Travel Back to Ancient Japan at Shinto Fire Festival in Kagoshima

Every year on the 10th of November, Tenson Korin Goshinkasai, a majestic Shinto fire festival, is held in Kirishima City in Kagoshima. The festival derives from the Japanese mythology of the grandson of the first ruling God of Japan who descended to earth on the path of fire. The sacred fire burns through the ritual to offer prayers for peace of the nation and its people. It is truly a solemn moment where you can time travel to ancient Japan through sacred dance and music.

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Japan’s Ancient Myth of Niniginomikoto – History Behind the Festival

shinto fire festival kagoshima Kirishima City in Kagoshima has a profound connection with the myth of Japan's creation. It is said that in ancient times the Gods discovered an island in the sea shrouded in deep mist – and that is Kirishima today. This is also believed to be the origin of the name Kirishima City –“kiri” (mist) + “shima” (island). The myth continues that the Gods threw a spear from heaven to earth to mark the island, and it stuck into the top of Mt. Takachiho-no-mine in Kirishima City. Today, you can see the spear on the peak of the mountain.“Kojiki” (the Records of Ancient Matters), Japan’s oldest historical record, holds a myth that Niniginomikoto, the grandson of Amaterasu Omikami, and the first ruling God of Japan, descended from heaven to the top of Mt.Takachiho-no-mine being accompanied by 8 Gods and others. People lit sacred fire as milestones to receive this descendant of Amaterasu Omikami. The festival name “Tenson Korin” literally means “descent” (korin) of the “descendant of God” (tenson). Mt. Takachiho-no-mine in Kirishima City is said to be where the myth of the creation of Japan and its history all began.

Prayers in the Sacred Fire Burning Towards Heaven

shinto fire festival kagoshima Tenson Korin Goshinkasai takes place on the 10th of November every year. It is held at the ruin of the original Kirishima shrine called “Furumiya-ato”, where Kirishima shrine stood before it was destroyed in a fire caused by the eruption of Mt. Kirishima. As dusk approaches, solemn ritual prayers are offered by Shinto priests in traditional white attire. Then, the sacred fire collected from the main shrine of Kirishima Shrine gets transferred by torch to the sacred wood, votive picture tablets and wooden charms holding people’s prayers. While the sacred fire burns high into the sky, the Priests recite prayers of Shinto purification for the prayers to come true. Watching this profound ritual on a deep autumn night will certainly take your spirit back to ancient Japan.

Feel the Soul-stirring Beat of Kirishima Kumen-taiko Drums

After the ritual, there is a performance of Kirishima “Kumen-taiko” (nine-mask drums) in which the locals play drums and conchs and disguise themselves by wearing the masks of the 9 Gods that first descended to Mt. Takachiho-no-mine. Those masks were dedicated to Kirishima shrine about 300 years ago and are currently preserved at the shrine. As they perform, you can observe the small details of each mask; some are decorated to seem intimidating and scary and others appear feminine representing Goddess. With its history and close connection with the myth of Japan’s foundation, the cultural and historical significance of Kumen-taiko drums is highly recognized and it is designated as an important intangible cultural property by Kirishima City. The powerful beat of the drums reaching to the heavens will take your breath away!

Witness Kirishima Kagura, Once-lost Shinto Dance and Music

shinto fire festival kagoshima Along with Kirishima Kumen-taiko drums, Kirishima Kagura is performed at the festival. Kirishima Kagura is a form of sacred dance and music dedicated to the Shinto Gods.

The artistic performances are a tradition that has been inherited by the locals, from long ago in Kirishima. The ancient myths are reenacted using traditional costumes and masks which create an awe-inspiring performance. Records show that Kagura was performed on special occasions until around the late 1920s. However, for unknown reasons the kagura started to disappear. After many decades of Kagura not being performed many people felt it was disrespectful towards the Gods given Kirishima’s connection to the creation of Japan and its being the home to the prestigious Kirishima Shrine. shinto fire festival kagoshima This led to a revival of Kirishima Kagura where historical references and ancient manuscripts dating back to 1808 were consulted. People in Kirishima rediscovered the nobility of Kagura and appreciation for their close tie with the Gods. With the first revival performance at Kirishima Shrine planned in just a 2-month time frame, fabrics used in the costumes were procured from Kyoto and the costume were made by local housewives who volunteered. Even though most of them had no experience, they worked day and night to ensure that the Kagura’s first revival performance is a success. Kagura returned to the stage in autumn of 1997 thanks to the tireless effort of the people of Kirishima and their supporters. Since then, the revived Kirishima Kagura is proudly performed on cultural occasions fascinating and inspiring audiences.

Climb Mt. Takachiho-no-mine, the Spot that the Gods Descended to

shinto fire festival kagoshima

The spear at the top of Mt. Takachiho-no-mine

If you are feeling energetic, why not take an opportunity to climb Mt. Takachiho-no-mine which is believed to be the spot of the God descent? It is a volcanic mountain of 1,573 meters which is said to take an average climber around 2 hours to ascend. shinto fire festival kagoshima The fire festival is held at the top of the mountain at the same time and day of Tenson Korin Goshinkasai. A climbing party will depart from Furumiya-ato ruin around 2pm after praying for safety on the road. The Shinto priest carries the sacred fire of Kirishima Shrine and other climbers bring wood to be burnt. They reach the peak by 5pm, and the sacred fire is dedicated in front of the spear stuck into the peak of the mountain. With bright fire and darkening sky at dusk, the mountain top fills with a solemn atmosphere. When the ritual is over, the party descends to the ruin where spectators enjoy the traditional drums and dance performance. There some mochi (rice cake) grilled over the sacred fire and Japanese Sake is offered to participants. By the end of the day, your soul will feel purified by the sacred fire and the crisp autumn air upon the mountain. It will be an unforgettable and a unique day trip when you are in Japan!

How to visit?

Unfortunately, there is no public transportation available to get directly on the site of the event. If you are driving, enter the address below in your car navigation. There will be 500 parking spots nearby. If not, take a train on JR Nippo main line to Kirishima Shrine station, then take a taxi from there. It is about a 15-minute taxi ride from the station.

Address (Furumiya-ato ruin): 2583-12 Kirishima-taguchi, Kirishima city, Kagoshima-ken, 899-4201 Japan
Tel (Kirishima shrine): +81-995-57-0001