Amanoiwato Shrine
天岩戸神社
Amanoiwato Shrine in Takachiho is linked to a Japanese myth in which a deity hid behind the stone door of a cave and the world was wrapped in darkness. Shrine staff guide visitors to view the sacred cave, and priests offer prayers several times a day. About 10 minutes' walk away is Amanoyasukawara, a large cave where visitors pile small stones as they make a wish.
Visitor information
- Opening hours
The shrine office is open 8:30 to 17:00.
- Getting there
About 13 minutes by car from Takachiho Bus Center.
- Time needed
The guided viewing of the sacred cave takes about 10–15 minutes, and there is no charge for it.
Hours and fees can change. Please check the official website before you go.
Good to know
- Eating and drinking are allowed only at the rest area. Smoking is prohibited on the grounds.
- Three wheelchairs can be borrowed; ask at the Nishi Hongu shrine office or the guard at the first parking lot.
- The path to Amanoyasukawara has stairs and slippery spots and no streetlights, so visit in daylight.
Tips for Muslim visitors
- The sacred Amanoiwato cave is not approached directly; guided by a priest, visitors see it from the worship area across the river. Visitors may simply look.
- Shinto shrines are open to everyone. Bowing, clapping and washing at the purification basin are optional; you can simply look around.
- Shrines are usually busiest at New Year and during festivals. Early morning is often the calmest time to visit.
- Charms, fortune slips and votive tablets are religious items. You do not need to buy or use them.
- Plan your visit around prayer times. Below are today's prayer times for Miyazaki and the verified places to pray nearby.
- Food stalls and shops near popular sights usually do not have halal certification. Check the ingredients, or choose from the verified places on this site.
Prayer times in Miyazaki
Today (5 Nov 2026)
- Fajr05:01
- Sunrise06:34
- Dhuhr12:00
- Asr15:00
- Maghrib17:22
- Isha18:45
Times are calculated for Miyazaki City. Times may differ elsewhere in Miyazaki.
Places to pray near Amanoiwato Shrine
We have not verified a place to pray near here yet. Many large stations, airports and department stores in Japan have prayer rooms.
Halal food near Amanoiwato Shrine
We have not verified a halal restaurant near here yet. Until then, these guides can help you choose food safely:
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Map
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Photo: Big Ben in Japan, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Sources (Checked 5 Nov 2026): amanoiwato-jinja.jp, kanko-miyazaki.jp, mlit.go.jp