Kagoshima's First National Treasure Architecture Standing at the Land of Heavenly Descent

Nestled in the mountains of Kirishima City, Kagoshima Prefecture, Kirishima Jingu Shrine received national treasure designation for its main hall, offering hall, and worship hall on February 9, 2022. This marked the first time any architectural structure in Kagoshima Prefecture received national treasure status, representing an extremely significant moment in Japanese shrine architectural history.

Founded around the 6th century, Kirishima Jingu stands before Mount Takachiho-no-mine, the legendary site of the descent of heavenly deities in Japanese mythology. As one of the few shrines in Japan bearing the prestigious "Jingu" title, it enshrines Ninigi-no-Mikoto and other deities of the Hyuga Three Generations.

Vibrant Shrine Architecture Shining Beyond 300 Years

The current shrine buildings were donated in 1715 (Shotoku 5) by Shimazu Yoshitaka, the fourth lord of the Satsuma Domain. Even after approximately 300 years, these structures maintain their magnificent and gorgeous appearance.

The most distinctive architectural feature of Kirishima Jingu is its unique layout that skillfully utilizes the natural slope. The configuration rises from the Chokushi-den through the covered corridor, passing through the worship hall and offering hall, with the main hall positioned at the highest point. This creates a majestic spatial presentation as if ascending toward heaven. This dynamic architectural composition utilizing elevation differences is a unique charm of Kirishima Jingu not found in other shrines.

The vermillion-lacquered shrine buildings feature elaborate carvings and vibrant decorations throughout. Inside the main hall, paintings depicting Chinese tales of the "Twenty-four Filial Exemplars" and "Four Arts of the Chinese Scholar" adorn the walls, while the transoms display carvings of Chinese lions and celestial musicians. Known as the "Nikko of the West" for its splendor, Kirishima Jingu represents the culmination of mid-Edo period shrine architectural decoration and holds an extremely important position in Japanese architectural history.

Unique Dragon Pillars Embodying East Asian Culture

One of the most important elements that make Kirishima Jingu worthy of national treasure status is the "dragon pillars" on the front worship hall columns of the main shrine. These pillars feature two dragons carved as if wrapping around them amid flowing auspicious clouds, with the right dragon's mouth open and the left dragon's mouth closed holding a jewel, forming the "a-un" (alpha and omega) configuration.

While dragon pillars are widely distributed throughout East Asia, in Japanese shrine architecture they are found only in parts of southern Kyushu, representing an extremely regional design element. The dragon pillars of Kirishima Jingu demonstrate the highest level of completion in their three-dimensional form and vivid coloring. They represent precious cultural assets that sublimated influences from Okinawa and China into the unique regional character of the Satsuma Domain.

This dragon pillar style later influenced surrounding shrine architecture such as Kagoshima Jingu and Kamou Hachiman Shrine, contributing significantly to the development of temple and shrine architectural culture in southern Kyushu.

A Living Place of Faith with Over 100 Annual Festivals

Kirishima Jingu is not merely a cultural property but remains a living place of worship where approximately 100 festivals are conducted annually. The "Rice Planting Festival" in particular, based on the legend of Ninigi-no-Mikoto first cultivating rice, has a 300-year history and is designated as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Kagoshima Prefecture.

Additionally, the nine masks called "Kumen" transmitted at Kirishima Jingu are believed to ward off evil and disasters. As they phonetically connect to "kumen" (managing affairs), they are cherished as lucky charms that help things proceed smoothly. These traditions convey the unique faith culture that Kirishima Jingu has nurtured throughout its long history.

Spectacular Views Through Four Seasons Created by Kirishima's Great Nature

The appeal of Kirishima Jingu extends beyond its architecture. The rich nature surrounding the shrine grounds captivates visitors throughout the four seasons. The autumn foliage season from early to mid-November is particularly spectacular, when the contrast between the autumn colors along National Route 223 (selected as one of Japan's 100 Best Roads) and the vermillion shrine buildings creates breathtaking scenery.

Within the grounds stands a sacred cedar tree over 800 years old, with a rock called "Sazare-ishi" at its base. This stone, also mentioned in Japan's national anthem "Kimigayo," formed from small stones combining into one large rock over many years, and is revered as a symbol of eternal prosperity.

A five-minute walk up the mountain from Kirishima Jingu leads to Yama Shrine, which enshrines Oyamazumi-no-kami, father of Princess Konohanasakuya. Walking along the quiet ancient path allows visitors to experience the deeper sacred realm of Kirishima.

A Base for Kirishima Tourism with Hot Springs

The Kirishima Onsen area spreads around Kirishima Jingu, offering various types of hot spring waters. Known as one of Kyushu's premier hot spring destinations, Kirishima features 11 different types of springs including sulfur springs, simple springs, and alum springs.

About 15 minutes by car from the shrine is Maruo Falls, a rare "hot water waterfall" where hot spring water cascades down. Standing 23 meters tall and 16 meters wide, this impressive waterfall shows fantastic beauty when illuminated at night.

Kirishima is also known as the site of Japan's first honeymoon, taken by the Bakumatsu hero Sakamoto Ryoma with his wife Oryo, making it popular as the "Sacred Land of Honeymoons" among couples.