A 1-hour drive from Kagoshima takes you to the largest torii gate in western Japan.

Here it is! At the end of the 800-year-old cedar forest lies the ancient Kirishima Shrine. Here's a photo guide for easy exploration on your own! Kirishima Shrine is one of Japan's ancient Shinto shrines, known as the "Western Toshogu Shrine." It is famous for its vermilion walls and exquisite colored reliefs, surrounded by lush trees that add to its mystique. Legend has it that this is the place of worship for Ninigi-no-Mikoto, the deity of Japan's founding, and is considered a national treasure. Best Photo Spots • Grand Torii Gate: Upon entering the shrine, you'll see the grand torii gate, standing 22.4 meters tall with a 16-meter gap between the two pillars. It's the largest torii gate in western Japan, perfect for capturing a divine maiden vibe. • Main Building: The vermilion main building exudes an ancient charm, with a strong classical Japanese temple style. Combined with the surrounding natural scenery, it's an ideal photo spot. • Forest Behind the Shrine 🌳: Explore the rarely visited forest behind the shrine, where towering trees create a serene and mysterious atmosphere for your photos. • 800-Year-Old Cedar: The cedar tree standing beside the main building has a history of 800 years, guarding this sacred place filled with spiritual energy. It can serve as a photo backdrop, allowing you to feel the ancient power. Transportation Guide Take the JR train from Kagoshima Chuo Station for about 50 minutes to Kirishima Shrine Station. Remember to choose a seat on the right side to enjoy the beautiful coastal scenery. From Kirishima Shrine Station to the shrine, you can take a bus or taxi. A taxi ride takes about 12 minutes and costs around JPY 1,800.