Kirishima-jingu Shrine
The shrine on the sacred mountain where the grandson of the sun goddess descended to earth.
A beautiful shrine in Kagoshima, located in a spot linked to the 'Tenson Korin' myth, the descent of the heavenly gods to rule Japan.
History of the Shrine
Kirishima-jingu is deeply connected to the 'Tenson Korin', one of the most important foundation myths of Japan. After the earthly realm was pacified, the sun goddess Amaterasu commanded her grandson, Ninigi-no-Mikoto, to descend from the heavens to establish the imperial dynasty. He landed on the sacred peak of Takachiho-no-mine in the Kirishima mountain range, bringing with him the Three Imperial Regalia.
The original shrine was built on the slopes of the sacred peak itself in the 6th century. However, due to its location within a highly active volcanic mountain range, the shrine has been repeatedly destroyed by eruptions over the centuries. It has been rebuilt many times, gradually moving further down the mountain to safer locations. The current shrine buildings date back to 1715 and are known for their beauty and resilience, a testament to the enduring faith of the local people despite the power of the volcano.
The Enshrined Kami
Ninigi-no-Mikoto is the primary kami of Kirishima-jingu. He is the grandson of the great sun goddess Amaterasu and the mythical ancestor of the Japanese imperial line. His descent from heaven to earth, the 'Tenson Korin', is the pivotal event that connects the divine realm with the human world and establishes the divine right of the emperors to rule.
He is a kami of agriculture, particularly of rice cultivation, which he is said to have brought to Japan. As the divine founder of the imperial dynasty, he is also a powerful protector of the nation. Prayers to him are often for a bountiful harvest, national peace, and family prosperity.
What to See
The current shrine is often called the 'Nikko of the West' due to its brilliantly colored and elaborately decorated buildings, which are a stark contrast to the often simple aesthetic of other shrines. The vermilion-lacquered main hall is a designated Important Cultural Property and features beautiful carvings and paintings. The shrine is surrounded by a dense forest, and a massive cedar tree on the grounds is estimated to be 800 years old and is revered as a sacred tree.
For hikers, a popular activity is to climb to the peak of Mt. Takachiho-no-mine, where the legendary 'Ame-no-sakahoko' spear is thrust into the summit, marking the exact spot where Ninigi-no-Mikoto is said to have landed.
Major Festivals
The 'Tenson Korin Kirishima Kogen Taiko Matsuri' is a major festival featuring powerful performances by 'taiko' (drum) troupes from around the country, offered as a tribute to the gods. The shrine also holds annual rituals to pray for the pacification of the volcano and for the safety and prosperity of the region. The New Year is also a very popular time for worship.