⛩️ Terukuni Shrine

Terukuni Shrine is the largest shrine in Kagoshima Prefecture, dedicated to Shimazu Nariakira, the 28th head of the Shimazu clan and the 11th lord of the Satsuma domain, who played a crucial role in the modernization of Japan through the "Shuseikan Project." The shrine was established in the first year of Genji (1864) and was rebuilt and expanded after being destroyed during the Satsuma Rebellion in 1877 and the air raids at the end of World War II. The most famous event at Terukuni Shrine is the lively summer festival "Rokugatsu Lantern" held on July 15 and 16 each year. This festival commemorates the death anniversaries of the first head of the Shimazu clan, Tadayuki, the 29th head and founder of the clan, Tadayoshi, and the 15th head, Takahisa, who is known as the "Satsuma Hero." In the lunar month of June (now July), their respective family temples and followers hang lanterns to honor their spirits, giving rise to the "Rokugatsu Lantern" tradition. During the festival, over a hundred lanterns are lit along the steps leading to the shrine and within its grounds, alongside flower arrangement exhibitions, fireworks displays, and performances. Additionally, the "Terukuni Shrine Kumade" gained popularity as a topic of discussion after appearing in the opening theme lyrics of the anime "Yo-kai Watch."

A shrine dedicated to the famous lords of the Satsuma Domain. It is the largest shrine in Kagoshima Prefecture and is well-known as the guardian deity of the Kagoshima people. The festival "Rokugatsu Dō" held every July is quite famous.