Have you ever been to Kagoshima in Japan? Kagoshima is located on South Kyushu and it takes about 1 hour and half from Tokyo Haneda airport by an airplain.
Kagoshima is one of a beautiful prefecture in Japan. Foods, Nature, Sightseeing spots… Plus, my mother’s hometown is Kirishima city so, for me, Kagoshima, especially Kirishima city is very important!
In this part, I’d like to introduce two sightseeing spots: Jingu（神宮）.
These two Jingu are popular traveling spot and are located on Kirishima city! One of them is very close from Kagoshima airport but, the another is far from there. Anyway, if you wanna get information in detail, why don’t you read following contents!
***If you wanna make a reservation of hotel, here is an example. You can search Kirishima area and book your hotel!***
1. Introduction: Why those Jingu are important in Japan.
Two very important Jingu are called Kirishima Jingu（霧島神宮）and Kagoshima Jingu（鹿児島神宮）. Kirishima Jingu is specified a National treasure and Kagoshima Jingu is an Important Cultural Property.
Located in the Kirishima mountain range, the shrine is surrounded by natural beauty and sacred landscapes. The mountains themselves are considered holy, enhancing the spiritual atmosphere of the shrine. As a major pilgrimage site, Kirishima Jingu attracts thousands of worshippers seeking spiritual renewal and connection with the divine.
On the contrary, Kagoshima Jingu is dedicated to Hoori no Mikoto, a deity associated with agriculture, fishing, and prosperity. It serves as a place of worship where locals and visitors come to pray for blessings and good fortune. Many believe the shrine has spiritual healing powers, drawing pilgrims seeking relief from ailments and misfortunes.
2. Kirishima Jingu
2.1. Attraction
As I mentioned, Kirishima Jingu is the national treasure of Japan. Last time, I went to Kirishima Jingu with a friend of mine and my relative and, my relative guided for us to walk around Kirishima Jingu.
For citizens in Kirishima city, according to my relative, Kirishima Jingu is a sacred place so, for families, when their children are celebrated, they visit Kirishima Jingu. Then, they take celebrated photographies!
Have a look this picture. There is a buddha statue on a big tree. When you visit Kirishima Jingu, please look for this special tree!
2.2. History and background
Kirishima Jingu, nestled in the picturesque Kirishima mountain range of Kagoshima, boasts a rich history intertwined with Japanese mythology and natural beauty. Originally founded in the 6th century, the shrine is dedicated to Ninigi no Mikoto, the grandson of the sun goddess Amaterasu, who is said to have descended to earth at this sacred site. Despite being relocated several times due to volcanic activity, the current structure, rebuilt in the 18th century, stands as a stunning example of Edo-period architecture with its vibrant red and white colors and intricate carvings. Surrounded by lush forests and offering breathtaking views, Kirishima Jingu continues to be a revered pilgrimage destination, reflecting the enduring spiritual and cultural heritage of the region.
2.3. Visitors Information
Basically, visitors are better to drive from your staying place or Kagoshima airport. Of course, there is a Kirishima Jingu station, but it takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes from the station, and if you’re gonna get on a bus, you should take about 2-3 hours to wait. So, if you have an international driver license, you have to borrow a rental car and drive. Or, if you wanna explore freely, you are better to use a taxi. (But, you’ll definitely spend a lot of money.)
Business hour: 8am-5pm
3. Kagoshima Jingu
3.1. Attraction
Why Kagoshima Jingu is recommended that as I said, Kagoshima Jingu is one of an important cultural property shrine in Japan. Moreover, it’s easy to access there. Compared to Kirishima Jingu, Kagoshima Jingu is located on Hayato-cho, Kirishima city, where is a city center.
In addition, the outstanding attraction is a house. In this shrine, sometimes the house is dancing for an event in Kirishima city. That’s why you can see a white house in this shrine. It’s very rare situation.
3.2. History and background
Kagoshima Jingu, located in the Kirishima region of Kagoshima Prefecture, is one of the oldest and most historically significant shrines in the area, believed to have been founded in the 6th century. Dedicated to Hoori no Mikoto, a deity associated with agriculture and prosperity, the shrine has deep connections with the powerful Shimazu clan, who ruled the Satsuma Domain. Over the centuries, Kagoshima Jingu has played a vital role in the religious and cultural life of the region, hosting numerous festivals and ceremonies that preserve and celebrate traditional Shinto practices. Despite being relocated and rebuilt several times due to natural disasters, the shrine stands today as a beautiful example of classical Shinto architecture, drawing both worshippers and tourists to its serene and spiritually rich grounds.
3.3. Visitors Information
The location is better than Kirishima Jingu, actually. It’s located on Hayato town, where is a neighbor place from Kagoshima airport. If you stay a hotel in Hayato-cho, you might take 10-20 minutes by walk to go to Kagoshima Jingu.
Business hour: 8-30am-5pm
4. Conclusion
Visiting Kirishima Jingu and Kagoshima Jingu offers a profound connection to Japan’s spiritual and cultural heritage, each shrine standing as a testament to the region’s rich history and enduring traditions. Kirishima Jingu, set amidst the scenic Kirishima mountains, enchants with its vibrant architecture and mythical significance, while Kagoshima Jingu, deeply linked to the powerful Shimazu clan, impresses with its ancient origins and dynamic cultural festivals. Together, these shrines provide a serene and spiritually enriching experience, showcasing the harmonious blend of nature, history, and tradition that defines Kagoshima’s unique cultural landscape.
Considering to historical point of Japan, Kagoshima is very important spot! To emphasize, Kirishima Jingu has Two National Treasure Jingu. If you are gonna Kagoshima, I’d love you to visit Kirishima Jingu and Kagoshima Jingu!
***Other posts about Kagoshima***
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