Shrine depends on how many of the three sacred sites you plan to see. We recommend visiting all three.
| Route | Duration |
|---|---|
| Nishi Hongu only | 20–30 min |
| Nishi Hongu + Amano Yasukawara | 40–60 min |
| Nishi Hongu + Amano Yasukawara + Higashi Hongu | 1.5–2 hours |
The recommended route is to first join the Amano-Iwato viewing tour at Nishi Hongu, then walk to Amano Yasukawara. Return to Nishi Hongu before heading to Higashi Hongu.
Since Higashi Hongu involves climbing stone steps, we recommend taking a break at Nishi Hongu before heading there.
Around Amano Yasukawara and the Nishi Hongu parking area, you will find cafes, restaurants, and souvenir shops that make good rest stops.
The main ways to reach Amanoiwato Shrine are by car or bus. There is no train service to the area.
From Miyazaki, it takes about 2 hours from Miyazaki Airport or JR Miyazaki Station. From Kumamoto, it takes about 1 hour 30 minutes from Kumamoto Airport. If using the Kyushu Chuo Expressway, it is about 10 minutes from Hinokage-Fukakado IC.
Parking is free, with lots available in front of both Nishi Hongu and Higashi Hongu.
Take the town-operated Fureai Bus bound for Iwato from Takachiho Bus Center and get off at Iwato bus stop. The journey takes about 15 minutes. Bus services are limited, so we recommend checking the timetable in advance.
Bus Timetable (Takachiho) October 1, 2025 [PDF]
If you are staying in Takachiho and sightseeing, we also recommend the ”Mythology Tour - Takachiho Bus Trip.” This 4-hour tour covers both Amanoiwato Shrine and Takachiho Gorge. Advance booking is required through the reservation form.
Inquiries: Takachiho Tourism Association Travel Center TEL: 0982 - 73 - 1800
Three sacred sites at Amanoiwato Shrine preserve the stories of ancient myths.
Nishi Hongu, where you can view the Amano-Iwato cave where Amaterasu hid.
Higashi Hongu, where Amaterasu made her first home.
And Amano Yasukawara, where eight million gods gathered to hold council.
Each site conveys a scene from mythology, inviting visitors into the world of ancient legends.
Learning about the "Amano - Iwato Biraki" myth before your visit will deepen your appreciation of these sacred places.
Takachiho is known as the heartland of Japanese mythology. Visit Amanoiwato Shrine, its spiritual center, and explore all three sacred sites.
