No, visitors cannot directly approach the cave, but the Western main shrine features a worship hall where you can view the sacred cave with guidance from shrine priests. The shrine office is open from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, and you should inquire there to arrange a guided viewing. These guided visits to view the sacred Amanoiwato cave are generally free, though donations to the shrine's building fund or offerings are welcomed.
Amanoyasukawara is a large cave about ten minutes on foot from Amanoiwato Shrine where the gods and goddesses are said to have met to discuss their strategy for luring Amaterasu out of hiding. After following the road for a few meters, a path leads down to and along the river to reach the cave. The path can be slippery and difficult, so safe footwear is essential. Visitors follow the local tradition of stacking stones while praying to make their wishes come true.
Admission to the shrine grounds is free. Guided visits to the worship hall to view the sacred cave are also generally free, but donations to the shrine's building fund or offerings are always welcome. Wheelchairs are available for rental at no charge, with three units available by inquiring at the Nishi Hongu Shrine Office or with the security guard at the first parking lot.
Yes, goshuin are available at the Nishi Hongu conferment office, where you can receive stamps for Amanoiwato Shrine, Amanoyasukawara Shrine, and four concurrent shrines. If you forget your goshuin notebook, they have stamps available on paper, and there are four types of special goshuin books designed for Amanoiwato Shrine that can be purchased at the conferment office.
Nishi Hongu (West Main Shrine) enshrines the Amanoiwato cave itself as a sacred object and offers regular tours to view it, while Higashi Hongu (East Main Shrine) stands on the opposite bank of the Iwato River and enshrines Amaterasu Omikami directly. The East Shrine is located about a 10-minute walk from the West Shrine across the river. Both shrines are dedicated to Amaterasu Omikami but serve different aspects of the mythology and worship.
