Hiki Shrine

Hiki Shrine in the town of Kijo, Miyazaki Prefecture, is a shrine of very ancient history. According to its tradition, it enshrines deities including Fukuchi-o, a royal of Baekje, an ancient kingdom of the Korean peninsula, who crossed the sea and reached the land of Hyuga.

A legend remains that a party of royals who fled by ship from the peninsula drifted ashore near Takanabe and settled in this area, and that story is still handed down as a local rite. The shrine is said to bless household safety and good marriage ties, and worshippers come from within and beyond the prefecture.

Highlights

- A great camphor tree more than six meters across growing in the precinct, a sacred tree that has watched over the long history. - A chisha tree chosen among Miyazaki top one hundred giant trees, one of the sights of the green precinct. - The rite tied to the Baekje royal legend, with a grand sacred procession to Mikado held each January.

Enjoying the Seasons

In spring fresh greenery colors the grounds, and in summer the shade of the great trees brings coolness. Autumn offers calm visits in clear air, and the highlight of winter is the January Shiwasu festival, when a procession travels far to Mikado Shrine in the town of Misato.

Access and Basic Information

- Location: Kijo Town, Koyu District, Miyazaki Prefecture - Easy to reach by car from the Takanabe area. - The precinct has many great trees, so you can relax in the shade. - The area is lively during the January rite, so visiting then is also recommended.

A Quick Tip

Reflect on the legend of royals who crossed the sea as you join your hands quietly beneath the great camphor tree. This is a shrine where you can feel a deep sense of time connecting the ancient past with the present.