Kirishima Jingu
A National Treasure shrine beneath the peak of the heavenly descent.
History and Divine Virtue
Kirishima Jingu enshrines Ninigi no Mikoto, protagonist of the tenson korin myth — the descent of the heavenly grandchild to earth — and ranks among the foremost ancient shrines of southern Kyushu. Shrine tradition dates its founding to the sixth century. It originally stood near Mount Takachiho-no-mine, held to be the site of the heavenly descent, but eruptions of the Kirishima volcanoes destroyed its buildings again and again, and after repeated relocations it settled on the present site. The current sanctuary was rebuilt in 1715 through the patronage of Shimazu Yoshitaka, lord of the Satsuma domain; its splendid vermilion halls, adorned with richly colored ornament, have earned it the name "Nikko of the West." In 2022 the main hall, offering hall, and worship hall were designated National Treasures. In 1866 Sakamoto Ryoma, the celebrated statesman of the late shogunate era, visited with his wife Oryo and climbed Takachiho-no-mine — a journey remembered as Japan's first honeymoon. On the mountain's summit stands the Ama no Sakahoko, a sacred halberd that carries the legend of the heavenly descent down to the present day.
Visiting Notes
- The National Treasure halls glow with vermilion lacquer and richly colored carvings; rising from the misty forest, they are called the Nikko of the West.
- The sacred cedar is a giant said to be about eight hundred years old — one of its branches is famously said to resemble a priest in ceremonial robes.
- On a clear day, the observation point within the grounds commands a view as far as Sakurajima.
- In the spirit of Sakamoto Ryoma and Oryo's honeymoon, many visitors come to mark the turning points of their own journeys.
Deities and Location
- Enshrined Deities
- Ame-nigishi-kuni-nigishi-amatsuhiko-hiko-ho-no-Ninigi no Mikoto
- Location
- 鹿児島県霧島市霧島田口 (Kagoshima)
- Access
- About 10 minutes by bus or car from Kirishima-Jingu Station on the JR Nippo Main Line.
- Lineage
- Moto-Ise & Mythology
Visiting hours, goshuin (shrine stamps), and festival dates change; please confirm the latest information through each shrine's official announcements. If you find an error in this entry, we would be grateful if you let us know.
