Amanomanai

Other Historic Site/Building

According to legend, when the god Ninigi-no-Mikoto descended to Earth here, there was no water, and so the god Amenomurakumo-no-Mikoto returned to heaven and brought back a water seed which became the source of a spring. This Japanese zelkova is said to be over 1,300 years old, and a natural spring wells forth in abundance from its roots. The water of the spring seemingly never increases or decreases in amount, and is still viewed today as a sacred spring; it is also the source of Manai Falls. During Takachiho Shrine's annual festival in the spring, and Kushifuru Shrine's annual festival in the fall, a portable shrine is brought to the spring as a temporary home for the respective shrine's principle god and traditional performances of kagura song and dance are held as an offering.