Kirishima Jingu Shrine

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Kirishima Jingu Shrine

One of the largest shrines in southern Kyushu founded in the 6th century.

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Kirishima-Jingu is a shrine that represents southern Kyushu. Founded in the 6th century, it boasts a deep and ancient history.

Kirishima-Jingu was transferred to its present location over 500 years ago, after repeatedly burning down and being rebuilt due to Mt. Kirishima’s eruptions.
This shrine worships Ninigi-no-Mikoto of Japan’s founding myth.

Must-see points of Kirishima-Jingu are its Goshinboku (Sacred Tree), an 800-year-old Japanese cedar tree said to be the ancestor of all cedar trees in Kyushu, and the Sazare-Ishi, which is mentioned in the Japanese national anthem (the Sazare-Ishi is a rock that is said to have once been many pebbles that fused together over time).

Every year on January 1st, February 11th, and November 10th, the shrine hosts performances using the Kirishima Kyumen Taiko drums.
Visitors can also enjoy cherry blossoms in the spring and beautiful autumn foliage in the fall.

Highlights

  • Home of the famous “sazare-ishi” mentioned in Japan’s national anthem.
  • The shrine hall, decked in bright vermillion, is designated as a National Important Cultural Property
  • There are many legendary spots, including the turtle rock and “wind tunnel” rock where winds blow through.
  • On a clear day, a look from the observatory will bring views of Kagoshima Bay, the Kagoshima cityscape, and views out towards Mr. Kaimon.
  • This shrine is especially popular among those seeking romance as it was the shrine that samurai Ryoma Sakamoto visited on this honeymoon.

Photos

  • Kirishima-jingu Main Hall.

    Kirishima-jingu Main Hall.

  • Kagura-den

    Kagura-den

  • Sazare-Ishi

    Sazare-Ishi

  • The sacred tree

    The sacred tree

  • 3rd torii

    3rd torii

  • Turtle Rock Hill (former sando main promenade)

    Turtle Rock Hill (former sando main promenade)

  • Kirishima Jingu Shrine and Cherry blossoms

    Kirishima Jingu Shrine and Cherry blossoms

Official FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.

Q

Do you have pamphlets in other languages? (If so, please also inform us of the supported languages)

A

Sorry, we don’t.

Q

Do you have shrine’s red ink stamps?

A

Yes, they are available. The fee for the stamp book is 500 yen.

Q

Is parking available?

A

Yes. (Accommodates 500 vehicles)

Q

Are coin lockers available?

A

Not available.

Reviews

6

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  • This shrine has a great atmosphere, hidden in the mountains and forests. The bright red main hall is really beautiful. It's a place that feels full of spiritual energy.

    It's best to read up on the history and myths of Kirishima Jingu before you visit. That way, you'll really appreciate it when you're there.

    A solemn and peaceful shrine. The autumn leaves make it even more beautiful.

  • There are too few bus services, so getting here is really inconvenient!

    Such a beautiful place! The giant sacred tree and the whole environment are just fantastic.

Details

Name in Japanese
霧島神宮
Postal Code
899-4201
Address
2608-5 Kirishima-taguchi, Kirishima city, Kagoshima
Telephone
0995-57-0001
Closed
Open every day
Hours
Always open
Admission
Free
Access
(1) Approximately 15 minutes by bus from Kirishima-Jingu Station on the JR Nippo Main Line. Get off at the "Kirishima Jingu" bus stop.
(2) From the 3rd platform at Kagoshima Airport, take the bus bound for "Kirishima Iwasaki Hotel", and get off at the "Maruo" stop. Change to the bus bound for "Kokubun" from the 3rd platform at Maruo and get off at "Kirishima Jingu".
Official Website
Official Website (Japanese)