Hello everyone, welcome back to my blog! In my previous post, we explored the breathtaking Takachiho Gorge—where towering cliffs, emerald-green waters, and the iconic Manai Falls left us in awe. If you missed it, you can catch up here. Today, we’re diving deeper into Takachiho’s mystical side as we visit two of its most spiritually significant sites: Aratate Shrine and Amanoiwato Shrine, along with the enchanting Ama no Yasugawara.

If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping into a mythical world, today’s journey brings that dream to life. From sacred rituals at Aratate Shrine to walking in the footsteps of ancient gods at Amanoiwato, this day was a perfect blend of spirituality, history, and natural beauty. Oh, and don’t worry—there’s still time for a little adventure and some quirky fun along the way. Let’s dive into the highlights of our fourth day in Kyushu!

Content Overview

• Where we were: A Recap
• Aratate Shrine
• Amanoiwato Shrine and Ama no Yasugawara
• Getting Here by Public Transportation
• What's Next?

Where We Were: A Recap

If you've read my previous post, I hope you had a grasp of how Takachiho is a place where myths, nature, and culture collide in the most magical way. From the moment we arrived, it felt like stepping into a Studio Ghibli movie. The day began with a scenic drive from Beppu, where we stopped at Namino Kaguraen Roadside Station for breakfast. This spot was a treasure trove of local produce, snacks, and even a chance to catch a Kagura performance.

The towering cliffs, emerald-green waters, and the iconic Manai Falls left us in awe. For first-time visitors, Manai Falls is a must-see. While we missed out on the boat ride (tickets sell out fast, really!), the Takachiho Promenade offered breathtaking views and a chance to soak in the gorge’s natural beauty. The Yaritobi Bridge added a touch of adventure, and the entire experience felt like a spiritual journey.

After exploring the gorge, we headed to Chiho-no-ie for a fun and interactive lunch: nagashi somen. Slurping noodles as they zipped down a bamboo flume was both humbling and hilarious. The meal came with a set of local dishes, and we topped it off with chewy, delicious dango. The experience was a perfect blend of tradition and fun, and it’s a must-try for anyone visiting Takachiho.

We then paid a daytime visit to Takachiho Shrine, a spiritual haven steeped in mythology. The towering cedar trees and sacred atmosphere made it feel like we were walking through a living storybook. So from here onwards, we're visiting Aratate Shrine, Amanoiwato Shrine, Ama no Yasugawara, and check into our luxurious ryokan with Kamigakure. Ready to plan your trip?

If you’re as enchanted by Takachiho as I was, don’t forget to book your stay through my Agoda referral link—it’s a great way to support my blog and ensure you get the best deals! Or if you'd like to be more convinced to stay a night in Takachiho instead of having a day trip, read on and I hope you'll feel just as amazed as I do!

Aratate Shrine: A Sacred Haven of Love, Art, and Mystical Rituals

Nestled in a serene forest of towering cedar trees, Aratate Shrine (荒立神社) is a place where myth, nature, and spirituality intertwine. Unlike the more bustling shrines in Takachiho, Aratate feels like a well-kept secret—a tranquil sanctuary where time seems to stand still. During the day, the sunlight filters through the dense canopy, casting a soft, golden glow over the shrine grounds. The air is filled with the earthy scent of cedar and the gentle rustling of leaves, creating an atmosphere that feels both sacred and intimate.

Aratate Shrine

Aratate Shrine is deeply connected to two legendary figures from Japanese mythology: Sarutahiko-no-Mikoto (猿田彦命) and Ame-no-Uzume-no-Mikoto (天鈿女命). If you’re a fan of Japanese folklore, visiting this shrine feels like stepping into the pages of an ancient myth. Plus, the story of their marriage adds a romantic touch that’s perfect for couples!

Sarutahiko-no-Mikoto, the deity who guided the descent of the sun goddess Amaterasu's grandson to earth, and Ame-no-Uzume-no-Mikoto, the goddess of dance and entertainment who famously lured Amaterasu out of the Amanoiwato Cave with her lively performance. Legend has it that these two deities married and made their home here, which is why Aratate Shrine is revered as a place of marital harmony and matchmaking.

The shrine’s name, Aratate (荒立), comes from the story of how the couple hastily built their dwelling using rough, unfinished wood (araki). It’s a reminder that even the simplest places can hold profound spiritual significance—something to keep in mind as you explore Takachiho’s hidden gems. This humble origin story adds to the shrine’s charm, reminding visitors that even the simplest places can hold profound spiritual significance.

A statue near the main shrine

One of the most unique and memorable experiences at Aratate Shrine is the wooden plates (itagi) and hammers scattered throughout the grounds. These plates are part of a ritual where visitors can knock on them to make wishes or prayers. Each plate has a specific purpose:

• 七福徳寿板木 (Shichifuku Tokuju Itagi): Knocking on this plate seven times is said to grant seven wishes. It’s like a spiritual jackpot!
• 未来板木 (Mirai Itagi): This plate is for calling in happiness and a bright future.
• 芸道進栄板木 (Geidō Shinei Itagi): Perfect for artists and performers, this plate is believed to bring success and progress in the arts.
• 干支板木 (Eto Itagi): Linked to the Chinese zodiac, this plate is for blessings related to your birth year.

As we prayed, the rhythmic sound of hammers tapping on wood echoes through the forest, creating a soothing, almost meditative atmosphere. So if you’re visiting, don’t miss the chance to try this ritual—it’s a unique way to connect with the shrine’s spiritual energy. What makes this spot even more special is the shrine’s unmanned system. Visitors purchase ema and omamori based on trust, leaving payment in a designated box. It’s a beautiful reminder of the honesty and respect that underpin Japanese culture.

We didn't see anyone else when we arrived, either, so I'd say that this spot might be a hidden gem! And after paying our respects and also me purchasing an omamori in this quiet, serene shrine, it's time for us to head to Amanoiwato Shrine and Ama no Yasugawara, as they are just a short drive away!

Amanoiwato Shrine and Ama no Yasugawara: Where One Walks Into A Myth

To be honest, we originally planned to visit this spot on the following day, but decided to visit it on the very same day since we had extra time. It was almost 3pm by the time we arrived here at Amanoiwato Shrine, and it's just in time for us to explore around before the sun sets!

Ame-no-Tajikarao statue, taken from the parking lot (He will be mentioned again in my post on Yokagura!)

Amanoiwato Shrine is a spiritual hotspot where you can feel the weight of centuries of prayers and legends. The shrine itself is beautiful, but the real magic lies in Amanoyasukawa Cave, where the gods supposedly held a meeting to lure Amaterasu out. It’s a serene, almost otherworldly place—perfect for a moment of reflection (or just a great photo op if you are unfamiliar with the folklore, and that's alright!).

Pathway to Amanoiwato Shrine from the parking lot. Image courtesy to Miyazaki Prefecture

The shrine itself is beautiful, with a serene atmosphere that feels miles away from the modern world. If you wanted feel more of the myth deeply linked to Takachiho, Amanoiwato Shrine is the place to do it. You might've started to wonder, who is Amaterasu and what is her role in the folklore in Takachiho? And I'll brief you through with what I understood! 

TLDR; Amaterasu, the sun goddess, hid in a cave, plunging the world into darkness. The other gods lured her out with a mirror and a lively dance.

Well, as you can probably tell by now, this shrine is deeply tied to one of Japan’s most famous legends: the story of Amaterasu Omikami, the sun goddess, who hid in a cave (the Ama no Iwato) after a quarrel with her brother, Susano-o no Mikoto. Her disappearance plunged the world into darkness, and the other gods had to come up with a plan to lure her out. Spoiler: It involved a lot of dancing, a mirror, and some divine trickery.

In my excitement, I completely forgot to snap a photo of the shrine building—oops! Image courtesy to Miyazaki Prefecture

According to the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki, two of Japan’s oldest historical records, this is where the sun goddess Amaterasu Omikami hid in a cave and plunged the world into darkness. Why did she do so? You might've asked. It's because her brother, Susano-o no Mikoto, the storm god, had been causing chaos and destruction. Fed up with his antics, Amaterasu retreated into the Ama no Iwato (Heavenly Rock Cave), refusing to come out. Without her light, the world fell into eternal night, and chaos reigned.

Scenery on our way to Ama no Yasugawara

The other gods, desperate to restore light, gathered at Ama no Yasugawara, a nearby cave, to devise a plan. They decided to lure Amaterasu out by throwing a party outside her cave. The goddess Ame-no-Uzume (yes, the one we mentioned in Aratate Shrine) performed a lively dance, and the gods laughed and cheered so loudly that Amaterasu grew curious. When she peeked out, they held up a mirror (the Yata no Kagami), and her own reflection dazzled her. As she stepped out to get a closer look, the gods quickly sealed the cave behind her, restoring light to the world.

Amanoiwato Shrine has been a place of worship since at least the early 9th century, and it’s mentioned in ancient documentations. It’s also been visited by numerous members of the Japanese imperial family, including Prince Chichibu and Prince Takamatsu, which just adds to its prestige. And of course, during our visit, we had to try omikuji too! But I wasn't very lucky, as told by the divines, written all over my fortune slip. 

On a side note, it came with a tiny, mirror-shaped omamori!

After accepting my reality and learning a lesson where I should decide my own happiness, I tied the fortune slip onto the designated area and had a laugh. We then decided to walk to the sacred cave, Ama no Iwato, which is also the heart of Amanoiwato Shrine. The area around the cave is serene, with the sound of the Iwato River flowing nearby and the lush greenery creating a tranquil atmosphere.

The cave is also the focus of the shrine’s annual Iwato Kagura festival, held from late November to early February. During this festival, dancers reenact the story of Amaterasu's return, performing traditional dances and rituals that have been passed down for generations. The festival is a vibrant celebration of light overcoming darkness, and it’s a must-see if you’re in the area during that time. But if you couldn't manage to watch all dances (that will be all night long), there's Yokagura that shows only four of them, but you can get a gist of the myth as well!

Oh look at the waters, the greenery, the cooling breeze

The more we walked, the more we saw rocks being piled up along the river. Soon enough in less than 15 minutes, we arrived at Ama no Yasugawara, the mystical cave where the gods supposedly held their meeting to discuss how to lure Amaterasu out of hiding. This place is also known as Gyobogaiwaya, and it’s a spot that feels almost otherworldly. Fun fact: Gyobogaiwaya Cave is also mentioned in a popular Japanese manga called Nurarihyon no Mago (or Nura: Rise of the Yokai Clan)!

The path to Ama no Yasugawara is as enchanting as the destination itself. The trail follows the Iwato River, with lush greenery and the sound of flowing water accompanying you every step of the way. Along the way, you’ll cross a small bridge (Taiko Bridge), which is said to be a power spot as it acts as a boundary between the human and divine worlds. Crossing it feels like stepping into a realm of pure, serene energy. Take a moment to pause here and soak in the natural beauty—it’s the perfect place for a quick photo or a moment of reflection.

The walk is relatively easy, but the trail can be a bit slippery, especially after rain, so make sure to wear sturdy shoes. The journey itself is part of the experience, as it allows you to connect with the natural beauty and spiritual energy of Takachiho.

Look at the piles of stones around here!

The cave is filled with thousands of small stone stacks, left by visitors as offerings and prayers. These stacks, called ishi-doro, create a surreal, almost magical atmosphere. It’s said that if you add a stone to the stacks, your wish will come true. Whether or not you believe in the power of the stones, there’s no denying the sense of peace and reverence that fills the air here.

One of the most striking features of Ama no Yasugawara is the countless stone stacks left by visitors. These stacks, known as ishi-doro, are a form of prayer or offering. Each stone represents a wish or a hope, and the act of stacking them is a way to connect with the divine. The stacks vary in size, from small, delicate piles to towering structures that seem to defy gravity. The tradition of stacking stones here dates back centuries, and it’s a practice that continues to this day.

You can pray here, and you can also see more stacks of stones here

Standing in Ama no Yasugawara, surrounded by the stone stacks and the natural beauty of the cave, it’s easy to imagine the gods gathered here, plotting their strategy to bring light back to the world (literally). The cave is a reminder of the power of nature and the enduring strength of these ancient myths. It’s a place where the line between the divine and the earthly feels incredibly thin, and where you can’t help but feel a sense of awe. 

Found a purple mushroom on the way back and I did not understand how it's so purple

Amanoiwato Shrine and Ama no Yasugawara are more than just tourist spots—they’re places where you can connect with Japan’s ancient past and experience the spiritual heart of Takachiho. Whether you’re here to learn about the myths, soak in the natural beauty, or simply find a moment of peace, these sites offer something truly special.

The combination of history, spirituality, and natural beauty makes these spots a must-visit for anyone traveling to Takachiho. The view made us believe that it's worth the time and lots of walking here! Also a pro tip: Wear comfortable shoes for the walk to Ama no Yasugawara, it's really gonna quite the walk round trip!

Getting Here

While we did travel here by car, it is not completely inaccessible by public transportation! If you’re traveling by public transport, the nearest station is JR Nobeoka Station. From there, take a Miyazaki Kotsu bus to Takachiho Bus Center (about 1.5 hours), then hop on the Fureai Bus Iwato Line for 10 minutes to the Amanoiwato Shrine bus stop.

If you’re driving, it’s about 1.5 hours from the Yamato Nakajima Nishi IC (for those coming from Fukuoka or Nagasaki) or 7 minutes from the Hinokage Fukakado IC (for those coming from Miyazaki or Oita). Renting a car is highly recommended if you want to explore the area at your own pace, which was what we did! 

What's Next?

After a day filled with spiritual exploration and natural wonders, it’s time to unwind in style. Our next stop? Kamigakure, a luxurious ryokan nestled in the heart of Takachiho. Imagine soaking in a private hot spring under the stars, surrounded by the serene beauty of the Japanese countryside. Trust me, it’s the perfect way to end a day like this.

If you’re planning your trip and want to experience this for yourself, I’d love it if you could book your stay through my Agoda referral link. Not only will you get the best deals, but you’ll also be supporting my blog—win-win! Stay tuned for the next post, where I’ll share all the details about our stay at Kamigakure and why it’s worth every yen.

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