Memories of the Age of Gods: A Journey Through Japan’s Mythic Past
Japan is a country where the line between history and mythology is often beautifully blurred. While Tokyo dazzles with futuristic technology and Kyoto whispers of imperial history, there is a deeper, more primal layer to the culture known as the Kamiyo (神代), or the “Age of Gods.” This era, preceding the legendary accession of the first Emperor Jimmu, forms the spiritual backbone of the nation. To trace the “Memories of the Age of Gods” is to travel back to the dawn of creation, exploring a landscape where deities shaped the islands and spirits dwell in the very rocks and trees.
Introduction
The concept of Kamiyo refers to the mythological period before human history began, a time when the Kami (gods or spirits) inhabited the earth, formed the archipelago, and established the laws of nature. Unlike the pantheons of ancient Greece or Rome, which often feel like distant history, the Age of Gods in Japan is a living memory. It is preserved not just in books, but in the rituals of Shinto, the sacred architecture of shrines, and the reverence for nature that defines Japanese culture.
Travelers seeking the soul of Japan must look beyond the samurai castles and tea houses. They must venture into the deep forests and rugged coastlines where the echoes of these ancient memories still resonate.
Origins: The Birth of the Islands
According to Japan’s oldest chronicles, the universe began in chaos until the heavens and earth separated. The narrative of the Age of Gods centers on two primordial deities: Izanagi and Izanami. Standing upon the Floating Bridge of Heaven (Amano-Ukihashi), they stirred the briny ocean with a jeweled spear. The drops that fell from the tip coagulated to form the first island, Onogoro.
It was from this union that the Eight Great Islands of Japan were born, followed by a myriad of deities representing natural elements—fire, wind, mountains, and sea. This creation myth is distinct because it depicts the land itself as divine offspring, instilling a deep cultural belief that the Japanese landscape is inherently sacred. The memory of this creation is physically etched into places like the bedrock of Awaji Island and the jagged coastlines of the Seto Inland Sea.
Legend: The Cave and the Descent
Among the countless stories from the Kamiyo, two stand out as pillars of Japanese identity: the hiding of the Sun Goddess and the descent of the heavenly grandson.
The Rock Cave of Heaven
Perhaps the most famous legend involves Amaterasu Omikami, the Sun Goddess. Angered by the violent antics of her storm-god brother, Susanoo, she retreated into a cave, the Amano-Iwato, plunging the world into darkness. It took the collective effort of eight million gods, utilizing laughter, dance, and a mirror, to lure her out and restore light to the world.
Tenson Korin
Later, Amaterasu sent her grandson, Ninigi-no-Mikoto, down from the High Plain of Heaven to rule the earth. He descended upon the peak of Mount Takachiho, bringing with him the Three Sacred Treasures (the mirror, the jewel, and the sword) that still constitute the Imperial Regalia today. This transition marks the end of the Age of Gods and the beginning of the age of human sovereigns.
Modern Culture: Living Myths
The memories of the Age of Gods are not stagnant; they are vibrant and active in modern Japanese society.
- Kagura: In rural areas, particularly around Miyazaki and Shimane, locals perform Yokagura (night dances). These theatrical re-enactments of myths, such as the story of the rock cave, have been passed down for centuries, keeping the oral history alive.
- Pop Culture: The influence of Kamiyo is pervasive in anime and manga. Movies like Your Name (Kimi no Na wa) and Spirited Away draw heavily on Shinto concepts of time, spirits, and the twilight realm between the human and divine worlds.
- Rituals: The enthronement of a new Emperor involves rituals that directly reference the Age of Gods, including the symbolic communion with Amaterasu, proving that the modern state is still tethered to its mythic origins.
Traveler’s Tips: Walking the Sacred Lands
To truly experience the memories of the Age of Gods, one must visit the “power spots” where these legends allegedly took place.
Takachiho (Miyazaki Prefecture)
This is the legendary site of the descent of the heavenly grandson. Visit the Takachiho Gorge, formed by ancient lava flows, and the Amano-Iwato Shrine, where you can view the cave where the Sun Goddess hid. Be sure to attend a Kagura performance at Takachiho Shrine in the evening.
Izumo Taisha (Shimane Prefecture)
While Ise Jingu is dedicated to the heavenly gods, Izumo Taisha is the domain of the earthly gods and Okuninushi (the god of marriage and relationships). It is one of the oldest and most massive shrine complexes in Japan. In the 10th month of the lunar calendar, it is believed that all gods from across Japan gather here for a meeting.
Ise Jingu (Mie Prefecture)
The spiritual home of the Japanese people, dedicated to Amaterasu. The architecture here creates a bridge to the ancient past, as the main buildings are dismantled and rebuilt every 20 years in a tradition called Shikinen Sengu, ensuring the “memory” of the construction remains fresh forever.
Sources & Further Reading
For those wishing to delve deeper into the Kamiyo, the primary historical texts provide the most detailed accounts:
- The Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters): Compiled in 712 AD, this is the oldest extant chronicle in Japan and focuses heavily on mythology and the genealogy of the gods.
- The Nihon Shoki (The Chronicles of Japan): Completed in 720 AD, this text provides a more historical and chronological account, though it still begins with the Age of Gods.
- Shinto: The Kami Way by Sokyo Ono provides excellent context on how these ancient beliefs function in the modern day.
By exploring these texts and locations, travelers can unlock the memories of an age that, in the Japanese psyche, never truly ended.