Takuhi-jinja Shrine 焼火神社

Revered by sailors and used as a lighthouse, Takuhi-jinja Shrine is set two-thirds of the way up Mt. Takuhi. It is the oldest and most important shrine on the island of Nishinoshima. From its vantage point, you will have dramatic views of the surrounding seas and islands.

The shrine is a 15-minute walk through a nature preserve from the parking lot.

Nishinoshima is a small island with limited bus services, so most people rent a car or bicycle, or take a taxi. The shrine is eight kilometers from the ferry port in Beppu or four kilometers from the town of Mita.

As you climb the path through the forest, you pass several small shrines and high earthen walls, behind which stand the impressive priests' house. Past a huge, ancient tree sits the shrine itself.

Built in the Heian period (794-1185), the innermost building sits within a cave. Known to offer protection to those at sea, sailors on kitamaebune, “northbound” cargo ships back in the Edo period, would hold rituals on board to the deity of Takuhi when they passed nearby.

One legend is that when Emperor Gotoba became lost on his way to exile on this island in 1221, only a magical light that appeared from the shrine saved him from disaster.

The rearmost building in the cave, with its intricate carvings, was prefabricated in Osaka and carried up the mountainside piece by piece in 1732.

Nearby, a path takes you up to the summit, where the views are even more expansive, in about 10 minutes.

The annual festival, held on July 23, takes place in the priests' house and features kagura dances performed throughout the night.