Takachiho Shrine & Night Kagura
Where Mythology Comes Alive Through Sacred Dance
Takachiho Shrine was founded approximately 1,900 years ago and is deeply connected to Japanese mythology. According to legend, this region is where the sun goddess Amaterasu hid in a cave, plunging the world into darkness until other deities performed a dance to lure her out. This mythological event is the origin of Kagura sacred dance performances.
The shrine is known for its 800-year-old twin cedar trees called 'Meoto Sugi' (Husband and Wife Cedars), which are believed to bring marital harmony and good fortune to couples who walk around them three times while holding hands. The main shrine building dates back to the Kamakura period, showcasing traditional architectural styles.
Every evening since 1978, the shrine has hosted Yokagura performances, condensing the traditional all-night dance into a one-hour show featuring 33 different dances. This nightly performance has made sacred Kagura accessible to visitors year-round, preserving and sharing this important cultural heritage.
Key Highlights
- 1,900 years of history rooted in Japanese mythology
- Nightly Yokagura sacred dance performances year-round
- 800-year-old twin cedar trees symbolizing marital harmony
- Connection to Amaterasu sun goddess legend
- Traditional shrine architecture from Kamakura period
- Four performances featuring 4 of 33 traditional dances
Access Information
Location
1037 Mitai, Takachiho, Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki 882-1101, Japan
Nearest Stations
- • No direct train station - bus or car required
- • Nearest major station: Nobeoka Station (JR Nippo Line) - 90 min by bus
Opening Hours
Shrine grounds: Open 24 hours | Kagura performances: 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM daily
Admission Fee
Shrine: Free | Night Kagura performance: ¥1,000 adults, ¥500 children (advance reservation recommended)
How to Get There
From Nobeoka Station
Take Miyazaki Kotsu bus bound for Takachiho Bus Center (¥1,700, 5-6 buses daily), then 10-minute walk to shrine
90 minutes
From Kumamoto
Take Kyushu Sanko Bus from Kumamoto Kotsu Center to Takachiho Bus Center (¥2,190, 3 buses daily)
2.5 hours
From Miyazaki Airport
Take airport bus to Miyazaki Station, then limited express to Nobeoka, then bus to Takachiho
3 hours
Tips & Visiting Guide
Make the most of your visit with these helpful tips and guidelines.
Night Kagura Performance
Daily performances start at 8:00 PM sharp and last one hour, featuring four representative dances from the traditional 33-dance repertoire. Arrive by 7:45 PM to secure good seating. Advance reservations are recommended during peak seasons. Photography is allowed but flash is prohibited.
Meoto Sugi Ritual
Walk around the 800-year-old twin cedar trees three times while holding hands with your partner for marital harmony and good fortune. Single visitors can also participate for future relationship luck. The trees are impressively tall with intertwined roots symbolizing eternal bonds.
Best Time to Visit
Visit in the late afternoon to explore the shrine grounds in daylight, then stay for the 8:00 PM Kagura performance. The shrine is beautifully illuminated at night. Autumn foliage (November) creates stunning backdrops. Avoid major Japanese holidays when performances may be fully booked.
Combine with Takachiho Gorge
Takachiho Gorge is just 15 minutes away by car or taxi. Visit the gorge in the morning for boat rides through the dramatic basalt cliffs, then spend the afternoon exploring the shrine before the evening Kagura performance. This makes for a perfect day itinerary.
Local Cuisine
Try Takachiho beef, a premium wagyu variety raised in the mountain region. The town center near the bus terminal has several restaurants serving local specialties including mountain vegetables and fresh river fish. Many restaurants close early, so dine before the Kagura performance.
Transportation Tips
Renting a car provides the most flexibility for exploring Takachiho and surrounding areas. Bus services are limited with only 5-6 connections daily from Nobeoka. Taxis are available but expensive. Some hotels offer shuttle services to the shrine for the evening performance.
Overnight Stay Recommended
Consider staying overnight in Takachiho to fully experience the area without rushing. The last bus back to Nobeoka departs before the Kagura performance ends. Several traditional ryokan and modern hotels are within walking distance of the shrine.
Mythology Background
Familiarize yourself with the Amaterasu cave legend before attending the performance to fully appreciate the dances. English pamphlets explaining the mythology and dance meanings are available at the entrance. The performance brings these ancient stories to life through ritual movement and music.
FAQ
How long should I spend at Takachiho Shrine?
Most visitors spend 30-60 minutes exploring the shrine grounds during the day. If attending night kagura, allow 2-3 hours total including the performance (which runs about 1 hour) and exploring the shrine before or after.
What is night kagura and when does it happen?
Night kagura is a sacred Shinto dance performance held at the shrine every evening from 8PM to 9PM. It features four dances from the traditional 33-dance repertoire, telling mythological stories with elaborate costumes and masks.
Do I need to book tickets for the night kagura?
Yes, advance booking is recommended, especially during peak seasons (spring and autumn). Tickets cost ¥700 and can be purchased at the shrine office or tourist information center. Arrive 15-20 minutes early for good seating.
Is the night kagura performance in Japanese only?
The performance is conducted entirely in Japanese with no English narration. However, English pamphlets explaining the dances and stories are available. The visual spectacle is enjoyable regardless of language understanding.
Can I take photos during the kagura performance?
Photography without flash is generally permitted during the tourist kagura performances. Video recording may be restricted. Always confirm current rules with staff and be respectful of the sacred nature of the performance.
Is Takachiho Shrine worth visiting during daytime?
Yes, the shrine is beautiful during the day with its ancient cedar trees, some over 800 years old. The peaceful atmosphere and connection to Japanese mythology make it worthwhile even without attending the night kagura.
How crowded does the night kagura get?
The performance hall holds about 200 people and can fill up during weekends and holidays. Weekday performances are less crowded. Golden Week and New Year periods are extremely busy.
What else can I see near Takachiho Shrine?
Takachiho Gorge is just 10 minutes away by car or 30 minutes on foot. Many visitors combine both attractions. The Amano Iwato Shrine and Amanoyasugawara Cave are also nearby, about 15 minutes by car.
Is the shrine accessible for elderly or disabled visitors?
The main shrine grounds are relatively flat and accessible. However, some areas have steps. The kagura performance hall has wheelchair spaces available - inform staff when purchasing tickets.
What's the best time of year to visit?
Autumn (November) offers beautiful fall colors, while spring (April-May) has pleasant weather. Summer can be humid but atmospheric. Winter kagura performances feel especially mystical in the cold night air.
Are there English-speaking guides available?
English guides are not regularly available at the shrine. However, the Takachiho Tourist Association sometimes arranges volunteer guides with advance notice. Contact them at least a week before your visit.
Can I pray at the shrine as a foreign visitor?
Yes, visitors are welcome to pray. Follow the standard ritual: bow twice, clap twice, pray silently, then bow once more. A small offering (5-10 yen) is customary but not required.
Is there parking available?
Free parking is available near the shrine with space for about 50 cars. During night kagura performances, additional parking areas open. Arrive early during peak times as spaces fill quickly.
What should I wear to the night kagura?
Casual clothing is fine, but dress modestly out of respect. The performance hall can be cold in winter and warm in summer, so dress accordingly. Remove shoes before entering the hall.
Can children attend the night kagura?
Children are welcome but should be able to sit quietly for an hour. The masks might frighten very young children. Consider their bedtime as the performance ends at 9PM and you still need to travel back.
Are there restaurants nearby?
Several restaurants are within walking distance, but most close by 8PM. Eat dinner before the night kagura performance. Some convenience stores nearby stay open later for snacks.
How authentic is the tourist kagura performance?
While shortened from the full 33-dance version performed at festivals, the tourist kagura features authentic dances, costumes, and music performed by local preservation society members. It offers genuine cultural insight.
Is accommodation available nearby?
Yes, several ryokans and hotels are in Takachiho town, within 5-10 minutes of the shrine. Book early during peak seasons. Some accommodations offer packages including kagura tickets.
What's the significance of this shrine?
Takachiho Shrine is deeply connected to Japanese creation mythology, particularly the story of the sun goddess Amaterasu hiding in a cave. The area is considered one of the most sacred in Japanese Shintoism.
Can I buy souvenirs at the shrine?
Yes, the shrine has a small shop selling omamori (protective charms), ema (wooden plaques), and kagura-related items. It's open during shrine hours and before night performances.
Nearby Attractions
Explore more wonderful destinations in the same prefecture.
Aoshima Island & Shrine
A small subtropical island famous for its unique wave-washed rock formations called Devil's Washboard and a colorful shrine dedicated to matchmaking.
Takachiho Gorge
A stunning V-shaped gorge formed by ancient volcanic activity, featuring dramatic basalt cliffs up to 100 meters high and the beautiful Manai Falls. A sacred site steeped in Japanese mythology.