Amano Yasugawara
A sacred cave adorned with thousands of stacked stones, steeped in Japanese mythology and accessed via a scenic riverside path.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Magical light, fewer crowds
Amano Yasugawara
Best Time
Magical light, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sacred cave adorned with thousands of stacked stones, steeped in Japanese mythology and accessed via a scenic riverside path.
"Unique and mesmerising small stone shrine in a stone cave, almost feels unreal."
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Free parking is available, but spots fill up fast. Paid parking is also an option.
🚶♀️ Enjoy the Riverside Walk
The path to the cave is a beautiful, easy walk along the river.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Stone-Stacked Cave
Amano Yasugawara Cave
Thousands of meticulously stacked stones create an otherworldly atmosphere in this sacred cave, a testament to wishes and prayers.
Mythological Significance
Amano Yasugawara Cave
Explore the legendary site where Japanese gods gathered to lure the sun goddess Amaterasu out of hiding, restoring light to the world.
Riverside Walk
Path to Amano Yasugawara
Enjoy a scenic and easy walk along the Toroku River, surrounded by lush greenery, leading to the mystical cave.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Mystical Vibes
Parking and Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Free parking is available, but spots fill up fast. Paid parking is also an option.
🚶♀️ Enjoy the Riverside Walk
The path to the cave is a beautiful, easy walk along the river.
✨ Experience the Cave
You can enter the cave! It's a significant religious site steeped in legend.
📸 Capture the Stacks
The thousands of stacked stones are a unique sight, perfect for photography.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Free parking is available, but spots fill up fast. Paid parking is also an option.
🚶♀️ Enjoy the Riverside Walk
The path to the cave is a beautiful, easy walk along the river.
✨ Experience the Cave
You can enter the cave! It's a significant religious site steeped in legend.
📸 Capture the Stacks
The thousands of stacked stones are a unique sight, perfect for photography.
🦇 Watch for Bats
If visiting near sunset, you might see bats emerging from the cave.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Amano Yasugawara to be a unique and mesmerizing spiritual site, particularly appreciating the mystical atmosphere of the stone-stacked cave and the scenic riverside walk. The legend associated with the location adds to its intrigue. Some note that arriving early is beneficial for parking and experiencing the site with fewer crowds.
"Short 10 mins walk to the cave from the parking area. Easy path by the stream. Lovely shrine with lots of stacked stones. We parked slight further away for free parking, there’s paid parking (500 yen) 1 min walk away."
Grace Tay
"Beautiful surroundings. We got there just in time before sunset. The cave was dark already and some bats we're flying out of it. We were the only ones there at the time so it made the visit extra special."
Christie Alarcon
"Unique and mesmerising small stone shrine in a stone cave. The entire cave is covered in small stone towers, it almost feels unreal. The walk from the nearby shrine to the cave is easy and also very pretty. There is free parking across the bridge from the nearby shrine. The spaces are limited so I recommend arriving early. It was a great and interesting experience!"
Helena Ying Cecilie Wang
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Amano Yasugawara is located in Miyazaki Prefecture, often visited in conjunction with Takachiho Gorge. If you're driving, there's paid parking near the shrine, or free parking across the bridge. The walk from the parking area to the cave is about 10 minutes along a pleasant riverside path.
While public transport options exist to reach the general Takachiho area, driving is generally the most convenient way to access Amano Yasugawara and explore the surrounding mythological sites.
Many visitors combine a trip to Amano Yasugawara with Amano Iwato Shrine and Takachiho Gorge. Renting a car offers the most flexibility for exploring these sites in Miyazaki Prefecture.
Amano Yasugawara is a short drive or a slightly longer walk from Takachiho Gorge, making it easy to visit both in the same day.
Follow signs for Amano Iwato Shrine, as Amano Yasugawara is a short walk from there. Be mindful of the limited parking spaces, especially during peak hours.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Amano Yasugawara is a natural and religious site, and there is no admission fee to enter the cave or the surrounding area.
Amano Yasugawara is generally accessible at all times, as it's an outdoor natural site. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and to fully appreciate the surroundings.
There is no entrance fee for Amano Yasugawara cave. The experience is free, making it an accessible cultural and natural attraction.
While technically accessible, visiting at night is not recommended due to darkness and potential safety concerns. The magical atmosphere is best experienced during daylight or twilight hours.
Visitors are asked to be respectful of the sacred nature of the site. Do not disturb the stacked stones and maintain a quiet demeanor.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The main attraction is the cave filled with thousands of stacked stones, a unique spiritual site. You can also enjoy the scenic walk along the Toroku River and visit the nearby Amano Iwato Shrine.
Yes, you can enter the cave. It's a significant religious site where, according to legend, the gods gathered.
The stacked stones, or cairns, are offerings left by visitors, each representing a wish or prayer. It's a unique and intriguing aspect of the site.
The walk from the parking area to the cave is an easy, short path along the river, suitable for most visitors.
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for the riverside path. The area is generally natural and can be uneven in places.
📸 📸 Photography
The cave interior with its stacked stones is a primary photo opportunity. The riverside path and the surrounding lush greenery also offer beautiful shots.
Photography is generally allowed inside the cave, but be mindful of other visitors and the sacred nature of the site.
Early morning or late afternoon light can create a more dramatic and atmospheric effect for your photos.
Experiment with different angles to capture the scale of the stone stacks and the mystical ambiance of the cave.
While not explicitly prohibited, it's best to be considerate of other visitors. If using a tripod, do so discreetly and avoid obstructing pathways.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
While there's paid parking nearby, you can often find free parking across the bridge, saving you money. 🧘 Spiritual Seekers & Mythology Enthusiasts
+1 The thousands of stacked stones, each representing a wish, create a powerful spiritual atmosphere. Take your time to absorb the tranquility of the cave and the surrounding natural beauty. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legend of Amaterasu and Amano Yasugawara
+1 The other gods, desperate for light, gathered at Amano Yasugawara to brainstorm a plan to lure her out. This gathering is what gives the site its profound spiritual significance.The cave itself is a testament to this legend, adorned with thousands of meticulously stacked stones. Each stone represents a wish or prayer left by visitors, a modern continuation of the ancient ritual of seeking divine intervention. The atmosphere within the cave is often described as peaceful and deeply moving, a place where visitors can connect with both nature and mythology.
+1Visiting Amano Yasugawara offers a unique opportunity to step into a living myth. The short, scenic walk along the Toroku River, often passing over a drum bridge, adds to the immersive experience. The surrounding lush greenery and the clear stream create a tranquil setting that complements the spiritual aura of the cave.
Exploring the Surrounding Mythological Landscape
+1 The shrine complex itself is serene and offers a glimpse into the reverence for this ancient legend.Many visitors combine their trip to Amano Yasugawara with a visit to the breathtaking Takachiho Gorge. This stunning natural wonder features sheer cliffs and emerald-green waters, where you can even rent a boat to paddle closer to the Manai Falls.
For those interested in further delving into local lore, the Amaterasu Railway offers a unique perspective, though it's more of a scenic train ride than a direct mythological site.
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