Amanoiwato Shrine

天岩戸神社

Just outside Takachiho in Miyazaki, Amano Iwato Shrine is home to one of Japan's most important creation myths. Amaterasu Omikami, the Sun Goddess and ancestor of Japan's emperors, was said to have retreated to a cave near the shrine, after a dispute with her brother.

When she entered the cave, she took the light of the world with her, until the other gods tempted her out. Amano Iwato Shrine sits on one side of Iwato river, with the cave on the other. You can arrange a guided tour to visit the cave with a priest.