Yamamiya Shrine (山宮神社)

Flow of the course

About this spot

A shrine in Shibushi City known for the huge camphor tree towering in its grounds. Said to be over a thousand years old, its trunk is so thick it takes several adults joining hands to circle it. Designated a national natural monument, the trunk bears the twists and hollows of countless years, giving it the look of a landform more than a living thing. Standing beneath it, the sheer reach of its branches is overwhelming, and voices naturally drop. For children, it's a rare chance to see the number 'a thousand years' from a textbook made real right in front of them. The grounds are quiet, and the cool shade is a welcome relief in summer.

Tips

This is a sacred tree, so remind children not to climb or damage the trunk. The grounds have gravel and dirt paths, so wear comfortable walking shoes. Mosquitoes appear in summer, so insect repellent helps. Parking is limited, so follow the local signage.

Best time to visit

About 1 hour. The shade before noon is cool, and the giant camphor tree is easy to see clearly.

Access & map

1520 Anraku, Shibushi-cho, Shibushi, Kagoshima 899-7104