Mar 15, 2015 - 1 min read

Kumamoto City's Kengun Jinja

Ancient shrine with an unusual torii gate

By Sandra Isaka

Community writer

View of the main gate from within the grounds. The gate was rebuilt in 2000 to commemorate the 1,450th anniversary of the shrine.

These giant lanterns mark the outer boundary of the shrine.

The Ha-chobaba is an 800 meter long lantern-lined road leading to the main gate. The cedar trees that also line the road are said to have been planted in the beginning of the 17th century.

In front of the shrine's main gate is Japan's shortest 'full-sized' torii gate. Why is it so short? One theory is that visitors will have to bow as they enter the grounds.

This statue welcomes visitors, and helps keep out bad spirits.

The main gate is made of zelkova wood. Be sure to look up at its beautifully painted ceiling.

Looking through the main gate toward the shrine. The grounds are meticulously groomed.

The purification basin - it is always respectful to stop and cleanse your hands and mouth.

Smaller shrines within the grounds are dedicated to a number of things, including the prevention and cure of smallpox.

This ancient camphor tree is surrounded by unwanted o-mikuji (fortunes).

It was not being used on the day I visited, but obviously sumo is sometimes practiced on this dohyo (ring) within the shrine grounds.

Kengun Jinja is Kumamoto's oldest shrine, dating back over 1,450 years. It is located along one of the city's streetcar lines, a few stops from famous Suizenji Park. The shrine is a local favorite during the New Year season, but it is a peaceful oasis for the rest of the year.

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Sandra Isaka

By Sandra Isaka

Community writer

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Mandy Bartok

Mandy Bartok 9 years ago

Wow, you found my "local"! :) We live just a few streets away. Not many people make it out to the eastern end of the tram line. What brought you that way?

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Sandra Isaka

Sandra Isaka Photographer 9 years ago

We had visited Suizenji Park by car and drove by the Ha-chobaba afterward. We couldn't resist turning around to check it out - glad we did!

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