*You arrive here around 12:15 and stay until 15:15 include lunch time Takachiho (高千穂) is a town in northern Miyazaki Prefecture that is steeped in Japanese mythology. It is the supposed site of legend where Amaterasu, the Shinto Sun Goddess, disturbed by her brother's cruel pranks, hid herself in a cave, prompting the other gods and goddesses to try and lure her out. It is also the disputed landing place of the god Ninigi no Mikoto, grandson of Amaterasu, who was sent down from heaven to establish the lineage of Japanese emperors, a distinction which it competes for with Mount Takachiho-no-mine in Kirishima National Park. Takachiho is known as a "power spot", a place of profound religious importance and natural beauty, which radiates spiritual energy. Among the best spots for a spiritual experience are Amano Iwato Shrine and Takachiho Gorge on a calm day.

Takachiho Shrine (高千穂神社, Takachiho Jinja), located just west of the town center, is nestled in a grove of tall cedars. During the day the shrine's nondescript, unpainted buildings blend in naturally with the surrounding trees. The light that filters through, brings with it an air of calm, peaceful reverence. The town of Takachiho is the site of one of the most important and well known legends of Japanese mythology. In the story, 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. All of the other gods and goddesses gathered to lure her out. They tried everything they could think of to no avail until one goddess performed an outrageously ribald dance that caused the other gods to roar with laughter. Amaterasu left the cave to see what all the fun was about, and in doing so she returned her light to the world.

About 10 minutes on foot from Amanoiwato Shrine Nishihongu along the Iwato River, when Amaterasu Omikami hid in Iwato, it became dark and eight million gods were on this riverbank. A large cave that is said to have been gathered and deified. It is also known as "Gyobogaiwaya". Previously, there was only a company and it was the object of worship, but before I knew it, stones were piled up by the hands of prayers. Today, countless piled stones further enhance the mysterious and fantastic atmosphere of the Cheonan River.