Takachiho Shrine
The birthplace of Japanese mythology, where the gods descended to Earth.
A mystical shrine in the mountainous Takachiho region of Miyazaki, the legendary site where the kami descended from the heavens to create Japan, as told in the Kojiki.
History of the Shrine
Takachiho is considered one of the most spiritually significant places in all of Japan. According to the Kojiki, this is the land where Ninigi-no-Mikoto, the grandson of the sun goddess Amaterasu, descended from the heavens to establish the line of Japanese emperors. This event, known as 'Tenson Korin' (the descent of the heavenly grandchild), is the mythological origin of Japan.
Takachiho Shrine was established about 1,900 years ago to worship the guardian deities of this sacred land. The shrine has been a center of worship for countless pilgrims seeking to connect with the very roots of Japanese spirituality.
The Enshrined Kami
What to See
The shrine is set within a grove of ancient giant cedars, some over 800 years old. Two of these trees have grown intertwined and are called 'Meoto Sugi' (Husband and Wife Cedars), symbolizing a harmonious marriage. Couples walk around them three times, holding hands, to pray for lasting love.
Nearby is Takachiho Gorge, with its stunning columnar basalt cliffs and the famous Manai Waterfall. The entire region is a must-see 'power spot' for those interested in Japanese mythology.
Major Festivals
Every night, the shrine hosts a performance of 'Takachiho Kagura', a form of ritual Shinto dance that has been preserved for over 700 years. The full 33 dances take all night to perform during the winter festival, but visitors can see highlights performed nightly. These dances depict scenes from Japanese mythology and are designated a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property.
Support Takachiho Shrine
Your participation helps preserve this sacred site for future generations. Every digital offering contributes to real shrine preservation efforts across Japan.
By making an offering, you become part of a global community honoring Japanese spiritual traditions and supporting the cultural heritage that has been cherished for centuries.