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Kirishima Jingu Shrine （霧島神宮）

Would you like to visit the National Treasure "Kirishima Grand Shrine" and experience the extensive sacred atmosphere in Kirishima?

Kirishima Area History and Culture Recharge and Refresh

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Kirishima Jingu Shrine’s Main Hall, Shinden Hall and Worship Hall were designated national treasures by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology on February 9, 2022. This marks the first time a cultural asset in Kagoshima Prefecture has received a national treasure designation for its architecture.

Located in Kirishima City, Kirishima Jingu Shrine sits on a slope on the hillside of Mt. Kirishima, its buildings facing the summit of Mt. Takachiho. The current shrine was built in 1715 by the feudal lord of the then-Kagoshima domain.

In bestowing the recognition, the Japanese government’s Agency for Cultural Affairs praised the composition of the shrine buildings, which takes advantage of the difference in elevation, and the stunning decorations throughout the shrine complex. In front of the main shrine are ryubashira (dragons carved into pillars), which are known as “dragon pillars” and are unique to southern Kyushu. Their presence shows the influence of East Asian cultures such as Ryukyu and China at that time.

Kirishima is refered to as "the land where gods once descended", and the Kirishima Grand Shrine is a prestigious shrine enshrining these deities, and many throughout the nation and from overseas make their way to visit the grand shrine.
The "sazare-ishi" boulder beside the path leading to the shrine is the boulder referred to in the Japanese national anthem, "Kimigayo", as "pebbles that grow into boulders".
Also, when visitors pass the path wrapped in deep green, visitors can see on their righthand a sacred tree said to be the ancestor of all pine trees throughout southern Kyushu.
It is said the pine tree of 35 meters is 800 years old and exhibits a powerful watch over the precincts.
Moving around to the backside of the sacred tree, there is a a branch which attracts a lot of attention when visitors look up for it resembles a person dressed in all black and wearing a black-lacquered head piece.
At large, it is said Kirishima Grand Shrine is a famous "power spot" showing divine favor in granting "family safety" and "career prosperity".
You will surely wish to return for multiple visits to the shrine, not simply settling for one visit.

According to experts, Kirishima has demonstrated enhanced relaxation effects and has been designated as a "foresty therapy base".

◇Typical best viewing period of cherry blossom: Late March
◇Number of cherry trees: ~200

Basic Information

Address	鹿児島県霧島市霧島田口2608-5
Telephone Number	0995-57-0001（霧島神宮）
Business Days/ Hours	Business Days - Open all year round
Directions	From Kagoshima Chuo Station: JR train (80 min.) + Local scheduled bus (10 min.) Kagoshima Chuo Station ⇒ JR Nippo-honsen "Kirishima Jingu Station" ⇒ Get off at"Kirishima Jingu" Bus stop (Kirishima Iwasaki Hotel-bound) From Kagoshima Airport: Airport Shuttle bus (35 min.) + Local scheduled bus (10 min.) From Kagoshima Airport ⇒ Change at "Maruo" Bus stop (Kirishima-bound) ⇒ Get off at "Kirishima-Jingu" Bus stop (Kokubu-bound)
Parking Mapcode	376 089 326 Drive MAP
Website	Visit Japanese Website

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