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Kirishima Jingu

鹿児島県霧島市霧島田口2608-5View on map

Map

One of southern Kyushu's most powerful spiritual sites, nestled amid the Kirishima mountain range at an elevation of about 700 meters. This shrine is closely linked to the myth of the Divine Descent (Tenson Korin) and is also famous as the destination of Sakamoto Ryoma's honeymoon.

Shrine Info

Enshrined Deity
天饒石国饒石天津日高彦火瓊瓊杵尊(ニニギノミコト)
Founded
欽明天皇元年(540年)創建(伝)、正徳5年(1715年)現社殿造営
Annual Festival
例大祭(9月19日)

History & Origins

The shrine venerates the Kirishima mountains as its sacred body, regarded as the place where Ninigi-no-Mikoto descended from the heavens to create the Japanese archipelago. The current halls, rebuilt in 1715, are designated as Important Cultural Properties.

Highlights

The magnificent vermilion shrine halls set against the Kirishima mountains make for a breathtaking vista. The sweeping panoramic views of the Kirishima range and distant Sakurajima volcano from within the grounds are equally stunning.

Visitor Guide

Combining a visit here with the Kirishima hot spring resorts nearby is highly popular. The shrouded early-morning atmosphere when mist settles over the mountains is especially evocative.

Best Season

Spring for fresh greenery, autumn for fall foliage, and the misty seasons for an atmospheric experience.

Annual Events

  • 3月

    御田植祭

    3月3日に斎行される農耕の予祝神事。五穀豊穣を願い、田植えの所作を奉納します。

  • 9月

    例大祭

    9月19日斎行の当社最大の祭典。瓊瓊杵尊の御神徳を称えて厳かに行われ、南九州各地から多くの参拝者が集まります。

  • 2月

    節分祭

    節分に行われる追儺の神事。厄除け祈願の参拝者で賑わい、豆まきと合わせて新年の無病息災を祈ります。