Terukuni Shrine

The citizens well know the shrine of Kagoshima as a representative shrine of the city. The shrine is dedicated to Nariakira Shimazu, the 28th head of the Shimazu family and the 11th lord of the Satsuma Domain. He promoted the "Shuseikan Project," which laid the foundation for the modernization of Japan. The shrine was built in 1864 and was destroyed by fire during the Seinan War in 1877 and air raids at the end of the Pacific War. It is currently being rebuilt and expanded.

Terukuni Shrine is also famous for its summer festival called "Rokugatsu-do," held annually on July 15 and 16. The anniversary of the death of the first head of the Shimazu family, Tadahisa; the 29th head of the Shimazu family and founder of the Shimazu family, Tadayoshi; and the 15th head of the Shimazu family, Takahisa, who was considered a hero of Satsuma, both fell in June of the lunar calendar (present-day July). It is said that the "Rokugatsu-do" Festival began when the "family temples" or "parishioners" of each of the three put up lanterns on the anniversary of their deaths as a memorial service. During the festival, more than 100 lanterns are lit on the steps leading to the precincts and in the precincts, and events such as an ikebana exhibition, fireworks, and a dedication performance are held.

The song "Terukuni Shrine Rake" became a hot topic when it was sung as the opening theme song of the anime "Yo-kai Watch."