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Amanoiwato Shrine, Nishi Hongu (West Head Shrine)
日本、〒882-1621 宮崎県西臼杵郡高千穂町岩戸１０７３−１
This shrine enshrines a cave (Amanoiwato) as its sacred object and honors the Heavenly Rock Cave from Japanese mythology. The Nishi Hongu (West Head Shrine) enshrines Ōhirume no Mikoto, while the Higashi Hongu (East Head Shrine) enshrines Amaterasu Ōkami.
Enshrined deities
Amaterasu Omikami
History
The Nishi Hongu represents an ancient form of worship that uses a cave (Amanoiwato) as its sacred object. Its origin is said to be when Ōkuninushi no Mikoto commemorated the legend of the Heavenly Rock Cave and performed a pacifying ritual. It was revived in 812 CE (Kōnin 3) by Ōkami Izmoto. The shrine was repeatedly burned down during the Sengoku period, but the buildings were rebuilt in 1821 CE (Bunsei 4) with the assistance of the lord of the Yonago Domain. In 1873 CE (Meiji 6), it was designated as a village shrine, and from 1891 CE (Meiji 24) onward, nearby village shrines and unranked shrines were merged into it.
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What visitors say
The shrine grounds are surrounded by lush greenery and the sound of a clear stream, creating a mystical space in harmony with nature. From the Nishi Hongu, it takes about 15 minutes on foot to reach Ten'an Kawara, where you can walk along a riverside path and worship a cave containing countless stacked stones. Visits to the Amanoiwato cave are conducted as guided tours led by shrine priests, and photography is prohibited.
Opening hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
Annual events & festivals
- January 1 onwardHatsumode (first shrine visit of the year)
A shrine dedicated to the Ama-no-Iwato myth. Famous for stacking stones at Ten'an Gahara to express wishes.
This mythological shrine enshrines the Ama-no-Iwato (Heavenly Rock Cave), where Amaterasu Omikami is said to have hidden, as its sacred object. It is also known for Ten'an Gahara, a site where visitors stack stones to convey their wishes.
HighlightsSee details on the official site ›- ・Shrine of the Ama-no-Iwato myth
- ・Ten'an Gahara
- ・Sacred domain of Takachiho
- May 3Goshinko-sai (Spring Grand Festival)
A spring grand festival featuring a mikoshi procession.
On May 3, a Goshinko-sai is held in conjunction with the Spring Grand Festival, during which the mikoshi (portable shrine) is paraded through the streets.
HighlightsSee details on the official site ›- ・Goshinko-sai (deity procession)
- ・Spring Grand Festival
Dates can shift from year to year. Please check the official information before you go.
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