Kagoshima Spiritual Tour

OVERVIEW

Bask in the beauty of a breathtaking waterfall and enjoy the spiritual ambiance of a Shinto shrine founded in the 12th century. Both settings appear almost exactly as they did ages ago as does Tatsumonjikaza Street, the main artery in the Aira District. It has been meticulously preserved to reflect the atmosphere of traditional Old Japan. Seeing the street, where time seems to have stood still, will prepare you for what lies ahead, starting with the Ryumon-no-taki cascade. Artists have captured the beauty of this two-tiered waterfall for centuries and its natural allure endures today. Kamo Hachiman shrine is enthralling for its spiritual aura and for some of its furnishings. It holds more ancient bronze mirrors than any other shrine in the Kagoshima Prefecture. Still, few sights are more breathtaking than the massive camphor tree that lords over the grounds. Deemed an official Special Natural National Treasure, it is estimated to be 1,500 years old.

HIGHLIGHTS

• View a street in the Aira District preserved to reflect the ambiance of Old Japan.
• Behold a two-tiered waterfall that cascades through an immensely picturesque setting.
• Browse a Shinto shrine founded in the 12th century.
• Walk around a 1,500-year-old camphor tree with the widest girth of any tree in Japan.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.