Terukuni Shrine
照国神社
A shrine enshrining Shimazu Nariakira, the 11th lord of Satsuma who led the late-Edo modernization. A huge white torii stands at the foot of Shiroyama, and it is the shrine Kagoshima residents feel closest to.
Terukuni Shrine, founded in 1863, enshrines Shimazu Nariakira, the 11th daimyo of Satsuma, who drove the domain's modernization and promoted Saigo Takamori. The large torii at the entrance stands about 21 meters tall and is one of the landmarks of downtown Kagoshima. The grounds contain bronze statues of Shimazu Nariakira, Shimazu Hisamitsu, and Shimazu Tadayoshi. Every year in mid-July, the Rokugatsu Lantern Festival, Kagoshima's largest summer festival, fills the approach with lanterns bearing prayers and wishes, creating a lively atmosphere. Admission to worship is free. Located at the foot of Shiroyama, it is about a 5-minute walk from Tenmonkan and can be combined with Tsurumaru Castle and the Shiroyama Observatory.
Opening hours
Open all day; Conferral Office approx. 08:30–17:00
Nearby sights
- Shiroyama Observatory
- Statue of Saigo Takamori
- Tsurumaru Castle Ruins & Reimeikan
- Tenmonkan
- Museum of the Meiji Restoration
- Kagoshima City Aquarium (io world)
- Nanshu Shrine & Cemetery
- Ishibashi Memorial Park