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

Introducing Drone Footage of Kumamoto Castle's Reconstruction! This video, titled "Four Years Since Kumamoto Earthquake. Drone Footage of Kumamoto Castle's Reconstruction" (熊本地震から4年　修復作業続く熊本城をドローン撮影), was released by "Jiji Press Video Center" (時事通信映像センター) in 2020. Kumamoto Castle is a famous sightseeing spot in Kumamoto. It was damaged in the Kumamoto Earthquake that struck on April 14th, 2016 and reconstruction is currently ongoing. Reconstruction of the exterior of the large keep will be finished by 2020, and work on the interior of the large keep and small keep will continue through 2021. During the restoration period, the castle has a special viewing corridor, as shown at 1:05 of the video, where you can see a close look at the repairs taking place. The History and Characteristics of Kumamoto Castle Photo：Kumamoto Castle Kumamoto Castle, also known as Ginnan Castle, was built between the Azuchi-Momoyama period (1573-1598) and the Edo period (1603-1868) in Kumamoto, Akita, Higo as a flatland-mountain castle. After Kato Kiyomasa rebuilt the castle, it became the residence of the Hosokawa family of the Kumamoto Domain until the end of the Edo period. In the Meiji period (1868-1912), it was used as a battlefield for Satsuma Rebellion and as a school. The ruins of castle are designated as a national special historic site and the turret and gate which escaped the flames of the Satsuma Rebellion have been designated Important Cultural Properties. Condition of Reconstruction Photo：Restoration of Kumamoto Castle Kumamoto Castle was badly damaged in the 2016 earthquake. However, the castle barely survived, being supported by a single line of stone wall. This came to be called "The Stone Wall Miracle" and became a beacon of hope for the people affected by the disaster. The total cost of repairing Kumamoto Castle is estimated to be about 35.4 billion yen. If you donate more than 10,000 yen, you will receive a "Castle Lord Card" and "Castle Lord Certificate" and your name will be listed on the digital board. As of 2019, donations have exceeded 2 billion yen. The basic plan for reconstruction was created in 2018 and included "the early restoration of the castle tower, a symbol of reconstruction, and "a plan to lay the foundation to survive at least 100 years." Sightseeing Spots Around the Castle Photo：Kumamoto Castle and Cherry Blossoms The free guide "Omotenashi Busho" is very popular at Kumamoto Castle. You can enjoy cherry blossoms in the spring and autumn colors in the fall, which are very photogenic. There's also the exciting "Kumamoto Castle Marathon" in winter where you can run around the castle. Kato Shrine dedicated to Kato Kiyomasa and the Monogatari Goten on the second floor of the Kumamoto Museum Wakuwakuza are also a must-see. Also check out the "Wakuwakuza History and Cultural Experience." Summary of Kumamoto Castle's Restoration Photo：Kumamoto Castle Inner Citadel and Turrets The castle has 400 years of history and the castle's reconstruction has been attracting a lot of attention from castle fans in Japan and abroad. Check out the official website for information on the reconstruction, special exhibitions, and for maps. We recommend taking a look at the live camera at Josaien Wakuwakuza to check the progress. ◆About Kumamoto Castle◆ 【Address】1-1 Honmaru, Chuo, Kumamoto, Kumamoto 【Access】A 10-minute walk from Kumamoto Castle/City Hall Station and 30 minutes by bus from JR Kumamoto Station 【Entrance fee】500 yen for adult and 200 yen for elementary and junior high school student. 【Hours】8:30 am to 6:00 pm from March to November, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm from December to February 【Closures】December 29th to December 31st 【Parking Facilities】Available 【Telephone No】096-223-5011 【Official Website】Kumamoto Castle https://castle.kumamoto-guide.jp/en/ 【Tripadvisor】Kumamoto Castle https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298213-d324727-Reviews-Kumamoto_Castle-Kumamoto_Kumamoto_Prefecture_Kyushu.html