Kirishima Jingu Shrine

霧島神宮

Kirishima Jingu is a large Shinto shrine on the forested slope of Mt. Kirishima. The current buildings were built in 1715 by the lord of the Kagoshima domain. In 2022 its main halls were designated National Treasures of Japan. Visitors can see the bright red halls and a sacred cedar tree about 800 years old, with cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves in late autumn.

Open in Google Maps ↗ Directions ↗

Visitor information

Closed

The shrine is open all year round.

Getting there

From Kagoshima Airport, about 1 hour on the Kirishima Shrine Access Bus.

From Kagoshima Chuo Station, take a JR train (about 80 minutes) and a local bus (about 15 minutes) to the Kirishima Jingu bus stop.

Hours and fees can change. Please check the official website before you go.

Good to know

A sacred cedar tree on the grounds is 35 meters tall and about 800 years old.

Tips for Muslim visitors

The main approach climbs about 80 steep stone steps after the vermilion bridge.
Shinto shrines are open to everyone. Bowing, clapping and washing at the purification basin are optional; you can simply look around.
Shrines are usually busiest at New Year and during festivals. Early morning is often the calmest time to visit.
Charms, fortune slips and votive tablets are religious items. You do not need to buy or use them.
Plan your visit around prayer times. Below are today's prayer times for Kagoshima and the verified places to pray nearby.
Food stalls and shops near popular sights usually do not have halal certification. Check the ingredients, or choose from the verified places on this site.