Amanoiwato Shrine

Tenaiwa Jinja is renowned as the sacred site of the greatest climax in Japanese mythology, the 'Heavenly Rock Cave Concealment.' As the legendary location of Amaterasu Ōmikami's concealment in the Heavenly Rock Cave, it is a shrine of proper historical standing recorded in both the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki. The Nishi Hongu and Higashi Hongu are enshrined on either side of the Iwato River, with the Nishi Hongu enshrining Amaterasu Ōmikami and the Higashi Hongu enshrining the Heavenly Rock Cave itself as the divine body. The divine splendor of Tenaiwa as viewed from the distant worship area is verily the world of mythology itself. It is one of Japan's foremost power spots, enveloped in the mystical nature of Takachiho.