Kirishima Jingu Shrine

A vermilion shrine nestled in dense cedar forest at the base of the Kirishima volcanic range, dedicated to Ninigi-no-Mikoto, the deity said to have descended from heaven to this mountain. The current buildings date to 1715, rebuilt after volcanic eruptions destroyed earlier structures six times. Morning mist often wraps the torii gate and the 800-year-old sacred cedar, creating an atmosphere of primordial mystery.