It enshrines Amano-Iwato, the cave where the Sun Goddess, Amaterasu Ōmikami, hid herself.
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The Myth Story, Amanoiwato
This story is recorded in Japan’s two oldest chronicles: the Kojiki(“Records of Ancient Matters”) and the Nihon Shoki (“Chronicles of Japan”).
Amaterasu became enraged by the violent behavior of her brother, Susanoo, and hid herself in the cave Amano-Iwato. As a result, the world was plunged into darkness. The other gods, deeply troubled, gathered to devise a plan to lure her out.
First, they placed a rooster outside the cave—believing its morning crow would invite the sun to rise—but this failed.
Next, the gods staged a lively celebration with music and dance. Their boisterous festivities sparked Amaterasu’s curiosity. When she slightly opened the cave door to peek out, the powerful god Tajikarao seized it and pulled it fully open. Amaterasu emerged, and light returned to the world.
Amano-Yasukawara Riverside
A short walk downhill from the shrine leads to a cave by the riverside, said to be where the gods gathered to discuss how to lure Amaterasu from the Amanoiwato. Deeper within lies the small Ama-no-Yasukawara Shrine, surrounded by and at the river’s edge, countless stacks of flat stones—each left by a visitor making a wish.
Script
1 The heaven called ‘Takamagahara” was peacefully ruled by the Goddess of Sun, named Amaterasu.
2 She had a younger brother named Susannoo. He came up there and went on a rampage.
3 She ordered him to stop it, but he never obeyed her. So, She was so angry that she couldn’t stand any more.
4 She decided to hide herself in the cave and shut the door tightly.
5 She never went out of it, and the door couldn’t be opened from the outside.
6 The Goddess of Sun was hiding, so there was no sunshine in the world. Every evil thing happens here and there. It became a chaos.
7 To solve this situation, all the gods come together to talk. They came up with a good idea. It was their having a big party in front of the door.
8 Before it started, the strongest god named ‘Susanoono’ stood by the door. If the door opened even a bit, he tried to hold and open the door.
9 Also, the dance Goddess named ‘Amenouzume’ came up to entertain all the gods.
10 All the gods cheered up loudly to make a noise big enough to let the Sun Goddess know some fun was going on.
11 The Sun Goddess wondered what was going on outside. She decided to open the door to peek.
12 When the door opened a little, gods held a mirror at the gap. The mirror had a reflection of a beautiful face, which is the Sun Goddess’ face. But she thought it was another woman, and this woman is as beautiful as her.
13 She was shocked motionless. In this moment, the power god held and opened the door.
14 He pulled her out of the cave.
15 And to the world, light returned.