Kitaoka Shrine

#ChristmasGreatPlaces2024 Kitaoka Shrine is a shrine with a long history in Kumamoto. It is located on the east side of Kumamoto Station, a five-minute walk north along the elevated road. The thickness and size of the trunks of the sacred tree nendounan on the left and right sides of the shrine's torii gate are surprising. Observe proper etiquette around the sacred tree and you will receive good luck. The areas are well maintained and comfortable to visit. This is where Saigo Takamori set up his headquarters in the Qingnan Station area. There is a huge 1,000-year-old camphor tree here. During the Seinan War, Saigo Takamori camped in one of the temple grounds, and although the castle was bombarded by artillery fire, it still existed. The deity enshrined is the Eight Pillar Gods who were born from the relationship with Sushuzun, Kushida Himeiko, and Amaterasu.