Takachiho is the site of one of the most important and well known legends in Japanese mythology. According to the myth, Takachiho is the place where the queen of gods, Amaterasu-omikami descended. Takachiho Shrine is built from the Heian Period over 1200 years ago. It is considered the most important Shinto shrine in the area.
A carving of the shrine's guardian deity, while killing a demon, is one of the attractions in the main shrine of the building. It also has two tall trees standing side by side in the main building, which are believed to bring marital happiness to a couple if they walk around them for three times.
Also popular in the shrine is the Yokagura or the night dances, with a series of 33 episodes reenacting the well-known legend. The performances are held during Saturday evenings from mid-Novembr to mid-February.
The shrine can be reached by walking around 10 to 15 minutes from the town's bus center.
The Yokagura Performance starts at 20:00 up to 21:00. Fee is 700 Yen.