Hidaka Shrine

Also known as Yoshida Shrine, this sanctuary is dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu Omikami; Kukunochi, the kami of trees; and Kayanohime, the kami of grasses, and has foundational ties to the Taira clan. The black stone monolith to the right of the shrine is believed to be a volcanic rock that originated on Kuchierabu Island, just off the coast. One theory holds that the stone was transported here to be part of the defense stronghold built on this strategic overlook by the Taira warriors, who first landed on Yakushima here in Yoshida in 1202. A lance claimed to have been used by them in battle is among the shrine’s objects of worship.