The mountains of Kirishima are an important site in the creation mythology of Japan. It was in this area that the god Ninigi no Mikoto, grandson of the sun goddess Amaterasu, is said to have descended from heaven to rule over the earth.
Ninigi no Mikoto landed on nearby Mt. Takachiho-no-mine bringing with him the three imperial regalia: the sword, the mirror and the gem. He eventually married a local princess, becoming mortal in the process, and established the lineage of Japanese emperors.
Devoted to Ninigi no Mikoto, Kirishima Shrine (–¶“‡_‹{, Kirishima Jingū) was built during the Muromachi Period (1333-1573) on a different site from where it stands today. Since then it has been destroyed numerous times by volcanic eruptions, but always rebuilt. The current shrine was constructed in 1715 where it survives to this day. Its large, beautiful buildings are surrounded by forest and have been declared important cultural property.
Getting there and around
Bus Network around Kirishima:
Despite being named after Kirishima Shrine ("Kirishima Jingu"), JR Kirishima Jingu Station is located more than five kilometers away from the shrine. Buses operate from the station to the shrine (15 minutes, 300 yen, one bus every 1-4 hours), and continue on to Maruo Onsen (30 minutes, 560 yen) and the Kirishima Iwasaki Hotel (35 minutes, 670 yen).
How to get to and around Kirishima
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Links and Resources
Japanese
