Kagoshima

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[Kai Kirishima] Takachiho peak climbing option is now available for “Kirishima Kaiun Journey,” a special prayer to Kirishima Jingu Shrine, designated as a national treasure.

2022.11.05

KAI KIRISHIMA, a hot spring inn surrounded by magnificent nature overlooking Sakurajima, will begin offering a special prayer “Kirishima Kaiyun Trip” at Kirishima Jingu Shrine, designated as a national treasure, from December 1, 2022.

Special prayer and special viewing of "Nine Masks" at Kirishima Jingu Shrine

The local music of Kirishima, “Enbu”, is a dynamic performance that expresses the story of the descent of the grandchildren from heaven. The performance features gods wearing masks that resemble the nine masks enshrined at Kirishima Jingu Shrine. This plan includes a special prayer at Kirishima Jingu Shrine, followed by a special viewing of the nine masks, which are not open to the public, at the Kaguraden. It is said that if you worship the nine masks enshrined at Kirishima Jingu Shrine, you will be blessed with good fortune.

Receive a red seal in the original red seal book of KAI KIRIZIMA

Before visiting Kirishima Jingu Shrine, you can make your own red seal book with a cover made of Satsuma Washi paper. You can choose from four different designs for the cover of your red seal book, including the auspicious hemp leaf and tortoise shell. At Kirishima Jingu Shrine, you will receive a special prayer in the solemn atmosphere of the shrine grounds. At the end of the visit, you will receive a vermilion seal of Kirishima Jingu Shrine after renewing your mind and making a vow.

Purifying salts and hot springs to purify the unclean

In the open-air bath overlooking Sakurajima and Kinko Bay, guests purify their bodies and minds with “purifying salt from the Kirishima Shrine” in preparation for their visit to the Kirishima Shrine. The salt we prepare is from the food offered to the deities during the daily rituals at Kirishima Jingu Shrine. The salt is used to purify the body and soul by removing impurities that are detested by the gods, and to prepare for the delivery of thoughts to the gods.

Taste shochu named after fortune with Satsuma faceted glass

In the guest rooms, we offer “Kaiun Densetsu,” a limited edition of only 1,000 bottles of shochu produced on Amami Oshima Island, Kagoshima Prefecture. The shochu is made with great care by brewers who are grateful for a successful year and resolve to work hard the following year. The shochu has a rich and fragrant flavor. This precious shochu is served in a gold-red Satsuma faceted glass with a lucky pattern engraved on it.

Climbing Takachiho Peak Visit Heavenly Reverse Spearhead and Kirishima Jingu Moto-gu Shrine [NEW].

This guided tour will climb Takachiho Peak, the stage of the myth of the descent of the grandchildren. At the summit of Takachiho Peak, you can see the “reverse spear of heaven,” which is said to have been thrust by Nigi-no-kine no Mikoto when he descended to earth.
The Kirishima Jingu Moto-gu Shrine, located on the way to the summit, is said to be the oldest site of the Kirishima Jingu Shrine and is now a sacred place where a torii gate and a small shrine remain. You can experience the myth of the descent of the grandchildren by climbing up while listening to the guide’s explanation of each power spot.

Outline of "Kirishima Kaiun Journey

Duration: From December 1, 2022 all year round
Price: From 105,000 yen (per person when two people use one room, tax and service charge included)
Includes: Special prayers at Kirishima Jingu Shrine, shochu, red stamp book, purification salt, accommodation (2 nights),
Dinner and breakfast (2 times each) *Special Kaiseki meal on the 2nd night
For: 1 group per day (up to 3 people per group)

[Additional Options] Climbing Takachiho Peak

Staff will pick you up at the trailhead and accompany you on the climb. The tour will include commentary on Takachiho peak, such as the myth of the descent of the grandchildren and the historical sites of Kirishima Shrine.

Climbing place: Takachihomine (15 minutes by car from KAI Kirishima to the trailhead, about 2 hours one way from the trailhead to the summit)
Includes: Transportation to trailhead, climbing guide, refreshments
Price: 5,000 yen per person (including tax and service charge)
Time: Depart from Kai Kirishima at 10:00. It is a round trip from the trailhead to the summit and back, and the itinerary is about 5 hours.
Note: The tour may be cancelled depending on weather and mountain conditions. There are rocky terrain along the way and no shade near the summit. Please bring hiking shoes and clothing suitable for climbing.

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