Kirishima-jingu Shrine is one of Japan's most important Shinto sites, founded in the 6th century and dedicated to Ninigi-no-Mikoto, the grandson of sun goddess Amaterasu. According to Japanese mythology, this deity descended from the heavens to nearby Mount Takachiho-no-Mine, making the shrine a sacred site connected to the origins of the imperial family. The shrine recently achieved national treasure status in February 2022, becoming the first cultural property in Kagoshima Prefecture to receive this prestigious architectural designation.
