Kamou Hachiman Shrine

Overview

Kamou Hachiman Shrine, located in Aira City, Kagoshima Prefecture, is a historic shrine believed to have been founded in the early Heian period. Originally called "Shou Hachiman Wakamiya Hachiman Gu," it was renamed Kamou Hachiman Shrine after its main hall was rebuilt following typhoon damage in 1985. The shrine's iconic symbol is Kamou no O-kusu, Japan's largest tree, over 1600 years old. Its overwhelming presence inspires awe, allowing visitors to feel the weight of its history and life force. Certified as Japan's largest tree in a 1988 survey by the Environment Agency, it embodies the shrine's long history and the power of nature. Kamou Hachiman Shrine also houses a nationally important cultural property: the "Copper Mirror with Autumn Grass and Two Sparrows Design." This Kamakura period artifact, showcasing advanced craftsmanship of the time, depicts autumn grasses and two sparrows on its back. Along with this, the shrine possesses 116 copper mirrors, making it the largest collection in Kagoshima Prefecture. Kamou Hachiman Shrine is a beloved power spot where history and nature harmonize. Passing through the large red torii gate and walking the stone-paved pathway, you'll be enveloped in a sacred atmosphere, promoting mental and physical rejuvenation. Come visit and witness Kamou no O-kusu, Japan's largest tree, for yourself.