Kirishima Shine is a Shinto Shrine dedicated to Ninigi no Mikoto, the grandson of the sun goddess Amaterasu in Japanese mythology. The shrine was originally constructed around the 6th century located at the base of the sacred mountain Takachiho-no-mine, which is said to be the location where Ninigi no Mikoto descended from heaven bringing the three imperial regalia to rule over Earth. The three imperial regalia include the sword, mirror and jewel, are kept in the Atsuda Shrine in Nagoya, Ise Shrine in Mie and the imperial palace in Tokyo. The current shrine was moved to the present location and rebuilt in 1715 after the original structure burnt down due to volcanic activities of the area. The grand structure of Kirishima Shrine is lavishly decorated with intricate designs and vibrant colors. During fall, the autumn leaves create a vivid scenery of nature mixed with the sacred atmosphere of this shrine dedicated to Ninigi no Mikoto. The mystical energy of this shrine along with a sacred tree said to be over 800 years old and regarded to as the ancestor to the cedar trees of Kyushu, answer the prayers of worshipers attracting thousands of local and travelers to visit each year.
