Aratate Shrine
A serene woodland shrine in Miyazaki, known for its unique zodiac board hunt and connection to Japanese mythology and the anime 'Oshi no Ko'.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Enjoy tranquility
Aratate Shrine
Best Time
Enjoy tranquility
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene woodland shrine in Miyazaki, known for its unique zodiac board hunt and connection to Japanese mythology and the anime 'Oshi no Ko'.
"A beautiful but plain Shinto shrine, in the shade of the huge trees."
🎯 Find Your Zodiac Board
Embark on a fun treasure hunt to locate your zodiac board hidden within the shrine's woods.
🍀 Knock for Good Fortune
Participate in the unique ritual of tapping wooden plates for blessings and good luck.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Zodiac Board Hunt
Woodland path
A unique and fun experience where visitors search for their zodiac board hidden amongst the trees.
Gabled Entrance
Main shrine building
A modest yet characteristic wooden entrance, embodying the traditional Shinto architectural style.
Woodland Serenity
Shrine grounds
Immerse yourself in the peaceful ambiance of a Shinto shrine nestled within a serene forest.
Good Fortune Ritual
Designated area
Participate in a distinctive ritual of knocking wooden plates with a mallet for good luck.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Mystical Atmosphere
Plan Your Visit Wisely
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Find Your Zodiac Board
Embark on a fun treasure hunt to locate your zodiac board hidden within the shrine's woods.
🍀 Knock for Good Fortune
Participate in the unique ritual of tapping wooden plates for blessings and good luck.
🌳 Embrace the Nature
Take time to appreciate the peaceful woodland setting and the traditional Shinto architecture.
✨ Oshi no Ko Connection
Fans of the anime 'Oshi no Ko' will find a special connection to this iconic filming location.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Find Your Zodiac Board
Embark on a fun treasure hunt to locate your zodiac board hidden within the shrine's woods.
🍀 Knock for Good Fortune
Participate in the unique ritual of tapping wooden plates for blessings and good luck.
🌳 Embrace the Nature
Take time to appreciate the peaceful woodland setting and the traditional Shinto architecture.
✨ Oshi no Ko Connection
Fans of the anime 'Oshi no Ko' will find a special connection to this iconic filming location.
🤫 Keep it Peaceful
Aratate Shrine is known for its quiet atmosphere; please be respectful of the serene environment.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Aratate Shrine is praised for its tranquil woodland setting and unique, interactive rituals like the zodiac board hunt. Visitors appreciate its peaceful atmosphere as an alternative to busier sites and its connection to the anime 'Oshi no Ko'. Some find it a beautiful but simple Shinto shrine.
"Nice, alternative experience visiting this shrine as the beginning of a series of shrines you see as you walk a forest path."
Christian Larsen
"Another beautiful but plain Shinto shrine, in the shade of the huge trees."
Vincent Oliver
"Beautiful little shrine and especially nice if you're a fan of Oshi no ko. Trying to find our zodiac board in the woods was a fun and unique experience."
Nick C
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Aratate Shrine is located in Takachiho Town, Miyazaki Prefecture. It's often visited in conjunction with Takachiho Gorge. Access typically involves traveling to Miyazaki Prefecture and then making your way to Takachiho. Public transportation options might be limited, so renting a car or using local buses from nearby towns is recommended.
Yes, Aratate Shrine is located in the vicinity of Takachiho Gorge, making it a popular addition to itineraries exploring the area.
Many visitors find renting a car to be the most convenient way to explore Takachiho and its surrounding attractions, including Aratate Shrine.
While specific tours solely for Aratate Shrine might be rare, many regional tours of Miyazaki and Takachiho often include it as part of a broader itinerary.
The closest major airports are Miyazaki Airport (KMI) and Kumamoto Airport (KMJ), both requiring further travel to reach Takachiho.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Aratate Shrine is generally free to enter, allowing visitors to experience its spiritual and natural beauty without an admission fee.
Shrines in Japan typically do not have strict opening hours and are accessible during daylight. However, it's best to visit during respectful hours.
The zodiac board hunt is part of the shrine's grounds and does not require a separate fee. It's an integrated experience of visiting the shrine.
Yes, Aratate Shrine is open year-round. However, the 'Oni no Me Hashirakashi' event is held annually on January 7th of the lunar calendar.
As with most shrines, visitors are expected to be respectful of the sacred space. Please follow any posted guidelines.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed at Aratate Shrine, allowing you to capture its serene beauty and unique features. 
The gabled entrance, the woodland paths with the zodiac boards, and the overall natural setting are popular for photography.
Yes, you can photograph the zodiac boards as part of your exploration of the shrine grounds.
Be mindful of other visitors and avoid intrusive photography, especially during prayer times or ceremonies.
A camera that handles low light well is beneficial due to the shaded woodland environment. A wide-angle lens can capture the expansive forest setting.
🎫 🌟 Spiritual Significance
Aratate Shrine is known for its connection to Japanese mythology, particularly the story of the sun goddess Amaterasu. It's also famous for its unique zodiac board ritual and its association with the anime 'Oshi no Ko'.
The shrine is dedicated to Sarutahiko-no-Mikoto, a god of guidance and crossroads, and Ame-no-Uzume-no-Mikoto, the goddess of dawn and revelry.
This is an annual event held on January 7th of the lunar calendar, where people pray for good health, protection from evil, and a bountiful harvest.
Visitors can knock wooden plates with a mallet for good fortune, a distinctive ritual offered at the shrine.
Yes, Aratate Shrine is recognized as a filming location for the popular anime 'Oshi no Ko', attracting fans who wish to visit the real-life setting.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the shrine itself is modest, its connection to the anime 'Oshi no Ko' might appeal to older children or teenagers familiar with the series. It provides a unique point of interest and can make the visit more engaging for them. The overall atmosphere is serene, making it a good option for families looking for a calm and culturally enriching experience.
✨ Anime Fans & Pop Culture Enthusiasts
Beyond 'Oshi no Ko', the shrine's unique rituals, like the 'Zodiac Board Hunt' and the good fortune knocking, add an element of fun and engagement that appeals to those interested in quirky cultural experiences. It's a place where traditional spirituality meets modern pop culture, offering a memorable visit for anyone looking for something beyond the typical tourist trail.
🧘♀️ Spiritual Seekers & Mythology Buffs
+1The shrine's reputation for being a place where divine presence is evident adds to its allure. Visitors often report feeling a profound sense of calm and spiritual connection. Engaging in the traditional rituals, such as the good fortune knocking, can further deepen this experience, making Aratate Shrine a meaningful destination for those seeking spiritual enrichment and an understanding of Japanese folklore.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Mythology and Legends of Aratate Shrine
+1The shrine's location in Takachiho, a region rich in mythology, further enhances its mystical aura. Visitors often feel a sense of stepping back in time, connecting with the ancient stories that have shaped Japanese culture. The serene woodland setting complements these narratives, creating an atmosphere of reverence and wonder. It's a place where the veil between the spiritual and the physical feels particularly thin, inviting contemplation and a deeper appreciation for Japan's rich folklore.
One of the most unique aspects of Aratate Shrine is its association with events that are said to prove the existence of gods. This belief, coupled with the shrine's serene environment, draws many visitors seeking spiritual solace or a connection to the divine. The legends surrounding the shrine contribute to its reputation as a place where wishes might be granted and where the ancient spirits still hold sway.
+1Experiencing the Unique Rituals at Aratate Shrine
Another unique practice is the ritual of knocking wooden plates for good fortune. Visitors can take a small wooden plate, often inscribed with wishes or prayers, and strike it with a mallet. This action is believed to bring blessings and good luck. It's a simple yet profound way to participate in the shrine's traditions and seek positive outcomes. The distinct sound of the mallets echoing through the trees adds to the shrine's unique ambiance.
Beyond these specific rituals, the shrine is also known for its annual event, 'Oni no Me Hashirakashi', held on January 7th of the lunar calendar. This important ceremony involves prayers for good health, protection from calamities, and a bountiful harvest. While not a daily occurrence, its mention underscores the shrine's role in the community's spiritual life and its deep connection to agricultural traditions.
Aratate Shrine and its 'Oshi no Ko' Connection
The connection to 'Oshi no Ko' has brought a new wave of visitors to Aratate Shrine, particularly those interested in anime tourism. This has added a unique dimension to the shrine's appeal, blending traditional spiritual practices with modern pop culture. The opportunity to see a beloved fictional setting come to life is a major draw for fans, who often share their experiences and photos online, further popularizing the shrine.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit