The Torii gate represents the boundary between the realm of the gods and that of humans. Its bright vermilion color is believed to ward off evil and serve as a barrier to prevent impurities from entering the shrine.
Ninigi no Mikoto and his descendants are honored at Kirishima Jingu Shrine. After arriving on earth, he married a mountain god’s daughter, and their child married a sea god’s daughter. This eventually led to Ninigi no Mikoto’s great-grandson becoming Japan’s first emperor.
The heavenly god received the spiritual powers of the mountain and sea gods on earth, leading to the birth of Jimmu, Japan’s first emperor. The current emperor of the Reiwa Era is the 126th from the lineage.
While mythological, this story serves as a fascinating narrative about the era. Could it be that Japanese history began right here in Kirishima?
Photo 1: The third Torii gate, San-no-torii
Photo 2: The “pebbles” near the Torii gate
Photo 3: The approach to the main hall
