Kamikawa Shrine
上川神社
Hokkaido · Asahikawa
Independent Agriculture
Amano Iwato Shrine
天岩戸神社
/ Amano Iwato Jinja
Admission
Free
Goshuin
¥300
Hours
8:30–17:00
Overview
This shrine sits across a ravine from the actual cave where, according to Japan's creation myth, the sun goddess Amaterasu hid after her brother Susanoo's violent behavior, plunging the world into darkness. The cave (Amano Iwato) is the shrine's goshintai and can only be viewed on guided tours led by shrine priests. The nearby Amano Yasukawara cave, where the gods gathered to plan how to coax Amaterasu out, is a deeply atmospheric stone-stacked grotto.
Enshrined Deities
⛩
primary Deity
Goddess of the sun, supreme deity of the Shinto pantheon, and ancestral kami of the Imperial house
Blessings
Did You Know?
💡
The nearby Amano Yasukawara cave — where the gods gathered to plan how to lure Amaterasu out — is filled with thousands of visitor-stacked stones.
Source: tradition
In Pop Culture
game / 2006
Okami Amanoiwato Shrine in Miyazaki. Directly connected to the Amaterasu cave myth (Amano-Iwato) that is central to the game's narrative.
Practical Information
Location Coordinates
32.7569, 131.2606
Physical Address
1073-1 Iwato, Takachiho-cho, Nishiusuki-gun, Miyazaki 882-1621
〒882-1621 宮崎県西臼杵郡高千穂町岩戸1073-1
Historical Province
Hyuga
Hours
8:30–17:00
Bus
Bus from Takachiho, ~15 min
Best Times to Visit
Year-round
Foreign Language Support
English signage
Accessibility
Limited
Official Website
https://amanoiwato-jinja.jp/
Visitor information last verified: 2026-04-06. Please check the official website for the latest details.
Why This Shrine
The actual cave from Japan's most famous myth — where Amaterasu hid and plunged the world into darkness.
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Learn More About Shinto Shrines
Background reading for visitors and pilgrims.
Frequently Asked Questions
Information provided by Jinja DB Editorial Team
What is Amano Iwato Shrine?
This shrine sits across a ravine from the actual cave where, according to Japan's creation myth, the sun goddess Amaterasu hid after her brother Susanoo's violent behavior, plunging the world into darkness. The cave (Amano Iwato) is the shrine's goshintai and can only be viewed on guided tours led by shrine priests. The nearby Amano Yasukawara cave, where the gods gathered to plan how to coax Amaterasu out, is a deeply atmospheric stone-stacked grotto.
Where is Amano Iwato Shrine located?
Amano Iwato Shrine is located in Takachiho, Miyazaki. The full address is: 1073-1 Iwato, Takachiho-cho, Nishiusuki-gun, Miyazaki 882-1621.
What deities are enshrined at Amano Iwato Shrine?
The enshrined deities are: Amaterasu Omikami.
What blessings can you pray for at Amano Iwato Shrine?
Amano Iwato Shrine is known for: General Prosperity, Good Fortune, Warding Off Evil.
Can I get a goshuin (temple seal) at Amano Iwato Shrine?
Yes, goshuin are available. The fee is ¥300.