[VOL.8] Deep Green Breath - Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine | Ancient Forest - Heitate Jingu
Hello.
Thank you for always reading my blog.
After touching the powerful feelings of the people poured into the reconstruction at Aso Shrine, I now head into the deep, magnificent silence that nature itself possesses.
I visited Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine.
Beyond the torii gate lies another world fragrant with greenery.
The moment you pass through the torii gate, the air clearly changes.
A cool, damp breeze and a rich
"scent of green"
mixed with moss, soil, and wet leaves. The surrounding sounds fade away, and you are enveloped in a silence as if the volume of the world has been turned down a notch.
I found my stride naturally shortening, and my heart calming down.
Before me, the stone-stepped approach stretches out as if it continues forever.
Since the long stairs continue, please climb slowly at your own pace.
There are about 260 stone steps on the approach.
It is by no means an easy path, but strangely, I feel no sense of urgency.
Only the small sound of my shoe soles stepping on the stones and the sound of the wind shaking the cedar trees echo quietly.
And, without even being conscious of it, I felt my breathing becoming deeper and deeper.
All I can hear is the sound of my own footsteps.
When you are freed from the hustle and bustle of daily life and no longer receive unnecessary information, what you hear in the silence is the rhythm of your own breathing.
Such beautiful light and shadow. Sunlight filtering through the trees dances on the moss-covered stone lanterns.
Not a harsh light, but a soft, pointillist light that is gentle on the eyes.
The smell of the soil after the rain, the deep scent of moss, and the pure fragrance emitted by the cedar bark simplify my thoughts.
The silence and the air loosened my tense heart and body, leading me to breathe deeply naturally.
Ugetoiwa (The Wind-Pierced Rock) where the wind blows through.
While out of breath, I reach the worship hall and quietly press my hands together.
And, if you have the energy to spare, please try walking a little further along the small path behind the shrine building.
Waiting for you beyond that is the **"Ugetoiwa"**, a giant rock wall with a hole blown through it.
It is said to bring good fortune for passing exams and achieving victory as a symbol of "piercing through difficult walls."
As I gazed at the scenery visible through the hole and bathed in the wind blowing through the rock, it felt as if it blew away all the fatigue from the climb.
Time required: It is safe to allow 50–60 minutes for a round trip from the approach entrance to Ugetoiwa.
Clothing: Above all, non-slip shoes are essential.
The stone steps become slippery with moss, especially after rain.
A backpack that leaves both hands free is convenient.
What to bring: Don't forget drinks, and insect repellent spray in the summer.
Recommended time: Early morning to morning is especially recommended, as there are fewer people and the light is soft.
Parking: There is a parking space for visitors near the shrine.
(Please follow the local signs.)
*Please check local notices or official information for the latest status.
Ancient Forest: Kumamoto, Heitate Jingu
After taking a deep breath on the green approach to Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine, the next destination is Heitate Jingu, which sits in the deep mountains of Kumamoto.
What kind of shrine is Heitate Jingu?
Heitate Jingu is a special shrine located almost in the center of Kyushu, the "navel," and is also called the "oldest shrine in Japan."
Its history is said to date back to the age of mythology, and while there are no flashy decorations, the entire precinct is filled with life force that has continued since ancient times.
I felt that this is a pure sanctuary to visit not to make specific requests, but to express gratitude to the universe and nature, and to reset oneself.
After parking the car in the parking lot along the national highway, passing through the torii gate, and climbing the stairs, the sound of car traffic faded away, and instead, the scent of wood and damp soil became much stronger.
Leading to the worship hall are about 150 stone steps.
As I repeated this monotonous and quiet rhythm, my mind cleared.
And when I stood in front of the worship hall, I felt my chest suddenly lighten.
The sacred tree and the sanctuary of water.
After quietly pressing your hands together at the worship hall, please go to the sacred tree on the right side of the main hall.
Standing in front of the giant tree that towers toward the heavens, I am reminded of how short my own time is.
Feeling that I don't even reach one ring of this tree's growth, my heart strangely becomes calm.
Just by looking up and taking a deep breath while feeling its presence, you are enveloped in a mysterious sense of security.
If you go further, a water sanctuary called **Higashi-Mitarai** spreads out.
The small path leading to the shrine where the Eight Great Dragon Kings are enshrined is one of the places where the forest's energy is most concentrated.
As I matched my stride to the rhythm of the pure sound of the constantly gushing water, I felt my heart becoming calm.
Shrine office: Please get a goshuin (shrine seal) or an amulet as a memento of your visit.
Access
Access: Since public transportation is limited, a car is practical. It takes about 40–60 minutes from the Mifune IC on the Kyushu Expressway.
Parking: There is a free parking lot along National Route 218.
It is safe to have insect repellent in summer and rain gear if rain is forecast.
Goshuin
Reception: You can receive a pre-written one at the shrine office next to the main hall.
It may change due to events, etc.
*Please check local notices or official information for the latest information.
Conclusion
If you are feeling a little tired, please visit Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine and Heitate Jingu.
The quiet and sacred places will teach you, "It's okay, let's take a deep breath first."
Once you receive the warm feelings of gratitude from Aso Shrine and the quiet power of these shrines, I think your way home will be even brighter and your steps lighter than when you came.
Thank you for reading until the end.
I hope this article gently pushes your back toward your next journey.
Please have a wonderful day.
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