The Great Camphor of Shibushi and Yamamiya Shrine, an Old Shrine in Shibushi with a Giant Tree Linked to Emperor Tenji

Yamamiya Shrine, also called Anraku Yamamiya Shrine, in Shibushi City, Kagoshima, is an old shrine said by tradition to have been founded in 709. Towering within its grounds is the Great Camphor of Shibushi, designated a national natural monument. Carrying a legend that it was planted by Emperor Tenji, it stands over 20 meters tall with a trunk circumference of around 17 meters and an estimated age of about 1000 years, one of the largest trees in the country. Emperor Tenji is also enshrined as one of the deities of this shrine. Though not widely known as a tourist site, it is a lesser-known power spot where you can feel the power of deep history in the quiet of the old shrine and the giant tree that has stood through the ages.

Highlights

• The Great Camphor of Shibushi, a nationally designated natural monument. A magnificent giant tree said to have been planted by Emperor Tenji, its presence at over 20 meters tall with a trunk of around 17 meters is overwhelming.
• The historic main hall of Yamamiya Shrine, said to date from 709.
• The Anraku Yamamiya Shrine spring festival, designated an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of the prefecture. It is held each year in February.
• The quiet grounds woven together by the giant tree and the old shrine, where you feel the passage of time.

Enjoying the Seasons

In the fresh green season the leaves of the great camphor grow lush and the tree shows a form full of life energy. In February the traditional spring festival is held, where you can feel the culture handed down in the region. From autumn into winter the giant tree feels even more imposing in the clear air, and being able to worship quietly throughout the year is part of its charm.

Access and Basic Information

• Location: 1520 Anraku, Shibushi-cho, Shibushi City, Kagoshima
• A location easy to reach by car from the town center of Shibushi
• Parking available
• The grounds are open for worship freely

Practical Travel Notes

• Best season: early summer when the fresh green shines, and February when the spring festival is held, are the highlights. To face the giant tree quietly, a weekday daytime with few people is recommended.
• Time needed: about 20 to 30 minutes to see the great camphor and the hall. Even at a leisurely pace it is about 30 minutes, a scale easy to fit into a trip.
• Nearby real spots: the old Zen temple Daijiji and the coastal scenery facing Shibushi Bay can be combined to enjoy the history and nature of Shibushi at once.
• Budget feel: worship and viewing are free. Even with a meal or tea nearby, you can enjoy it for a few hundred to low thousands of yen.
• Access note: public transport is limited, so a rental car or your own car is convenient.

A Quick Tip

Rather than just looking up at the great camphor, walk slowly around it to feel its size for yourself. If you visit during the spring festival in February, you can also enjoy the traditional events rooted in the region. The old Zen temple Daijiji is nearby, so touring them together lets you savor the history of Shibushi more deeply.

📚 Sources

This information is based on public materials from local governments such as Shibushi City and tourism associations, and on on-site guidance and history notices. As a natural monument giant tree, there are rules for its protection. Fees, hours, and access may change, so please check official information before you set out.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time: About 20 to 30 minutes to view the great camphor
• What to bring: Comfortable shoes; a hat and drinks in sunny seasons
• Suggested route: View the great camphor mentioned in the article and visit it together with nearby highlights
• Access: Mainly by car
• Budget: Viewing is free; only transport costs apply

Practical Information for Your Visit

• Spring Festival: Usually held on the second Saturday and Sunday of February. Saturday centers on Anraku Yamamiya Shrine and Sunday on Anraku Shrine, and the "performing arts accompanying the Yamamiya Shrine Spring Festival (Kagihiki and New Year dances)" are designated an Intangible Folk Cultural Property by Kagoshima Prefecture
• Annual events: On June 30 each year, the "Nagoshi no Oharai" purification rite, in which visitors pass through a ring of woven cogon grass, is held
• Inquiries: 099-472-3437 (Anraku Yamamiya Shrine) / 099-472-1111 (Shibushi City Board of Education, for the Spring Festival)
• Official information: Shibushi City official website, Kagoshima Prefecture tourism site "Kagoshima no Tabi," Shibushi City Tourism and Local Products Association official website

Note: The above is a guide based on information published by the individual facilities and local authorities. Hours and fees may change, so please check the official sources before you set out.