Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine
A haunting mountain shrine reached through 93 stone lanterns lining a moss-covered stairway into cedar forest. The giant split boulder at the summit — Ugeto-iwa — is said to have been pierced by a deity's spear, and stepping through it is believed to grant wishes.
1 hour
Free
Always open; approach path best in morning light
Spring (fresh green) and Autumn (cedar forest mist)
About 10–20 min by car from Takamori Station (Minami-Aso Railway) or Minami-Aso area
Location
Why Visit
- 1
93 stone lanterns flanking a moss-covered forest stairway
- 2
Ugeto-iwa: a massive rock split by a divine spear — step through for good fortune
- 3
Inspiration for the anime film "Into the Forest of Fireflies' Light"
Local Tips
Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu is one of Kyushu's most atmospheric hidden shrines — the stone torii-lined path through cedar forest leading to a small pond has a genuinely otherworldly quality. Almost completely unknown to foreign tourists. The shrine sits above Aso caldera; combine with Daikanbo Overlook for a full Aso day.
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