According to Japanese mythology, Amaterasu Omikami who is the sun goddess and an ancestor of the emperor, became angry with her younger brother for his violent behavior then hid in a cave called Ama-no-Iwato. The world thus became pitch-dark, agricultural produce withered and an epidemic spread over. In order to save the people, the various deities gathered together to consider solutions. As a result, they decided to attract the attention of Amaterasu Omikami by having the deities gather in front of Ama-no-Iwato to sing and dance. When Amaterasu Omikami noticed the commotion, she wondered what was going on then came out of Ama-no-Iwato. The bright world with the shining sun had returned.
This myth is well known in Japan, and the cave, which is believed to be Ama-no-Iwato, is enshrined at Ama-no-Iwato Shrine in the first photo. Ama-no-Iwato is located just behind the main hall of the shrine though, no picture of it is available as it is forbidden to photograph it. The second photo shows Ama-no-Yasugawara river beach, within walking distance of the shrine, where the deities are believed to have gathered for discussions.
Licensed tour guide, travel consultant,
Masahisa Takaki.
全国通訳案内士 高木聖久。
Commentaires