All Reviews of Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine

Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine is located on the outskirts of Kumamoto. It’s a little far for those who don’t have a chartered car or aren’t on a tour, but distance can’t dampen my enthusiasm for shrines!! Before reaching Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine, you have to make your way through dense woods and climb many steps. It’s one of the few shrines that’s somewhat difficult to reach, but without enduring the bitter cold, how can one enjoy the fragrance of plum blossoms? I’m sure you won’t regret the climb. It’s well worth visiting and looking around.

There are countless shrines in Japan. Of the popular shrine routes, my two favorites are the Oku no Hosomichi and the Kumano Kodo, which are also two must-visit trails for anyone hiking in Japan. Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine, which I’m reviewing this time, is a shrine located along the Kumano Kodo. Everyone knows that most shrines in Japan are in remote places, such as in lakes, by the sea, or in secluded forests, and Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine is located in just such a remote forest. As you walk in, you can really feel that otherworldly atmosphere, especially in fall and winter. Japan is also in the higher latitudes of Northeast Asia, so it often snows, and the shrine’s winter snowscapes seen on TV look even more dreamlike as they come into view. On cloudy or rainy days, this hidden place in the forest feels even more eerie under the forest canopy. Since Japan is at a high latitude, the trees in the forest look especially tall. At the shrine’s torii gates in the forest, you can also hear the birds calling all at once and in quick succession. On sunny days, 2; when the sunlight falls on the shrine in the forest, it especially feels as if a miracle is taking place. As I walked along the weathered approach with its hundreds of steps, perhaps because it is located in this secluded forest, my mind became peaceful and I felt a sense of emotional release. Step by step, the shrine drew closer before my eyes. After stopping here for a while and lingering around the shrine for a long time, the sunlit shrine was nearing sunset. At that moment, I was reminded that it was time to quicken my pace and leave this tranquil place, returning to the city filled with modern light pollution.

As I approached the entrance with its weathered, rustic stone torii gate, the ancient gate adorned with a shimenawa rope and the stone steps leading straight into the depths beyond immediately came into view. The towering trees all around gave the area a solemn and majestic atmosphere.
Walking along the long stone stairway lined with stone lanterns on both sides, stepping over fallen leaves and moss, the peaceful surroundings instantly calmed my mind.
Standing within the shrine grounds embraced by nature, I could not only feel the strong Shinto atmosphere but also take in the ethereal beauty that made it seem completely removed from the outside world.
I highly recommend adding Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine to a walking itinerary in the Aso area. Whether you want to experience the mysterious atmosphere of the approach, admire the pristine forest, or explore the unique scenery filled with spiritual energy, it will add a memorable touch to your trip!

Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine, which became widely known because of the movie Into the Forest of Fireflies' Light, is tucked away in the woods of Minamiaso. This time, we made a special effort to drive from Kumamoto early in the morning and visit before the tour groups arrived, finally getting to enjoy this pure tranquility, as if entering another world, all to ourselves.

The mountain forest was shrouded in a light morning mist. As we slowly followed the approach, nearly a hundred moss-covered stone lanterns and towering cedar trees stood solemnly on both sides, steeped in a profound sense of history. After praying at the simple, unadorned shrine, don't forget to continue up the hillside behind it to see Ugeto Iwa, the legendary stone from mythology. Just as we turned around to head down the mountain, lively tour groups began pouring onto the steps, making us even more grateful that we had arrived early enough to experience that undisturbed, ethereal atmosphere.

After descending the mountain, I recommend stopping by Takamori Dengaku Hozonkai, where you can sit around a traditional sunken hearth and grill local dishes over charcoal. The Aso river fish, slowly grilled over charcoal, had crispy skin and tender meat. Paired with taro and tofu coated in rich miso, the flavors were simple yet unforgettable. When the warm and talkative owner heard that we were from Taiwan, he gave us an especially friendly welcome. As someone who loves food, I picked up a jar of the restaurant's homemade dengaku miso before leaving. Back in Taiwan, I can spread it on ingredients and lightly grill them anytime I want to relive those warm, pure local flavors.

As I entered Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine, I was greeted by rows of ancient stone lanterns and moss-covered stone steps. Surrounded by towering trees, the shrine felt mysterious and serene. As I climbed the steps, all I could hear was the wind and birdsong. It naturally made me slow down and appreciate the beauty of nature.

The shrine has a solemn atmosphere that brought me a sense of peace while worshipping. Farther up, I saw the famous Ugeto-Iwa, a massive rock with a natural opening in the center. It was a spectacular sight and made me marvel at the incredible power of nature.

The moment I walked through the torii gate, it really felt like stepping into a mysterious world. The stone lanterns lining the stairs looked just like a scene from a Studio Ghibli movie.