Kagoshima-jingu Shrine
鹿児島神宮
The ichinomiya of ancient Osumi Province, famed for its vivid colors and ceiling paintings, and the stage for the Hatsuuma Festival's bell-decorated horse dance.
Kagoshima Jingu is located in Hayato-cho, Kirishima City, and was the ichinomiya of ancient Osumi Province. It is said to enshrine Hoori-no-mikoto (Yamasachihiko), a deity from mythology, and is linked to the legend of Umisachihiko and Yamasachihiko. The current shrine buildings were rebuilt in 1756 by Shimazu Shigehide, lord of the Satsuma domain. The main hall, the imperial envoy hall and other structures are designated Important Cultural Properties of Japan, and their vivid colors are striking. The worship hall's ceiling is painted with roughly 200 botanical images. Around March each year, the Hatsuuma Festival features dozens of horses adorned with bells and ornate decorations dancing to drums; it is a nationally designated Intangible Folk Cultural Property. Entry to the grounds is free. It is about a 15-minute walk from JR Hayato Station and about 20 minutes' drive from Kagoshima Airport.
Opening hours
Open all day; Conferral Office approx. 08:30–17:00
Nearby sights
- Myoken Onsen
- Inukai Falls
- Kareigawa Station
- Shiohitashi Onsen Ryoma Park
- Kirishima Shinwa-no-Sato Park
- Takachiho Farm
- Kirishima-jingu Shrine
- Kirishima Onsen Village & Maruo Falls