A friend of mine who is living “Kagoshima“, south side of Kyushu Island.
I sound nice to come.
It took 90 min flight from Haneda to Kagoshima.
At the airport I saw some people are enjoying foot bath.
Kyushu is famous for its volcanic areas.
Mizobe Kagoshima Airport is a little far from center of Kagoshima City.
You will see active volcano “Sakurajima“in Kagoshima City.
That is the reason keep the airport away from city center.
It is crazy to live near an active volcano. He is living and smoking every time.
I was really scared.
We went to Kirishima Jingu Shrine first. 40 min drive from the airport.
The Kirishima Jingu Shrine
First Huge Torii gate
It was good drive.
First you might surprised to see the first torii gate.
How huge it is.
I took the picture from inside the car.
Japan Flag
The Japanese flag was waving in the wind.
The building was surrounded by trees so the wind was chilly.
Kaguraden in Kirishima Jingu Shrine
Now we are getting into the main field of the Kirishima Jingu Shrine.
Holly tree in Kishima Jingu Shine
Ancient Japanese admire the nature as a tremendous power.
Spiritual power comes from nature.
Kirishima Jingu Shrine
Every tree has a power even in the pebbles.
Now you can see the main building.
Kirishima Jingu Shrine
Main Building
The mountains of Kirishima are an important site in the creation mythology of Japan.
It was in this area that the god Ninigi no Mikoto, grandson of the sun goddess Amaterasu, is said to have descended from heaven to rule over the earth.
He eventually married a local princess, becoming mortal in the process, and established the lineage of Japanese emperors.
Kirishima Jingu Shrine
The main building has been destroyed numerous times by volcanic eruptions, but always rebuilt.
The current shrine was constructed in 1715 where it survives to this day.
Its large, beautiful buildings are surrounded by forest and have been declared important cultural property.
Look carefully about the color and shapes.
Kirishima Jingu Shrine
So beautiful.
Now moved to “the Kirishima Shrine Old Palace Ruins” 40 min drive from the Kirishima Jingu Shrine.
The road is narrow and wavy, if you are not good driving take care.
The Kirishima Shrine Old Palace Ruins
the Kirishima Shrine Old Palace Ruins
the Kirishima Shrine Old Palace Ruins
Kirishima Shrine is said to have originally been located at a top Takachihomine .
However, it was destroyed by the Ohachi eruption in 788 .
A torii gate and a stone monument are currently erected in this area as the main shrine of Kirishima Shrine.
the Kirishima Shrine Old Palace Ruins
the Kirishima Shrine Old Palace Ruins
Later, in 950, revived the temple here.
However, a major eruption in 1234 destroyed the shrine.
This area is the current site of the old palace.
Now we can drive here by car easily but ancient Japanese tried to walk here.
I felt here is holly and you can see the Kirishima mountain, the main spirit, itself from this stage.
If you want to make a pilgrimage, you should take off your shoes, and be barefoot.
Walk on the white stones.
the Kirishima Shrine Old Palace Ruins
We moved to Ebino Plateau. 20 min drive.
Ebino Plateau and rest
Ebino Plateau is famous for its sulfur gas vents and caldera.
National Route 1 (main road) has been closed due to volcanic activity.
We took a detour to the Shiratori Onsen side and headed for the expressway.
First, let’s have lunch.
A sandwich my friend brought me and a Coca-Cola I bought from a vending machine.
It’s really delicious.
For the next 90 minutes, we will head to Saitobaru Burial Mounds.
Saitobaru Burial Mounds.
Saitobaru Burial Mounds.
To many people, it may just look like grass.
Saitobaru Burial Mounds.
These are the tombs of kings who governed this area.
Saitobaru Burial Mounds.
Saitobaru Burial Mounds.
Nowadays, it has been developed as a huge park, and locals of Miyazaki Prefecture seem to enjoy jogging and playing sports here.
Saitobaru Burial Mounds.
I was relieved to see an old man carrying a backpack, walking, looking at the ancient tomb, and having a picnic.
Saitobaru Burial Mounds.
We stayed in “Hyuga City“, Miyazaki prefecture.
My friend drove a lot.
After checked in the hotel we went to the Korean BBQ restaurant.
The best Kyochiku en KOrean BBQ restaurant
Kyochikuen the best BBQ restaurant in Miyazaki
It was a very delicious restaurant.
I would like to introduce it to you.
Kimuchi
Please try the kimchi.
You won’t be able to eat anything with such deep flavor even in Tokyo.
Beef Liver Sashimi
I think it’s probably beef liver sashimi.
This is a rare item on the menu even in Tokyo.
Miyazaki Beef salt taste
The appeal of this place is that you can eat precious Miyazaki beef at an affordable price. It’s the salty ribs.
Miyazaki Beef Tare taste
I thank God for such a delicious meal.
Our journey north through East Kyushu has begun.
I’m looking forward to seeing all the places I haven’t been to yet.
I hope this trip will give you some inspiration for your own creations.
Psalm 91:11
For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.