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:
