Michi no eki (rest stations on the road)

Kirishimajingu Shinto Shrine

Located in the northeastern part of Kagoshima Prefecture is Kirishima. Kirishima includes the Kirishima-Yaku National Park, which includes the Kirishima volcano chain, Mount Sakurajima and Yakushima Island chain. The area is famous for its scenic beauty, hot springs and magnificent mountain vistas.

Kirishimajingu Shinto Shrine - The main building of the shrine is designated as an “Important Cultural Property.” The shrine is dedicated to Ninigi no Mikoto, who has a role in Japanese creation mythology. The temple was situated in a different location but was moved 500 years ago after being destroyed by eruptions of Mount Kirishima. The shrine that exists today was built in 175 and is home to several festivals celebrating music, songs and dance. The shrine and the area surrounding it is breath-taking. Well worth a visit.

O-mikuji

 

Kirishimajingu Shrine website in Japanese

Last stop for the "Last Samurai" in Kagoshima

These are the caves where the famous "Last Samurai" Saigi Takamori is said to have died after suffering wounds during the rebellion with the Imperial Army.

Ice cream break in Kagoshima

Senganen - Shimadzu

A last look at Senganen - Shimadzu is a museum near Senganen.

Senganen - Senjingan

In 1814, a total of 3,900 people worked for three months to complete this job. In Japan, carving letters on rocks was not common. This action is considered to imply strong influence by Chinese culture.

Senganen - Takamasu

This is equipment used to distribute water. After storage here, groundwater is supplied to the pond at the front of the residence.

Senganen

These types of buildings are called “azumaya” in Japanese, a pavilion used for resting. It was a gift presented by the Ryukyu King in the early 17^th century. The baked tiles covering the floor have the same design as those used in a Chinese palace of the 3^rd century BC.

Lion Stone Lantern Senganen

This is the largest lantern in the garden. The capping stone has an area of approximately 1820 square feet or 169 square meters, on top of which sits and imaginary lion-like animal called “shishi.”