Amanoiwato Shrine

Overview

Amanoiwato Shrine, located in Takachiho, Miyazaki Prefecture, is steeped in Japanese mythology as the site of the famous sun goddess Amaterasu's cave retreat. The shrine is divided into the West and East Main Shrines, with the West Main Shrine offering guided tours to view the sacred Amanoiwato cave across the Iwato River. The East Main Shrine features a sacred spring emerging from the roots of a cedar tree. Visitors can explore the Microseum (fee required) which displays approximately 2,000 valuable artifacts from the ancient Takachiho region. The shrine is accessible by car or bus from Takachiho Bus Center, making it a must-see destination for those interested in Japanese mythology and serene spiritual sites. It's best to check the tour schedule upon arrival to ensure you can experience the guided viewing of the cave.

Visit Information