Saitsu Shrine, a Hidden Power Spot in Kumamoto Watched Over by a Camphor Tree of Matchmaking in Amakusa

[Important] About the 2026 Kumamoto Earthquake

Because of the Kumamoto Earthquake of 28 July 2026, some tourist facilities and roads in Kumamoto Prefecture may be closed or impassable. Kumamoto Castle reopened on 13 August 2026, but the Kumamoto Castle Museum "Wakuwaku-za" remains temporarily closed (as of 13 August 2026). Please check the official information for each facility before you set out.

Always confirm the latest information on each facility's official website and in announcements from the local authorities before you travel.

Saitsu Shrine in Saitsu Town, Amakusa City, Kumamoto Prefecture, formally called Saitsu Jugoshagu, is an old shrine deeply rooted in the community. It carries the Amakusa tradition of the Fifteen Shrines faith, and the fine camphor tree rising in the precincts is known as the Camphor of Matchmaking, drawing worshippers from within and beyond the prefecture who wish for a good match. It is also known for offering many goshuin stamps, including those of affiliated shrines in Saitsu, and a fair number of people come seeking its colorful stamps.

Highlights

• The Camphor of Matchmaking that rises grandly in the precincts, a sacred tree long cherished by those who wish for a good match.
• The faith unique to the Amakusa Fifteen Shrines tradition and a variety of goshuin stamps. A brightly colored one makes a fine keepsake.
• A tea room set within the shrine office. If reserved, you can experience the tea ceremony, an unusual touch rarely seen elsewhere.
• The calm, peaceful air of the precincts, where you feel the sea breeze of Amakusa.

Enjoying the Seasons

In spring the trees in the precincts bud and the soft sunlight is pleasant. In summer the shade of the lush camphor brings refreshing coolness. In autumn, enjoy quiet worship under clear skies, and in winter, with few people about, you can spend a calm interval facing the sacred tree at leisure.

Access and Basic Information

• Location: 2436 Saitsu Town, Amakusa City, Kumamoto Prefecture
• By bus: About 14 minutes by Sanko bus from the Hondo Bus Center, get off at the Saitsu stop, turn at the corner on your left in the direction of travel, and it is a short walk
• By car: About 15 minutes from central Hondo, the heart of Amakusa
• Goshuin and tea room: There are many kinds of goshuin, and if you wish to experience the tea room, inquire in advance

Practical Travel Notes

• Since there are many goshuin, deciding which kinds you want beforehand makes reception smoother
• The tea ceremony experience is by reservation, so contact the shrine office before your visit
• Buses from central Hondo can be infrequent, so checking the timetable in advance is reassuring
• If combining with Amakusa sightseeing, using the Hondo Bus Center as a base makes getting around easier

A Word of Advice

When you pay respects at the Camphor of Matchmaking, face it gently with a feeling of gratitude. Because the colorful goshuin come in many kinds, visiting with time to spare is recommended.

📚 Sources

This article was edited as general worship information based on the shrine tradition on the origins of Saitsu Shrine (Saitsu Jugosha-gu) and the Jugosha-gu faith, public information issued by Amakusa City and the local tourism association, and the shrine guidance on goshuin and the tea-room experience. The types of goshuin, the reception for the tea-room experience, and the number of buses from central Hondo may change. Before you set out, please confirm the latest details through official sources such as the Amakusa City tourism guidance or by contacting the shrine.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time: About 20 to 30 minutes for worship at the matchmaking camphor tree and receiving a goshuin, with more time if you add the tea-room experience
• What to bring: There are many kinds of goshuin, so deciding which you want makes reception smooth, and have small change for it
• Check reservations: The tea-ceremony experience is by reservation, so contact the shrine office before your visit
• Suggested route: Worship at the matchmaking camphor tree towering in the precincts, receive a colorful goshuin, and tour it together with Amakusa sightseeing using the Hondo Bus Center as a base
• Access: Buses from central Hondo may be limited, so check the timetable in advance

Practical Information for Your Visit

• Address: 2436 Saitsu-machi, Amakusa City, Kumamoto Prefecture (the shrine office is at 2437-1 Saitsu-machi, postal code 863-2171)
• Phone: 0969-23-6148
• Access: about 14 minutes and 280 yen from Hondo Bus Center on a Sanko bus (bound for Tsuji, no transfer needed); get off at the Saitsu bus stop, turn left at the corner right there and walk about 2 minutes / a taxi from the same bus center takes about 12 minutes and costs 1,780 yen
• Goshuin seal stamps: stamps for 17 shrines in all are given out here, including the affiliated shrines of Saitsu-machi
• Tea ceremony experience: by reservation only. Apply through the online booking on the official website or by phone
• Autumn grand festival: the third Saturday and Sunday of October (eve festival and main festival). There is a dedicatory lion dance and a portable shrine procession, and food stalls are set up
• Other ceremonies: January 1 - Saitansai New Year rite / February 3 and the day of Hatsuuma - Setsubun festival and Hatsuuma festival / June 30 and December 31 - Great Purification rite / November - Ebisu festival

* Worship hours, the reception hours of the shrine office and parking are not published officially.

(Sources: official website of Saitsu Jugosha-gu (Saitsu Shrine))