This is the site of one of the best known legends of Japanese mythology. The story is about Amaterasu, thesun goddess. She became so outraged by her brother's cruel pranks that she hid herself in a cave, refusing to come out and depriving the world of her life-giving light.
All of the other gods and goddesses gathered to lure her out. They tried everything they could think of to no avail until one goddess performed an outrageously dance that caused the other gods to roar with laughter. Amaterasu left the cave to see what all the fun was about, and in doing so she returned her light to the world.
Just outside central Takachiho the Amano Iwato Shrine was built near the cave where Amaterasu is said to have hid herself away. A short walk down the road from Amano Iwato Shrine is a path that leads down to the river. After a few minutes on this path you will see neat little piles of stones stacked along the river by previous visitors to mark their pilgrimage to this incredible power spot. Farther along, the stacks become more numerous until you are surrounded by thousands of them as far as you can see.
Eventually the path leads to a simple shrine inside a cave. This is said to be the cave where the gods and goddesses met to discuss their strategy of luring Amaterasu out of hiding. The natural beauty of the cave and river lined by countless stacks of stones make Amano Iwato a place not to miss.
I know it is only mythology but the story makes so much sense on all levels, The areas absolute beauty and natural significance is unparalleled. The longer of live in Japan the more I realize that I do have a better understanding of the basic Shinto Principles that most Japanese follow even today. As the west gets further and further away from religion and how we should treat our fellow man, the Japanese seem to be doing the opposite, thanks to the many Shinto norms and teachings.
The only problem I have with this attraction is that most of my guests don't want to leave. I have to pry them away so that we can get to our next attraction. Its a hard place to say good bye to and I am always in aware of what I have just witnessed every time I visit. It never gets boring!
Please check out the Amano Iwato Shrine and Cave here on a map below:
Please click on these photos below to enlarge:
The scene
Approaching the Cave
Such a surreal place
One of the gods
Autumn is an amazing time to be here
The Shrine
Always has many visitors
Power spot indeed!
The Cave
PICTURESQUE
The winding river
A quick prayer is worth it!
Please click on these videos below to see more about the Amano Iwato Shrine and Cave:
Just thought I would give you an update on how everything has been progressing this year. The team (Dion, Jon, Elisa and myself) have been extremely busy over the last 6 months and as we speak are generally fully booked for the whole of November and most of December. Obviously we are currently in one of the peak seasons in Japan as a result of the amazing cool weather and subsequent Autumn foliage. This respite from the draining summer heat is more than welcome and its nice not to be drenched in sweat after a 10 minute stop at a local attraction.
My daughter Elisa, has slowly but surely started building up her clients in the Tokyo, Yokohama and Shimizu regions. I am careful not to give her too much part time work as she still needs to focus on her studies and bring home the good grades. She might not LOVE working for me (I can be a hard boss and father when necessary) but the flexibility that touring offers and the fact that she is a strong communicator and effective translator has really allowed her to showcase her skills.
Here are a few photos of her in action.
I am sure you will appreciate her efforts and passion to promote Japan to the world.
In Nagasaki at the Hario Radio Towers
Ready to explore at the Akiyoshido Caves
Meeting the clients at a Tokyo hotel
Yatai food carts in Fukuoka
Having a bite to eat on her walking tours in Tokyo
Kunimigaoka Is an observatory point in Miyazaki prefecture located close to Takachiho town and stands at an altitude of approximately 500 m above sea level. At the viewing platform, you pretty much have a 360° panoramic view of amazing scenery for as far as the I can see. On a clear day, you can see Mount Aso to the west and the Takachiho basin to the east and it really is one of those amazing places that will leave you spellbound and wondering why you’ve never heard of this place before.
Legend has it that the grandson of Emperor Jimmu, the first Shinto god that left heaven to take his place on Earth, viewed this area of Takachiho from this exact spot and hence there are commemorative stones and statues to remember this very important part of Japanese mythology.
All I can say is that it is an incredible place and as long as the weather gods are in our favor, it’s an amazing start to the day. It's just the beginning, the views and scenery will just keep getting better and better and better
This is absolutely God’s country.
Come and see the Kunimigaoka Observatory below on a map:
Click on the pictures below to enlarge:
A view for the ages
Non stop beauty
Well signposted
This is truly God's country
A rough translation
The famous swing
Protectors of the land
A place to say your blessings
Please check these videos below to see more of the Kunimigaoka Observatory:
Visitors can enjoy fresh fruit at lower prices than supermarkets and a great selection of flowers and plants. In fact, during the right season you can get not only the freshest fruit and vegetables at the highest quality but also pricing that is so reasonable you will not be able to just buy 1.
Case in point is the Strawberry season in Japan from December to mid April. I can guarantee that you will not have any better than what you can get here in Fukuoka. Our special type of Strawberry that is specifically grown to be SWEET, is called the Amaou. I cannot tell you how many past clients have argued that the strawberries from their hometown region are the best they have ever tasted. In these cases 100% of them stopped arguing as soon as the strawberry touched their lips. The question that has to be asked, is can you stop a just one pack of strawberries, I think not!
The handmade corner features sausages and tofu, jams, sauces and more, as well as a plentiful selection of bento boxes and sushi. I use this option on sunny days and we have a picnic at a nearby park. Not only some of the most delicious sushi that you can have but get some Vitamin D and fresh air to boot!
Please check out Ito Sai Sai Farmers Market here on a map below:
