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  8. Miyazaki/Kirishima Foothills 'Village of the Gods' Walk: A Healing Stroll Through Japanese History and Scenery (Kirishima City, Kagoshima Prefecture)
Product #533829
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Travelers stroll in the Kirishima foothills, admiring majestic mountains, vast rice fields, and vibrant white flowering trees and hydrangeas, enjoying the tranquil Japanese countryside.
A Shinto priest performs the traditional Oharai purification ritual for participants at Sano Shrine in Kirishima City, Kagoshima, experiencing unique Japanese spiritual culture.
Travelers stroll along historic paths in the Kirishima foothills, surrounded by dense forests and passing an old traditional building, experiencing the refreshing tranquility of forest bathing.
Travelers explore rice paddies in the Kirishima foothills, with a guide explaining local farming culture, experiencing the rustic charm and natural beauty of rural Japan.
A majestic red torii gate stands on the approach to Sano Shrine in the Kirishima foothills. Travelers walk through ancient cedar forests, feeling a sacred aura and starting their forest bathing journey.
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Miyazaki/Kirishima Foothills 'Village of the Gods' Walk: A Healing Stroll Through Japanese History and Scenery (Kirishima City, Kagoshima Prefecture)

Japan-Kyushu , Miyazaki , Kagoshima , Kirishima , Kirishima Shrine , Mt. Kirishima
Duration:2 hour(s) min
Guided language: English / Japanese / Mandarin
Free cancellation up to 11 day(s) in advance
Please present the e-voucher on-site
・A scenic course walking through Japan's original landscape: Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the more than 20 peaks of the Kirishima mountain range, believed to be home to the gods, as you pass through vast rural scenery.

・Historic paths and mystical forest bathing: Walk along the longest approach in Japan, lined with Sano cedar trees over 400 years old. It is a special experience to refresh your mind and body in the sacred atmosphere reminiscent of an ancient forest.

・Authentic 'purification' ritual experience: Experience an authentic purification (oharai) by a Shinto priest at Sano Shrine, a site associated with Japan's first emperor. This is a precious opportunity to cleanse daily impurities and receive new energy.

・A special time to learn about history and culture: Beyond the rich nature, you can gain a deeper understanding of Japan's roots through talks on mythology and local history and culture.

[5% App discount] Code: APP5OFF , HK: APP15HK
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Product Info

This tour is more than just a walk. It is a special journey to heal your mind and body and refine your sensibilities in a land where Japanese mythology and history come alive.
 
The journey begins in a rural area where clear spring water, a gift from Kirishima, flows. Beyond the rice fields, which change color with the seasons, the magnificent scenery of the Kirishima mountain range unfolds. While enjoying the picturesque landscape, your guide will share stories about the lives and culture of the people who live here.
 
Next, we visit the mystical approach leading to Sano Shrine. As you walk along the longest straight approach in Japan, lined with Sano cedar trees over 400 years old, you will feel your heart being cleansed with every step. It is a special time to walk enveloped in a sacred atmosphere, bathed in the sunlight filtering through the trees.
 
The climax of the trip is Sano Shrine, said to be the birthplace of Emperor Jimmu, the first emperor of Japan. Here, you will experience an authentic purification ritual performed by a Shinto priest. By cleansing away daily fatigue and impurities and receiving sacred energy, you can feel as though your mind and body are being reborn. We also offer a talk where you can learn more deeply about the history of the shrine and the mythology associated with this land.
 
－Meeting Time－
8:30
13:00

Know before you book

Reminders

  • Please wear appropriate clothing to protect against the cold and heat depending on the season.

  • If you do not arrive by the appointed time, it will be considered a cancellation without notice and a cancellation fee will be charged.

  • In the event of bad weather, the tour may be cancelled at short notice. In such cases, no cancellation fee will be charged.

  • We ask for your cooperation in taking your trash home with you.

Cancellation Policy

  • Cancellations 11 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
  • For cancellations made 8 to 10 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 20% will apply
  • For cancellations made 2 to 7 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 30% will apply
  • For cancellations made 1 to 1 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 50% will apply
  • Cancellation is not allowed between 0–0 days from the selected date. Orders cannot be canceled or modified, and refunds will not be granted.
NOTE
  • Due to time zone differences, the confirmed cancellation date is based on the supplier’s local time. Please allow 2–5 business days to process your cancellation request, after which the cancellation fee will be charged according to the product’s cancellation policy. Once your refund request is confirmed, KKday will initiate the refund to your original payment method within 15 days. The actual refund timing depends on your card-issuing bank’s policy.

FAQs

1. How long does the Village of the Gods Walk typically take to complete?

The Village of the Gods Walk is designed as a relaxing stroll through history and nature. The experience, including the walk, the Shinto purification ritual, and cultural lectures, typically lasts approximately 3 to 4 hours. This allows ample time to fully appreciate the scenery and cultural elements without feeling rushed.

2. Where is the starting point for the Village of the Gods Walk in Kirishima?

The Village of the Gods Walk begins at a designated meeting point in Kirishima City, Kagoshima Prefecture, in the foothills of Mount Kirishima. Specific instructions for the exact starting location and meeting procedures are provided upon booking, ensuring a smooth start to your journey through this historical landscape.

3. What are the transportation options to reach the Village of the Gods Walk in Kirishima?

To reach the Village of the Gods Walk in Kirishima, visitors can typically use a combination of local buses or taxis from major transport hubs in Kirishima City, such as Kirishima-Jingu Station or Kokubu Station. Driving a private car is also an option, with designated parking facilities usually available near the starting point. It's advisable to check local bus schedules in advance, as services can be infrequent in rural areas.

4. What kind of scenery can visitors expect along the Village of the Gods Walk near the Kirishima Mountains?

Along the Village of the Gods Walk, visitors can expect spectacular pristine Japanese landscapes. The course passes through vast rural scenery, offering breathtaking panoramic views of over 20 peaks of the majestic Kirishima Mountains, believed to be the dwelling place of gods. The natural beauty of the foothills provides a serene and picturesque backdrop.

5. What historical and natural features can be explored on the Village of the Gods Walk, specifically regarding Sano cedar trees?

The Village of the Gods Walk features a historical path lined with magnificent Sano cedar trees, some over 400 years old. This forms Japan's longest approach to a shrine, creating a mystical atmosphere perfect for forest bathing. Walking among these ancient trees offers a special experience, refreshing both mind and body in the sacred air of the old-growth forest.

6. What does the Shinto purification ritual at Sano Shrine involve during the Village of the Gods Walk?

During the Village of the Gods Walk, participants experience an authentic Shinto purification ritual, known as 'Oharai,' performed by a Shinto priest at Sano Shrine. This shrine is historically associated with Japan's first emperor. The ritual is a valuable opportunity to symbolically cleanse oneself of daily impurities and receive new spiritual energy, fostering a sense of renewal and connection to ancient traditions.

7. What historical and cultural insights are provided during the Village of the Gods Walk experience?

The Village of the Gods Walk offers special lectures that delve into Japan's rich roots, covering mythology, local history, and culture. Beyond appreciating the natural environment, participants gain a deeper understanding of the area's significance, connecting the stunning landscapes with ancient tales and the traditions of Japan's first emperor, all within the context of the Kirishima foothills.

8. What makes the Village of the Gods Walk a unique historical and natural experience in Kirishima?

The Village of the Gods Walk offers a unique blend of natural beauty, ancient history, and spiritual practice. It combines walking through pristine landscapes with panoramic mountain views, exploring an ancient approach lined with 400-year-old Sano cedar trees, and participating in an authentic Shinto purification ritual at Sano Shrine. This journey provides profound cultural insights and a refreshing, immersive experience unlike any other.

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