Takachiho Gorge

Takachiho appears in Japan's oldest texts as the site of central mythological events. The Kojiki and Nihon Shoki, compiled in the 8th century, record stories that provide the cosmological foundation for Japanese civilization and imperial legitimacy.

The Kojiki, compiled in 712 CE, provides the fullest account of the Amano Iwato story. Susanoo, the storm god, had been banished from heaven for his violent behavior. Amaterasu, his sister, had endured his offenses until he went too far, causing the death of one of her attendants by throwing a flayed horse into the weaving hall where she worked. Amaterasu fled into the cave called Amano Iwato, sealing it with a boulder and plunging all realms into complete darkness.

The eight million kami gathered outside, desperately seeking to lure her out. They hung a mirror and jewels on a sacred tree. The dawn goddess Ame-no-Uzume overturned a tub outside the cave and performed a dance so ecstatic and provocative that the gathered deities burst into laughter. Amaterasu, curious about what could cause merriment in such darkness, cracked open the cave door to peek. The kami told her a new goddess had come who surpassed even her brilliance. When Amaterasu came farther out to see the mirror's reflection, the strongman Ame-no-Tajikarao grabbed the door and threw it aside. Light returned to all worlds.

The descent of Ninigi represents a later mythological moment. Amaterasu sent her grandson to govern the terrestrial realm, giving him the three imperial regalia. He descended to the Takachiho region, and from Kunimigaoka hill surveyed the land. His descendants would eventually become the imperial line.