At Amanoyasukawara in Miyazaki, I followed the Iwato River into the valley, surrounded by forest and rock walls. The farther in I went, the quieter and more secluded it felt.
The most distinctive sight is the cave filled with stacks of stones, which are said to have been placed by worshippers making wishes. Stone piles of all sizes cover the rock walls and riverbanks, and together with the dim lighting, the whole scene has an indescribably mysterious feeling.
Standing in Amanoyasukawara and looking at the countless stone piles and natural rock walls, it's hard to imagine that the scene before you was created through the accumulation of nature and faith over many years. There are no ornate buildings here, yet it has a power that naturally makes people lower their voices and take it all in quietly.
