The Takachiho Shrine with its wooden exterior blend in with its surrounding atmosphere, different from other shrines in Japan decorated with vibrant colors. Located near the Takachiho town, which according to legend, is the site where the sun goddess Amaterasu, hid inside a cave in order to escape the teasing from her brother Susanoo. Without sunlight, life on Earth started fading away, more than 800 deities of Shinto gods tried to persuade Amaterasu to come out of hiding. Finally it was the work of a silly dance by fellow a god which lured the goddess out of hiding. Takachiho Shrine features the special dance every night known as the Yokagura. The performance consists of 33 episodes of plays reacts the stories from Shinto mythology. Masked dancers with traditional clothing and instruments are used during each dance, a form of performance art which has been passed down for generations. The most famous would be the silly dance performed by The Goddess Amenouzume in order to lure out Amaterasu from hiding. Travelers can definitely gain more insight about Japanese mythology while watching this special performance held at the Yokagura performance hall next to the main building of the shrine.
