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:
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:
There is a very impressive place located in the rural confines of Saga Prefecture that has significant historical and cultural connotations. It is called the giant tree of Ureshino and for a green tea buff it is the origins of the green tea industry in this region of Kyushu.
Not only is the location completely in the countryside (it's about as rural as you are ever going to get) but no matter what the season the Green Tea fields are still an amazing shade of vibrant green. It's hard to explain that in the middle of winter that colors like this even exist. The contrast is so mazing that it actually blows your mind. The manicured hedges of the Green Tea fields are absolutely mesmerizing. It could be just me but every time I see another interesting hedge shape along the river bank or on the hill I just have to step out of my car and take another picture. It's like a drug, you just can't get enough!
I have been told that in summer the density of the tree when its leaves are at its peak are quite a lit more than in its current state. However a 340 year old specimen that is 4 meters high and has an 8 meter circumference, i think that it has nothing to apologize for. This is a true indication that nature is incredible and that we need to preserve and protect everything we can for the next generation to enjoy.
Even if there is no English signs to enjoy, this is one of those locations that no explanation is necessary. Nature trumps linguistics every time!
Please check out the Giant Green Tea Tree on the map below:
Please click the photos below to enlarge:
Great all year round
Rows and rows of green tea
Manicured perfection
Beautiful scenery
Big Green Tea Tree
It's massive
Close up of tea
The origins of Tea
Gotta love nature
Please click on the videos below to see more about the Green Tea fields in Ureshino, Saga Prefecture.
