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

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

Getting Here

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Road Trip Vibes: From Beppu to Takachiho

Takachiho Gorge: A Natural Masterpiece That Feels Like a Dream

Nagashi somen at Chiho-no-ie: Can You Catch the Noodles?

If Takachiho is the heart of Japan’s mythological roots, then Takachiho Shrine is its spiritual pulse. Built over 1,900 years ago, this shrine is one of the oldest and most revered in the region. It’s dedicated to the gods of Japanese mythology, including Takachiho-no-Mikoto, a deity associated with the founding of Japan. Walking through its grounds feels like stepping into a living storybook, where every tree, rock, and building has a tale to tell.

The shrine is surrounded by towering cedar trees, some of which are centuries old. These trees aren’t just for show—they’re considered sacred, acting as natural guardians of the shrine. The air here is thick with a sense of reverence, and even if you’re not a spiritual person, it’s hard not to feel a little awestruck.

Meoto Sugi, the pair of cedar trees symbolizing a married couple

While the nighttime Kagura performances are a must-see, Takachiho Shrine is just as enchanting during the day. Built over 1,900 years ago, this shrine is the spiritual heart of Takachiho and is surrounded by towering cedar trees that feel like they’ve been there since the dawn of time.

The shrine is dedicated to the gods of Japanese mythology, and you can feel the sacred energy as soon as you step onto the grounds. Don’t miss the Meoto Sugi, a pair of cedar trees symbolizing a married couple. Legend has it that walking between them will bring you good luck in love. (Single travelers, take note!)

Kagura Hall during daytime

Takachiho Shrine’s sacredness is deeply tied to its role in Japanese mythology. According to legend, this area is where the sun goddess Amaterasu hid in a cave, plunging the world into darkness. The other gods gathered here to devise a plan to lure her out, which involved a lot of dancing, music, and a strategically placed mirror.

During the day, Takachiho Shrine is a haven of tranquility. The sunlight filters through the cedar trees, casting dappled shadows on the stone pathways. The sound of rustling leaves and the occasional chirp of birds create a soothing soundtrack, making it easy to forget the outside world.

Shrine

No visit to a Japanese shrine is complete without picking up an omamori, a small charm believed to bring luck, protection, or blessings. At Takachiho Shrine, you’ll find a variety of omamori, each with its own special meaning. We spent some time purchasing omamori, and I definitely have purchased quite a few for myself, and for my family! And of course, with how spiritual Takachiho Shrine is, it's only right to give omikuji a try too!

The moment I saw the goldfish, I knew this is meant for me!

After giggling and laughing at the omikuji results, it's only a little past 1PM. Too early for us to check in to our ryokan, and we already had our stomachs filled, so we decided to also visit a couple more interesting spots which I happened to be drawn to when I saw images of postcards I bought earlier! 

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