七本杉（天岩戸神社東本宮禁足地）

Amanoiwato Shrine Seven cedar trees behind the main hall of the Higashi Hongu shrine From here on, it's a no-go area. Along the way, divine water is gushing out.

The Nishihongu Shrine parking lot along the road was full, so I parked there and visited. The deity enshrined at Higashihongu Shrine is Amaterasu Kotaijin. Unlike Nishihongu Shrine, you have to climb a few steps along the cedar forest approach. It's a very solemn atmosphere. As I walked further behind the main shrine, I arrived at Seven Cedar Trees.

On December 29, 2023, I visited Shichihonsugi in Takachiho, Miyazaki Prefecture. Seven cedar trees are seven cedar trees with connected roots located within the grounds of the Higashihongu shrine of Amanoiwato Shrine. It is about 20 meters high and the circumference of the trunk is about 3 meters, making it very impressive. Legend has it that seven cedar trees blocked the entrance to Amaterasu when Amaterasu Omikami hid there. Because of that legend, Shichihonsugi has been revered as a sacred place. I was overwhelmed by the power of the seven cedar trees. I was also able to enjoy the mystical atmosphere while thinking about the legend of Amaterasu Omikami. Shichihonsugi is a tourist spot that represents Miyazaki Prefecture. This is a recommended place for those who want to feel the mystery of nature and those who are interested in Japanese mythology. Below is a summary of my impressions. I was overwhelmed by the power of the seven cedar trees. I was able to think about the legend of Amaterasu Omikami. I was able to feel the mystery of nature. Please be sure to pay attention to these points when visiting Shichihonsugi. There are also many attractions around Shichihonsugi, such as Amanoiwato Shrine Nishihongu and Takachiho Gorge. When you visit Shichihonsugi, be sure to enjoy the surrounding sightseeing spots as well.

These are seven sacred cedar trees that were planted in the Edo period on company-owned land on the cliffs of Amanoiwado, and are said to have their roots connected. Currently, the forest near this area is a restricted area (no entry allowed), but in August 2014, a promenade was completed that stretches from the back of the Higashihongu Shrine to near Shichihonsugi, making it possible to see it up close. In addition, it can be seen from the shopping street on the opposite bank and the Amanoiwato Yohaisho.

Amaniwato Shrine If you go past the Higashi Main Shrine and go to the back, you will see a signboard for the sacred water, and when you get to the sacred water, you will see a sign showing seven cedar trees! ! Just a short distance from Motomiyawaki, you will reach Shichihonsugi. However, there is no explanatory text...and how should I look at it to make it a seven-cedar tree? ? ? I didn't understand (^^; However, some of the roots of these magnificent cedar trees are connected, while others stand a little apart...Is that just one tree? Does that big cedar count? I was thinking about this while watching it, but in the end it didn't end up being 7 (;^_^A Asase... It would be nice if there was a guide sign.