Shiromi Shrine

Shiromi Shrine, deep in the Higashimera district of Saito, Miyazaki Prefecture, is an old shrine with Mount Tatsufusa rising behind it as its sacred body. Located in the central Kyushu range where rivers meet, its form embraced by deep forest truly deserves to be called a remote power spot.

The enshrined deities include Oyamatsumi no Mikoto and Iwanaga-hime. The name Shiromi, meaning silver mirror, comes from a myth that the mirror in which Iwanaga-hime saw her own reflection came to rest in a great tree at the summit of Mount Tatsufusa. A ridge plaque records its founding in 1489, conveying its long history to this day.

Highlights

- Mount Tatsufusa, the sacred body, so that the shrine itself feels wrapped in the energy of the earth. - A quiet precinct surrounded by tall trees, with the clear air found only in a mountain village. - The Shiromi Kagura, designated an important intangible folk cultural property, a traditional rite performed each December.

Enjoying the Seasons

The budding of spring, the deep green of summer, the colors of the autumn mountains, and the kagura of winter each bring a different charm. The December kagura season is especially captivating, when the all night dance echoes through the village in a mystical atmosphere.

Access and Basic Information

- Location: Higashimera, Saito, Miyazaki Prefecture - Being in the mountains, access is essentially by car. - Some stretches of road are narrow, so drive carefully. - It grows cold during the kagura season, so thorough warm clothing is needed.

A Quick Tip

If you visit, aim for the Shiromi Kagura season in December. The drums and dance echoing through the deep mountain village make for a sacred experience you cannot find anywhere else.