Takachiho Shrine & Yokagura
高千穂神社
The head shrine of the 88 shrines of Takachiho Town, where the nationally designated Intangible Folk Cultural Property 'Takachiho Yokagura' is performed every evening at 8 p.m. in the Kagura Hall.
Takachiho Shrine is said to have been founded about 1,900 years ago. The current main hall was built in 1778 and is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Outside the hall, carvings depict the tale of Mikeirino-no-Mikoto defeating the demon Kihachi. The "Meoto-sugi" (Couple's Cedar) on the grounds is about 800 years old. Legend says that holding hands with your partner and walking around it three times will bless your relationship. Every evening from 8:00 to 9:00 p.m., the Kagura Hall stages tourist kagura performances, with four of the 33 traditional pieces chosen for each show. Tickets cost about ¥1,000 and are sold on site. We recommend arriving 15 minutes early. It's about a 15-minute walk from the bus center.
Opening hours
Shrine open all day; night kagura 20:00–21:00
Nearby sights
- Takachiho Gorge & Manai Falls
- Takachiho Amaterasu Railway
- Kushifuru Shrine
- Aratate Shrine
- Tunnel no Eki
- Kunimigaoka
- Amano Iwato Shrine
- Akimoto Shrine