4 Best Sights in Kyushu, Japan

This shrine is located near the cave where the sun goddess Amaterasu hid until Ame-no-Uzume managed to lure her out. If you apply at the entrance, a Shinto priest will take you into the sacred precinct from where you can look across the valley towards the cave.

The original shrine was established in the 6th century, but the present imposing structure was built under the patronage of the Shimazu clan in 1715. Wonderfully appointed and occupying an incredible setting, it has views as far away as Sakura-jima. The shrine, well worth a visit, is dedicated to Ninigi-no-mikoto, the legendary god who landed on the peak of Takachiho-no-mine nearby.

The shrine is surrounded by a grove of old cedars. A pair of trees, that stand side by side, are known as the Wedded Cedars. A sacred shimenawa (twisted straw rope) hangs between the two trees. The presence of this romantic tree couple has made the shrine popular with those praying from match-making. Kagura is an ancient ritual dance to give thanks to the gods that has been performed since ancient times. These days it is performed throughout the night in homes between December and January. An excellent one-hour performance can be seen nightly at 8 pm at Kagura Hozonkan, on the grounds of Takachiho Shrine.

The most important Hachiman shrine in Japan is about an hour from Yufuin and makes an easy day trip, Usa Jingu has lovely ponds dotted with lotus plants. Allot an hour to see the shrine and stroll the expansive grounds. There was a long tradition in Japan of building temples and shrines in the same precinct (abolished in the Meiji period), and this is said to be the first place to do so.