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Amanoiwato Shrine

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Amanoiwato Shrine

Japanese legend is born here at this renowned power spot in Miyazaki.

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Amanoiwato Shrine is an ancient shrine that preserves the legend of the Amanoiwato myth, as recorded in the Nihon Shoki and Kojiki. The shrine venerates the large “Amanoiwato” cave where the sun goddess Amaterasu Omikami hid herself in response to the mischief of her brother Susanoo no Mikoto.

The shrine complex consists of the Western and Eastern main shrines, both dedicated to Amaterasu Omikami, the revered sun goddess believed to be an agricultural deity who can bring blessings for various wishes. Upstream along the Iwato River lies the large cave Amano Yasugawara, where it is said that all the gods gathered to discuss how to lure Amaterasu Omikami out of hiding. Visitors often stack stones here while making wishes, believing that their prayers will be answered.

The Western main shrine features a "yohaijo" (worship hall) from which visitors can view the sacred cave, guided by shrine priests at scheduled times. Standing near this famed site of myth evokes an unshakable sense of mystique.

Highlights

  • Guided visits to yohaijo to view the sacred Amanoiwato cave are generally free, but donations to the shrine's building fund or offerings are always welcome.
  • Access to Amano Yasugawara is by foot only. The path can be slippery and difficult, so safe footwear is essential.
  • Join the local tradition of stacking stones while praying at Amano Yasugawara to make your wish come true.

Photos

  • A spiritual power spot believed to be the setting of the Amanoiwato myth.

    A spiritual power spot believed to be the setting of the Amanoiwato myth.

  • The Eastern main shrine sits across the Iwato River from the Western main shrine.

    The Eastern main shrine sits across the Iwato River from the Western main shrine.

  • Amano Yasugawara, where all the gods are said to have held their divine council.

    Amano Yasugawara, where all the gods are said to have held their divine council.

Official FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.

Q

Do you have pamphlets in other languages? (If so, please also inform us of the supported languages)
A

English pamphlets available.

Q

Do you have shrine’s red ink stamps?
A

Yes.

Q

Is parking available?
A

Yes.

Q

Are coin lockers available?
A

Not available.

Reviews

2

Some reviews are AI-translated.

  • BobbyJenny
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    Before reaching Amano Yasukawara, you first pass Amanoiwato Shrine. This is a very important mythological site in Takachiho. According to legend, the sun goddess Amaterasu hid in Amanoiwato Cave because of her younger brother Susanoo's mischief, plunging heaven and earth into darkness. The site of Amanoiwato Shrine has deep ties to this ancient myth.

    It happened to be raining when I passed by, so I didn't stop specifically to take photos and could only take in the tranquility of the mountain forest in the rain. This is also said to be a place many people visit specifically to feel its energy. Surrounded by cliffs, streams, and forest, the atmosphere is especially peaceful.

    Although I didn't take any photos, I ended up remembering Amanoiwato Shrine on that rainy day. Walking across land where myths have been passed down for thousands of years also added a sense of mystery to the path leading to Amano Yasukawara.

  • Kevin Huang
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    Amanoiwato Shrine attracts lots of travelers who come here to buy goshuincho (stamp books), shrine stamps, and protective charms. Highly recommended!

Details

Name in Japanese
天岩戸神社
Postal Code
882-1621
Address
1073-1 Iwato, Takachiho-cho, Nishiusuki-gun, Miyazaki
Telephone
0982-74-8239
Closed
Open every day
Business Hours
Shrine office 8:30am - 5:00pm
Admission
Free
Access
About a 10-minute drive from the Takachiho Bus Center (Miyazaki Kotsu Bus Stop).
Official Website
Official Website
Hokkaido Tohoku Kanto Chubu Hokuriku Kansai Chugoku Shikoku Kyushu Okinawa