
Famous Pilgrimage Routes & Religious Sites in Kagoshima, Kagoshima, Japan
1. Sacred 24 Eternal Kills Shrine (Nijūyonakayake Jinja)
Shrine dedicated to the samurai who defeated 24 opponents without armor or sword. Unique warrior's history is commemorated here.
- Warrior Legacy: Preserves the legacy of a legendary warrior and his battle strategies.
- Traditional Festivals: Celebrates traditional festivals like Setsubun, showcasing local culture and customs.
- Historic Artifacts: Displays historic artifacts related to the warrior's life and battles.
2. Kagoshima Nakajo Castle (Kagoshima Jinja)
Shrine located within Kagoshima Castle. Honors Tachibana Gidayu, a samurai who defended the castle.
- Castle Shrine: Unique combination of a historical castle and religious site.
- Local History: Provides insights into Kagoshima's history through its connection to the samurai who defended it.
- Beautiful Surroundings: Surrounded by beautiful gardens and offers panoramic views of the city.
3. Amami-Oshima Pilgrimage (Amami Kodo)
Pilgrimage route on Amami-Oshima Island, featuring ancient Buddhist sites and scenic landscapes.
- Scenic Landscapes: Offers stunning natural beauty with ocean views, waterfalls, and lush forests.
- Historic Temples: Visits numerous ancient temples, some dating back to the 14th century.
- Island Culture: Provides a glimpse into the unique culture and traditions of Amami-Oshima Island.
4. Sacred Iso Island (Iso Jima Reikyoku)
An island dedicated to the goddess Benzaiten. Known for its hot springs and scenic beauty.
- Sacred Hot Springs: Famous for its sacred hot springs, believed to have healing properties.
- Scenic Beauty: Features breathtaking landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and beautiful beaches.
- Goddess Benzaiten: Offers a spiritual connection to the goddess Benzaiten, protector of music and arts.
5. Kirishima Shrine (Kirishima Jingū)
Shrine nestled in the beautiful Kirishima Mountains. Dedicated to three goddesses.
- Mountain Retreat: A peaceful retreat set amidst the tranquil Kirishima Mountains.
- Three Goddesses: Honors three ancient goddesses, revered for their protection of the land and people.
- Spiritual Pilgrimage: Offers a spiritual pilgrimage experience amidst nature's beauty.
6. Sengoku Era Sites (Kagoshima Sengoku Jidai Yashiki Ruins)
Ruins of samurai residences from the Sengoku period. Showcases Kagoshima's feudal past.
- Feudal Past: Provides insights into Kagoshima's feudal past during the Sengoku period.
- Samurai Residences: Offers a glimpse into the lifestyle of powerful samurai families.
- Archaeological Interest: Attracts archaeologists and history enthusiasts for research purposes.
7. Shiriroiku Shrine (Shiriroiku Jinja)
Famous shrine with a stunning view of Sakurajima volcano. Honors the deity of fire.
- Volcano View: Offers a breathtaking view of the active Sakurajima volcano.
- Fire Deity: Honors the deity of fire, believed to protect against natural disasters.
- Traditional Festivals: Celebrates traditional festivals like Setsubun, attracting locals and tourists alike.
8. Tanegashima Heavenly Kingdom Shrine (Tanegashima Tengoku no Mikado Jinja)
Shrine dedicated to the deity of firearms. Tanegashima Island is where guns were first introduced to Japan.
- Firearm History: Celebrates the history of firearms and their introduction to Japan.
- Deity of Firearms: Honors the deity believed to be the protector of firearms.
- Tanegashima Island: Located on Tanegashima Island, a popular tourist destination.
9. Kyushu's Eight Scenic Spots (Kyūshū Hakkei)
Eight famous scenic spots across Kagoshima that showcase the region's beauty.
- Scenic Beauty: Offers a breathtaking collection of landscapes, waterfalls, and temples.
- Photography Opportunities: Provides numerous photography opportunities for travelers.
- Regional Exploration: Encourages exploration of Kagoshima's diverse regions and landscapes.
10. Sakurajima Island (Sakurajima Jima)
Active volcanic island with a sacred Shinto shrine dedicated to the fire deity.
- Active Volcano: Offers a unique opportunity to observe an active volcano.
- Shinto Shrine: Honors the fire deity, believed to protect against natural disasters.
- Volcanic Landscape: Features a stunning volcanic landscape with craters and lava fields.
11. Kirishima-Yaku National Park (Kirishima Yaku Kokuritsu Kōen)
National park featuring volcanic mountains, hot springs, and scenic beauty.
- Volcanic Landscape: Offers a stunning volcanic landscape with mountains, craters, and lava fields.
- Hot Springs: Features numerous hot springs, some within the park's accommodation facilities.
- Nature Activities: Offers hiking, birdwatching, and stargazing opportunities.
12. Yakushima Island (Yakushima Jima)
Subtropical island famous for its ancient cedar trees, UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Ancient Cedar Trees: Home to some of the world's oldest and largest cedar trees.
- UNESCO World Heritage Site: Designated as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site for its unique ecosystem.
- Monkey Encounters: Provides opportunities to encounter the native Yakushima macaque monkeys.
13. Kagoshima Peace Memorial Park (Kagoshima Heiwa Kinen Kōen)
Memorial park dedicated to the victims of World War II. Features a peace museum and statues.
- Peace Museum: Includes a peace museum documenting the history of war and peace.
- Statues of Prayer: Features statues representing prayers for world peace.
- Reflection on History: Encourages reflection on the history and lessons learned from past conflicts.
14. Kagoshima's Five Cities (Kagoshima Go-shi)
Five cities in Kagoshima known for their unique histories and attractions.
- Historical Cities: Each city offers a glimpse into Kagoshima's rich history and culture.
- Natural Attractions: Includes volcanic landscapes, hot springs, and scenic beauty.
- Cultural Experiences: Provides opportunities for cultural experiences and local interaction.
15. Satsumabakufu Museum (Satsuma Bakufu Hakubutsukan)
Museum dedicated to the Satsuma domain, a powerful feudal government in Kagoshima.
- Feudal Government History: Explores the history and power of the Satsuma domain.
- Artifacts and Documents: Displays artifacts, documents, and models from the Satsuma period.
- Cultural Insights: Provides insights into the culture, customs, and way of life during the Satsuma period.