Amano Yasugawara
Miyazaki Prefecture · Japan
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.
Contents
8 sections · tap a section for its opening lines1Amano Yasugawara
Welcome to Amano Yasugawara, one of the most spiritually evocative and visually stunning locations in all of Japan. Nestled in a deep river valley near the Amanoiwato Shrine, this massive cavern is steeped in the foundational…
Listen in the app2The Riverside Path — A Sensory Prelude
The journey to Amano Yasugawara begins with a walk along the Iwato River, starting from the main buildings of the Amanoiwato Shrine. This path is an essential part of the experience, providing a transition into the deep, shaded…
Listen in the app3The Stone Torii — Marking the Threshold
As you reach the entrance to the cavern, you are greeted by a simple but powerful stone torii gate. Unlike the brightly painted vermilion gates found at many Japanese shrines, this stone structure blends seamlessly into the…
Listen in the app4The Interior — Echoes of Divine Council
Step inside the cavern, and you are standing in the place where the gods were said to have held their desperate meeting. The cave is surprisingly large, with a high, vaulted ceiling that provides a natural shelter from the…
Listen in the app5The Practice of Stone Stacking
The practice of stacking stones at Amano Yasugawara is perhaps its most distinctive visual element. You will see these piles everywhere—on the floor, on ledges, and even balanced precariously on larger boulders. …
Listen in the app6The Myth of the Sun Goddess
The story that defines this cave is one of the most important in Japanese mythology, often taught to children in elementary school. It centers on Amaterasu, the Sun Goddess, who was so enraged by the mischievous actions of her…
Listen in the app7The East and West Sanctuaries
Amano Yasugawara is closely linked to the Amanoiwato Shrine, which is divided into the East (Higashi Hongu) and West (Nishi Hongu) sanctuaries. While many visitors flock to the cave, the sanctuaries themselves hold deep…
Listen in the app8Closing
As you walk back up the path from Amano Yasugawara, you are retracing the steps of the gods who brought light back to the world. The experience of this cave—the stacked stones, the rushing river, and the weight of ancient…
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What is Amano Yasugawara?
Amano Yasugawara is a place in Miyazaki Prefecture · Japan with 8 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.
| Location | Miyazaki Prefecture · Japan |
|---|---|
| Type | Activity |
| Story sections | 8 |
| Text language | English |
| Coordinates | 32.7377, 131.3531 |
| Last updated |