Takachiho Shrine
Miyazaki Prefecture · Japan
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.
Contents
8 sections · tap a section for its opening lines1Takachiho Shrine
Welcome to the Takachiho Shrine, a place of immense historical and spiritual weight that has served as the central place of worship for the eighty-eight shrines of the Takachiho area for over a millennium. As you enter through…
Listen in the app2The Main Hall — Edo Era Craftsmanship
The current 'Haiden' or main hall of the Takachiho Shrine is a magnificent example of Shinto architecture from the late Edo period, having been rebuilt in 1778. Its dark, weathered wood and intricate carvings reflect a style that…
Listen in the app3The Kaguraden — Theater of the Gods
To the side of the main hall is the Kaguraden, a dedicated stage for the performance of Kagura. This is where the nightly one-hour performances take place, allowing visitors to witness a tradition that is centuries old. …
Listen in the app4Meoto Sugi — The Coupled Cedars
One of the most popular and symbolic features of the shrine grounds is the 'Meoto Sugi' or the 'Coupled Cedars.' These are two massive, ancient cedar trees that are joined at the roots, appearing as if they are standing together…
Listen in the app5The Iron Komainu — Guardians of the Gate
Near the entrance of the main hall, you will find a pair of unique 'Komainu' or guardian lion-dogs. Unlike the stone statues found at most Shinto shrines, these are made of iron and date back to the Kamakura period (1185–1333). …
Listen in the app6The Ancient Forest Path
Stretching out from the main shrine area is a network of walking paths that meander through the ancient forest. This 'Shrine Forest' is an integral part of the sacred atmosphere, providing a buffer between the secular world and…
Listen in the app7The Chichibu-no-sugi Cedar
Among the many impressive trees at the shrine, the 'Chichibu-no-sugi' stands out as a true giant. This cedar tree is estimated to be over 800 years old and stands nearly 55 meters tall. …
Listen in the app8Closing
As we depart from the Takachiho Shrine, the sounds of the Kagura drums and the scent of the ancient cedars likely linger in your mind. This site is more than just a collection of buildings; it is a living bridge to Japan's…
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What is Takachiho Shrine?
Takachiho Shrine 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 | Heritage |
| Story sections | 8 |
| Text language | English |
| Coordinates | 32.7066, 131.3027 |
| Last updated |