This historic shrine served as the setting for the myth of Amanoiwato, recorded in the oldest extant history book in Japan. The myth describes how Amaterasu-Omikami, the sun goddess, became angered at the rambunctious behavior of her younger brother Susanoo, and hid in a cave behind a stone door called Amanoiwato. That very stone door, the Amanoiwato, is enshrined as the god of this shrine, making this one of the best known power spots in Japan. 

Amanoyasukawara is a large cave located just 10 minutes walk from Amanoiwato Shrine and is the site of a famous Japanese myth. The myth holds that when Amaterasu-Omikami, the sun goddess, hid behind the stone door (the Amanoiwato) of the cave, the world became wrapped in darkness and numerous disasters struck. It is said that the riverbank here is where the other gods gathered to discuss how to bring back the light. It is said that if you pile some stones and make a wish, then the wish will come true, so the cave is filled with countless stacks of stone, making it a spiritual power spot.
The Amano Iwato Shrine enshrines that Amanoiwato door behind which the sun goddess hid. It is said that the gods caused a great commotion outside the cave to lure Amaterasu-Omikami out, thereby bringing back the light. Two shrine buildings, the Nishi Hongu and Higashi Hongu, are located on either bank of the Iwato River, and Amaterasu can be found enshrined in Nishi Hongu. Prayers can be offered guided by the priest 15 times per day. So why not visit this site of the famous Japanese myth, Amanoiwato?

The Takachiho no YoKagura is a sacred dance carried out between November and February in the villages of the Takachiho region, comprised of 33 different performances based on Japanese mythology. However, the Kagura stage at Takachiho Shrine features the Takachiho Kagura performances year round, featuring four representative performances from among the complete Takachiho no YoKagura starting every night at 8:00 PM.

This highly popular attraction leverages the infrastructure of the former Takachiho Railway which no longer operates. Open-topped “super carts” travel the roughly five kilometer distance from Takachiho to the Takachiho Iron Bridge, led by an engine running on biodiesel made from sources such as pork bone broth, making it environmentally friendly. A portion of the cart floors is made from reinforced glass, allowing passengers to see the rails as they travel.
But the best part of the ride is the Takachiho Iron Bridge, Japan’s highest railway bridge at 105 meters. The bridge offers wide open views of huge valleys and the Takachiho mountains, and you can really get a sense of your altitude at 105 meters if you look through the reinforced glass floor. Meanwhile, the tunnels along the route are illuminated inside.
With advance reservations, you can try your hand at being the conductor of a train formerly used on the Takachiho Railway. There is also an impressive diorama recreating the entire Takachiho line located within the Takachiho Railway Memorial Museum which opened on the site in 2023.

For lunch, head toward the large monument that looks like a Kagura dance mask. Located in the middle of Takachiho, a place of myth and legend, this breathtakingly scenic location offers a panoramic view of the Shinto Takachiho Bridge and the Takachiho Gorge. You will also find plenty of local Takachiho items for sale, including fresh local vegetables, processed foods, and wood and bamboo crafts such as Yokagura masks. The attached restaurant offers regional cuisine made with local ingredients and dishes using Japan's No.1 Takachiho beef, which won the Prime Minister’s Award at the National Wagyu (Japanese Beef) Promotion Competition, also known as the Wagyu Olympics.

Takachiho Shrine is famous as the home of the god of marriage.
The grounds here feature Chichibu-sugi, a roughly 800 year old pine tree, as well as the massive Meoto Sugi, where two Japanese cedar trees have grown together to form a single trunk. It is said that if you walk around the circumference of Meoto Sugi three times while holding hands with your partner, then you will gain happiness, and enjoy blessings for finding a good marriage partner, marital bliss, and prosperity in producing offspring.
Every year, the Yokagura event is held from mid November through early February in each village of Takachiho, where a total of 33 different types of sacred Kagura dances are performed as an offering throughout the night. As part of that, the Takachiho Kagura event is held daily at Takachiho Shrine featuring four of the most important of those Kagura dances. Traditional Japanese Kagura performances can be seen outside the Yokagura season as well, so this shrine is popular with tourists from all over the world (fee and advanced reservations required).

Takachiho Gorge is located in Takachiho Town, a place famous as a home to many myths. This gorge, formed by the eruption of Mount Aso, extends for roughly 7 kilometers, ranging in depth between approximately 80 to 100 meters. One of the leading views in Japan, the area is nationally designated as a special place of scenic beauty and a natural monument.
Visitors can enjoy views of beautiful columnar canyons and waterfalls from along the boardwalk. Manai Falls, with a drop of 17 meters, is particularly designated as one of the top 100 waterfalls in Japan, and symbolizes Takachiho Gorge.
Visitors can view the Manai Waterfall and columnar canyons up close from rental boats. The waterfall seen from a boat is quite impressive, so the boats are a popular attraction, and reservations are recommended. The fresh greenery and autumn leaves here are breathtaking, so there are always many visitors year round. Come enjoy the amazing views from the boardwalk and boats.