The shrine has long history, established 1900 years ago, worship the deity of agriculture, marriage, traffic safety and protection against misfortunes. Located just west of the town center, is nestled in a grove of tall cedars.  During the day the shrine’s nondescript, unpainted buildings blend in naturally with the surrounding trees. The light that filters through, brings with it an air of calm, peaceful reverence. Today this legend is reenacted as Yokagura in a series of 33 episodes depicting the divine quarrel as well as other deeds of the gods.  On winter weekends, people gather to watch  all-night performances of these episodes at different locations each week, sometimes at private homes. The performances are held on Saturday evenings from mid November to mid February.

Takachiho Shrine, in Takachiho…の続きを読む

  Takachiho is a birth place of Japanese indigenous religion, Shinto. There is a story of Shinto origin in the Cave behind of Amano Iwato Shrine, and Amano Yasugawara. In the story, Amaterasu, the Shinto sun goddess, 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 ribald 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.   Amano Iwato Shrine About ten kilometers outside of central Takachiho, Amano Iwato Shrine was built near the Cave where Amaterasu is said to have hid herself away. The cave cannot be approached, however, there is an observation deck behind the shrine’s main building from where you can gaze across the river. In order to access the observation deck, you need to inquire at the shrine entrance, and a priest will give you a quick guided tour. Amano Yasukawara A short walk down the road from Amano Iwato Shrine is a path that leads down to the river below. 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 “power spot”. Farther along, the stacks become more numerous until you are surrounded by literally thousands of them as far as you can see. Eventually the path leads to a simple shrine inside a cave known as Amano Yasugawara.  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 …

Amano Iwato Shrine, in Takachiho…の続きを読む

  One of the most beautiful shrine in Kyushu, and is surrounded by forest. The Shrine buildings were constructed in 1715 and designated as Important Cultural Property of Japan.

Kirishima Shrine, in kirishima…の続きを読む