Takachiho Amano-Iwato-jinja Shrine is famous for the myth of Ama-no-Iwato* and Amaterasu (Sun Goddess), a Japanese god. This shrine has two Shinto shrines placed west and east. The eastern shrine is the hall of worship for Amaterasu, while the Ama-no-Iwato, the western shrine, is the hall of worship for Ama-no-Iwato. Located nearby is the Amanoyasu dry river bed where it is told that other Japanese gods gathered and discussed Amaterasu when she secluded herself in the cave. The Takachiho area is a spot appropriately designated as the “Birthplace of Myths”.

*Ama-no-Iwato literally means ”the cave of the sun god” or ”heavenly rock cave”. In Japanese mythology, 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.