Amano Iwato Shrine

Overview

Ama-no-Iwato is a cave that appears in one of the most famous passages of Japanese mythology, the myth of Amaterasu Omikami hiding behind Iwato.

Ama-no-Iwato Shrine in Takachiho Town, Miyazaki Prefecture, is dedicated to Ama-no-Iwato, which is believed to exist on earth. From the Ama-no-Iwato Shrine to Ama-no-Gawara, a sacred place in the myth and a popular power spot, the Takachiho area is dotted with sacred places and sightseeing spots with a mysterious and fantastic atmosphere.

Ama-no-Iwato Shrine has two main shrines, the Higashi Hongu and the Nishi-Hongu. The Higashi Hongu is dedicated to Amaterasu-Omikami, while the Nishi-Hongu is dedicated to Ohirume no Mikoto (another name for Amaterasu-Omikami), the main deity, with Ama-no-Iwato (cave) as its sacred body.

At Nishi Hongu, you can visit the sacred object “Amanoiwato” with a fixed schedule. (No photography allowed)
Higashi Hongu is the place where Amaterasu Omikami, who came out of Amano Yasugawara, first lived.

Recommended season

• All Season

Information

• URL：https://amanoiwato-jinja.jp
• Address: 1073-1 Iwato, Takachiho-Town
  
  Travel time from major stations (By Car)
• From Miyazaki：Approximately 2 hours from Miyazaki Station
• From Oita：Approximately 2 hours from Oita Station
• From Kumamoto: Approximately 2 hours from Kumamoto Station
• From Fukuoka：Approximately 3 hours from Hakata Station