Photo: CARA LAM
travel

Amano Yasugawara: The secret gathering spot for gods

4 Comments
By GaijinPot Travel

While many visitors in Miyazaki Prefecture make sure to visit the famous Takachiho Gorge, they often neglect the nearby “spiritual power spot” with a shrine in a cave, located only 20 minutes away from it.

This power spot is called Amano Yasugawara. According to a local myth, Amaterasu (the goddess of the sun) couldn’t stand her brother Susanoo (the god of storms and sea) anymore because he created a lot of chaos. Out of anger, she retreated in a dark cave called Amano Iwato (heavenly rock cave) which has now become a local shrine.

Numerous local gods were frustrated for little sunlight and endless disasters, so they gathered and planned a banquet near the cave which eventually tricked Amaterasu to get out and appear again. The spot where the gods secretly gathered is Gyobo Cave, a sacred site popular among wish-makers.

Whether or not the goddess of the sun actually hid near Amano Yasugawara, one can really feel the spirituality of the place while embarking on the short walking route from Amano Iwato Shrine.

Once past the entrance where a handful of restaurants and souvenir shops are housed, a narrow path follows along a stream. The beginning of the path may be a bit of a hike but gets flatter as you reach the stream.After walking for about 10 minutes, you should reach a point where the stream opens wide, with huge rocks sat here and there. Trees on both sides curve in and form a beautiful frame, with the center reserved for the penetration of sunlight. Depending on the weather, the spot may look even more ethereal with a bit of mist circulating in the air.

Click here to read more.

© GaijinPot Travel

©2024 GPlusMedia Inc.

4 Comments
Login to comment

"Whether or not the goddess of the sun actually hid near Amano Yasugawara, one can really feel the spirituality of the place while embarking on the short walking route from Amano Iwato Shrine."

The author sounds as if he/she is unsure if this happened or not. Sigh.

I guess for the sake of tourism, you have to write the article like that, but I think we all know this never happened and that it is just a cave like any other cave.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I’m normally not one for “Power Spots” and whatnot but this really is a remarkable place. Definitely worth a visit if you’re going to Takachiho.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

"Whether or not the goddess of the sun actually hid near Amano Yasugawara, one can really feel the spirituality of the place while embarking on the short walking route from Amano Iwato Shrine."

The author sounds as if he/she is unsure if this happened or not. Sigh.

I think it was more implied that whether or not someone believes it happened, not that the author actually believes in ancient gods.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I lived in Fukuoka many years and I’ve been to Takachiho twice. The power and spiritual energy I felt in Amano Yasugawara I’ve never felt before in any other place. The energy is so powerful it’s almost frightening.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Login to leave a comment

Facebook users

Use your Facebook account to login or register with JapanToday. By doing so, you will also receive an email inviting you to receive our news alerts.

Facebook Connect

Login with your JapanToday account

User registration

Articles, Offers & Useful Resources

A mix of what's trending on our other sites