Introducing the mysterious Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine in Minami Aso of Kumamoto Prefecture

This video, titled "上色見熊野座神社 Kami-shikimi Kumano-imasu Jinja," was released by "Shiawase Bokujo Country Bred Jedi" (幸せ牧場 CountryBredJedi).
It introduces Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine, one of Kumamoto's leading power spots in Takamori, Aso District.

It's said that Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine was the setting and model for the theatrical anime "Hotarubi no Mori e" (Into the Forest of Fireflies' Light) based on the popular shojo manga released in 2011.

This mysterious video of Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine will have you feeling as though you've actually visited the sacred ground, so be sure to give it a watch!

Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine in Minami Aso, Kumamoto

Photo：Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine, Kumamoto Prefecture

After climbing the mossy steps up the mountain, you'll find many stone lanterns on the pathway to the shrine.
Solemn and mysterious looking cedar trees will also come into sight.
After passing through the torii gate, more than 260 steps are left before you.
The photogenic Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine is a mysterious spot that will have you feeling as though you've crossed over into another world.

From 0:05 in the video, you'll see imagery that will make you feel as though you're actually walking through Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine.

The History of Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine in Minami Aso, Kumamoto

Photo：Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine, Kumamoto Prefecture

It is unknown when Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine in Minami Aso, Kumamoto Prefecture was built.
Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine enshrines Izanagi and Izanami-no-Mikoto, who appear in Japanese mythology.
At the Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine, there is also the "Ugetoiwa", which is said to have a large hole of 10m or more in length and width due to being kicked by Kihachi Boshi, that is also a highlight to see.

What is the theatrical anime "Hotarubi no Mori e" modeled after Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine, which can be seen in the video?

Photo：Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine, Kumamoto Prefecture

The theatrical animation "Hotarubi no Mori e" is based on the manga written by Yuki Midorikawa, the original author of the best-selling "Natsume Yujincho" (Natsume's Book of Friends).
The story is about a girl who went to visit her grandfather's house but ends up having a mysterious experience in the nature-filled forest of the mountain god.
This animation was incredibly popular at its release, and many people, including foreign travelers visiting Japan, visited Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine as a pilgrimage to the sacred place.

Summary of Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine in Minami Aso, Kumamoto

Photo：The Takamoridon Cedars, Kumamoto Prefecture

You've probably felt the mysterious atmosphere of Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine through the video.
On the hillside of Mt. Minami Gairin near Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine, there are two magnificent couple cedars called the "Takamoridon Cedars," which are said to be more than 400 years old.
It's said that a famous entertainer visited here and their marriage was decided.
Because of this, it became a widely talked about topic that wishes for matchmaking and marriage become fulfilled here.

Access to Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine is a 10-minute drive from Takamori Station on the Minami Aso Railway.
There is also a parking lot so you can visit by car.
Consider visiting Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine, a great place for taking Instagram photos!

【Tripadvisor】Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1121537-d9707472-Reviews-Kamishikimi_Kumanoimasu_Shrine-Takamori_machi_Aso_gun_Kumamoto_Prefecture_Kyushu.html