Wake Shrine

Wake Shrine in Makizono, Kirishima City, Kagoshima, near the Kirishima hot spring resort area, enshrines Wake no Kiyomaro, a nobleman of the Nara to Heian periods. Because the divine messenger said to have protected Lord Wake was a boar, the shrine is notable for the boar statues that guard the hall of worship in place of the usual guardian dogs. It is said to bless good fortune and protection from misfortune, and the adjoining Wake Park is also known for its wisteria. Said to be a place visited by Sakamoto Ryoma and his wife on their honeymoon, it is a lesser-known spot rich with the scent of history.

Highlights

- The boar statues, rare across the whole country. They greet worshippers before the hall. - A great votive tablet near the entrance, said to be among the largest in Japan at about the size of fifty tatami mats. - The wisteria trellis in the adjoining Wake Park. In the flowering season the clusters of purple blooms are magnificent. - The monument connected to Sakamoto Ryoma and his wife. You can reflect on the history of the end of the Edo period.

Enjoying the Seasons

The best time is the wisteria of spring. Each year from late April into early May the trellises of Wake Park fill with purple flowers. The fresh green and autumn leaf seasons are also calm, perfect to combine with a tour of the Kirishima hot spring resort. During the New Year season the shrine bustles with locals, and you can worship quietly throughout the year.

Access and Basic Information

- Location: 3986 Shukukubota, Makizono-cho, Kirishima City, Kagoshima - By car: from the direction of Myoken hot spring on National Route 223. A road allows entry up to the front of the gate - Parking available

A Quick Tip

If you are visiting for the wisteria, check the bloom information around the spring holiday week in advance. The Kirishima hot spring resort is close by, so soothing your travel fatigue in the hot springs after worship is recommended. The boar statues have different expressions on the left and right, so compare them.