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Toyotama-hime Shrine

鹿児島県

Tourist Information of This Area

general.prefecture.

A shrine with the benefit of giving birth easily and having a beautiful baby.

Features & How to Enjoy

Classic History

Highlights

Point 1

A Shrine with Blessings for Safe Childbirth, Child-Rearing, and Matchmaking!

Toyotama-hime-no-Mikoto, the main deity of Toyotama-hime Shrine, is the grandmother of Emperor Jimmu, the first emperor of Japan. This shrine is known as a god of safe childbirth, child-rearing, and matchmaking, and has various blessings. First of all, in the prayer for safe childbirth, you can pray for the safety of the mother and child during childbirth. In addition, in the prayer for children, you can pray for having children and for the healthy growth of children. In the prayer for child-rearing, you can pray for the health and happiness of your child's growth. Furthermore, Toyotama-hime Shrine has blessings for safe navigation. People involved in shipping or the sea may visit the shrine to pray for the safety of navigation and peace at sea. Toyotama-hime Shrine gathers faith from local people and visitors through these blessings, and many prayers for safe childbirth and child-rearing are particularly performed!

Point 2

Traditional Performing Art of Moving Dolls with Waterwheel Power!

The waterwheel puppet show at Toyotama-hime Shrine is a traditional performing art in the southern Satsuma region that uses a waterwheel to power the dolls. The origin of the waterwheel puppet show is not clear, but it is said to have existed since the late Edo period. However, it temporarily disappeared during the war. It was revived in 1979 and has been enjoyed by people as a summer tradition ever since. This waterwheel puppet show has been selected as an intangible folk cultural asset of the country since 1984, known as "Satsuma's waterwheel puppet show." This indicates that it has been recognized as an important cultural asset for protecting and passing on the culture and traditions of the region to future generations. The waterwheel puppet show is characterized by its splendid craftsmanship and beautiful decorations, with the dolls dancing and the performance progressing using the power of water. Along with traditional costumes and music, a refined and elegant performance is presented. The waterwheel puppet show at Toyotama-hime Shrine is cherished as an important part of the local culture and loved by many people!

Point 3

A Sacred Atmosphere in Harmony with Nature

Upon passing through the torii gate at Toyotama-hime Shrine, the first thing you'll see is the temizuya, or hand-washing basin. Next to the temizuya stands a magnificent ginkgo tree. When the seasons change, the leaves of this tree turn a golden color, creating a truly wonderful atmosphere. In particular, the sight of the yellow ginkgo leaves spread out like a carpet around the tree is stunning. The contrast between the red roof of the temizuya and the yellow leaves of the ginkgo tree is a beautiful and harmonious one. This view will surely make visitors feel a sense of comfort and beauty. The scenery within the shrine grounds blends the beauty of nature with a sacred atmosphere, giving visitors a sense of peace and awe. The combination of the rich natural environment and the solemn atmosphere of the shrine make the grounds a special place for visitors.

Point 4

A Samurai Residence Garden Designated as a Place of Scenic Beauty

The Chiran Samurai Residence Garden, located at the foot of Chiran, the "Little Kyoto of Satsuma," near Toyotama-hime Shrine, is designated as a place of scenic beauty. The garden's characteristic feature is its miniature garden-like scenery, which borrows the view of Mt. Hana. It exudes an atmosphere as if you've traveled back in time. Once you step into the garden, you'll be greeted with a rich and traditional scenery that blends history and tradition. The beautiful stone walls and hedges that line up along the samurai residences and winding roads are stunning and have been designated as a "Group of Traditional Buildings for Preservation" by the government. Moreover, the seven gardens open to the public have been designated as a "Place of Scenic Beauty" by the government. This garden not only allows visitors to feel the history and culture of Chiran but also to enjoy the beautiful scenery and tranquil atmosphere. The charm of the samurai residences and the beauty of the garden harmonize, providing visitors with peace of mind and healing.

Point 5

Introducing the Satsuma British Museum, which showcases the relationship between Satsuma and Britain

The Satsuma British Museum is a historical museum that introduces the relationship between Satsuma and Britain from the "Namamugi Incident," which was a turning point in the modernization of Satsuma, to the "Anglo-Satsuma War." Inside the museum, exhibits related to Satsuma during the end of the Edo period, such as newspaper articles from Britain with illustrations, are the main focus. The building's exterior, marked by a bright red London bus, is particularly noteworthy. Inside the museum, you can learn about the history of Satsuma's exchange with Britain and its role in modernization. Exhibits include valuable materials such as British newspaper articles from the 1860s. In addition, the museum shop sells British-imported goods and tea, making it a popular souvenir spot. On sunny days, you can also enjoy tea in the garden. The Satsuma British Museum is a place that provides new inspiration for your journey in Chiran and is an interesting spot for those interested in the exchange between Satsuma and Britain!

Sightseeing

A Shrine with Rich Nature Worshipping Toyotama-hime!

Toyotama-hime Shrine worships Toyotama-hime, the wife of Hikohohodemi no Mikoto (Yamato Takeru). Toyotama-hime was the second daughter of Wadatsumi no Kami, and a shrine was built at the foot of Kamegajo Castle to honor the virtues of the princess who passed away here, and to celebrate her. Every year from July 9th to 10th, a festival called Rokugatsu-dou is held at Toyotama-hime Shrine. At this festival, a rare water-operated puppet called Karakuri Ningyo is dedicated, and an elaborate puppet show is performed, attracting nearly 20,000 spectators from all over the country. Rokugatsu-dou is one of the important festivals in the region, and it is an opportunity to thank the shrine's divine favor and strengthen the unity of the community through the festival. Toyotama-hime Shrine is located in a beautiful place surrounded by rich natural environment, and it is a shrine that gathers the faith and respect of the local community as a background of history and tradition. Also, through festivals such as Rokugatsu-dou, it has become a place where many people gather and interact to celebrate the culture and sacred faith of the region.

Access

5-Minute Walk from JR Satsuma-Imazumi Station!

Toyotama-hime Shrine is located in Minamikyushu City, Kagoshima Prefecture. If you're using public transportation, you can arrive at the shrine with just a 5-minute walk from JR Satsuma-Imazumi Station. If you're coming by car, take National Route 226 via the Kyushu Expressway Kagoshima IC and you'll arrive at the shrine in about 1 hour, covering approximately 38km. Toyotama-hime Shrine has good transportation access, so you can access it by public transportation or private car when you visit.

Basic Information

	Address	16510 Kori, Chiran-cho, Minamikyushu City, Kagoshima Prefecture 897-0302
	TEL	0993-83-4335
	Web Site	http://www.toyotamahime-jinja.or.jp/

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