Kirishima Shrine

Kirishima-jingū is a Shinto place of worship at the foot of Mount Kirishima in Kagoshima Prefecture, surrounded by cedar trees several hundred years old. The main hall and prayer house carry curved roofs with gilded ornaments, and a stone path leads through a tall wooden gate up to the altars.

Originally built on the summit, the place of worship moved downhill in the 10th century after several eruptions. The present site was chosen after 1484, and the current buildings date from the early 18th century.

The name connects the deity Ninigi no Mikoto with the volcanic peak, and worshippers come here to pray for good marriages and safe childbirth. On weekends you often see wedding couples in traditional dress being photographed between the scarlet buildings.

You reach the grounds via a winding road through the forest, and a large parking area sits beside the entrance. Access to the main buildings requires climbing stone steps that can become slippery in rain.

Near the entrance stands a cryptomeria cedar over 800 years old, reaching a circumference of more than 7 meters (23 feet). Visitors often touch the trunk because people believe the tree grants longevity.