Iwato Site

The Iwato Site is a general term referring to locations in Japan, particularly in Miyazaki Prefecture, that are associated with the legend of Ama-no-Iwato (天岩戸), the "heavenly rock cave" in Shinto mythology. According to the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki, the sun goddess Amaterasu Omikami, angered by her brother Susano-o-no-Mikoto, hid herself in a cave, plunging the world into darkness. The other deities then devised a plan to lure her out, eventually succeeding.

The most prominent site associated with the legend is Ama-no-Iwato Shrine (天岩戸神社), located in Takachiho, Miyazaki. The shrine is divided into two parts: Nishi-Hongū (West Main Shrine) and Higashi-Hongū (East Main Shrine). Nishi-Hongū enshrines the Ama-no-Iwato cave itself, which is considered a sacred space and is only viewable from a distance with permission from the priest. Higashi-Hongū enshrines the deity Iwato-wake-no-mikoto and is believed to be where the gods convened to discuss how to bring Amaterasu out of the cave.

The area surrounding the shrine, including the Iwato River (岩戸川) and nearby caves and rock formations, is considered sacred and is often visited by pilgrims and tourists interested in Shinto mythology and Japanese history. The Iwato Site is therefore not a single, precisely defined location, but rather a collection of geographically related places connected by the enduring tale of Ama-no-Iwato. The specific interpretation and significance of individual locations within the broader Iwato Site may vary.