Kirishima Shrine — Sacred Mountain Complex

**Pre-dawn visit:** Arrive at 6:00am (gates open early for worshippers) to experience the shrine in complete quiet, with mist rising from the forest and first light illuminating the vermillion structures. The early hour transforms the experience from tourist site to sacred space. Almost no visitors before 9:00. **Meoto Icho trees:** Behind the main hall stand two massive ginkgo trees (estimated 800 years old) called 'husband-and-wife' trees — their roots intertwine underground. Couples tie prayer cards (絵馬, ema) to the fence for marital harmony. The trees turn brilliant gold in November. **Mt. Takachiho hike:** The sacred peak where Ninigi descended is hikeable — a 3-hour round-trip trail (6km) from Takachiho-gawara trailhead (10-min drive from shrine). The summit (1,574m) has a small shrine and 360° views of the Kirishima range. Moderately strenuous.