Despite passing by the area many times when traveling to Aso, I had never visited Kamishikimi Kumano Imasu Shrine.
While it gained some attention when the following tweet went viral, it’s still fair to call it a hidden gem.
People who like shrines should definitely visit Kamishikimi Kumano Imasu Shrine in Minami-Aso
It’s literally another world pic.twitter.com/qgHmIRwoue— すてぃっく🐑 (@stick_oarai) April 15, 2018
By the way, “上色見熊野座神社” is read not as “kamishikimi kumano-za jinja” but as “Kamishikimi Kumano Imasu Jinja.”
※Even Kumamoto Prefecture’s tourism site sometimes uses the “kumano-za” reading, but the correct reading is apparently “kumano imasu”
As you can see from the tweet above, this is an unusual place that looks better on cloudy or rainy days.
Although it was unfortunately (?) sunny when I visited, the approach path winding through moss-covered lanterns and dense trees still had an outstanding atmosphere.
This is definitely one of the spots you should visit when traveling to the Minami-Aso region.
Access and Basic Information for Kamishikimi Kumano Imasu Shrine
Kamishikimi Kumano Imasu Shrine is located on the southeast side of Mount Aso.
While I wrote “Minami-Aso” in the title, it’s actually located in Takamori Town, Aso County.
While you’ll notice it immediately when heading to the shrine, if you’re driving, you should aim for the following free parking lot.
There was space for quite a few cars, so it should be available unless it’s peak season.
By car, it’s about 1.5 hours from central Kumamoto City, or about 2.5 hours from central Fukuoka City.
【Basic Information for Kamishikimi Kumano Imasu Shrine】
| Spot Name | Kamishikimi Kumano Imasu Shrine (Kamishikimi Kumano Imasu Jinja) |
|---|---|
| Phone Number | 0967-62-1111 (Takamori Town Policy Promotion Division) |
| Address | 2619 Kamishikimi, Takamori Town, Aso County |
| Web | Takamori Town Official: Kamishikimi Kumano Imasu Shrine | Tourism Map | Kumamoto Aso “Village of Wildflowers and Fragrant Winds” Takamori Town, Kumamoto Kumamoto Tourism Site: Kamishikimi Kumano Imasu Shrine | Tourist Spots | [Official] Kumamoto Prefecture Tourism Site |
Walking Through Dense Trees and Moss-Covered Lanterns on the Path to Kamishikimi Kumano Imasu Shrine
The entrance to Kamishikimi Kumano Imasu Shrine is located along the national highway, across from Iromi Post Office.
Pass between the guardian lion-dogs and enter the approach path lined with lanterns and dense trees.
Even on sunny days, the path is quite dim, blocked by the trees.
All the surrounding trees are tall, with leaves growing only at the top.
This creates the unique landscape.
Halfway up the approach on the left is a water basin… or rather a purification area. Wash your hands and continue forward.
The moss-covered lanterns really add character to the scene.
Along the way, there are places where tree roots are exposed on the path. On rainy days, the stairs themselves become slippery, so be careful not to trip or fall.
The view when looking back is also quite atmospheric.
The View in Front of the Main Hall, Where Trees, Torii Gates, and Lanterns Create a Scene You Must See
After walking for a while, a torii gate appeared. This is the second one after the entrance. It looks as if it’s being guarded by the lanterns.
This area is probably the best photo spot at Kamishikimi Kumano Imasu Shrine, so take your time if you want to get good photos.
An angle showing the main hall through the torii gate is also recommended.
Once you pass through the torii gate, you can finally see the main hall. The density of lanterns increases dramatically, as if for the final sprint.
Arrived at the main hall. There are no people, just a simple building with ordinary fortune-telling slips.
After properly paying respects, we head back.
Apparently, further behind this main hall is the large wind cave “Ugeto Rock” that the demon Onihachi Hoshi is said to have kicked through.
I didn’t know about this at the time of my visit and returned without seeing it. I’ll have to go see that next time.
On the way back. The approach in front of the main hall, with its rows of lanterns, makes for particularly photogenic angles.
It’s also what you’d call a power spot.
Conclusion
While the photos make it look like a long journey, it’s actually about a 30-minute round trip course, even when taking photos.
Since there are many great hot springs, accommodations, and tourist spots in the surrounding area, plus scenic drives to enjoy, it’s perfect to incorporate into your itinerary.
It’s also nice that you can get better photos when the weather is bad, so even on less-than-perfect weather days, you can still enjoy it.
It’s fun to worship while exploring the mystical atmosphere and looking for angles to take beautiful photos!
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