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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.