Kamō Hachiman Shrine, Aira

What it is

• A Shinto shrine in Aira City, Kagoshima Prefecture.
• Founded in 1123 by Chikakiyo, first head of the Kamō clan.
• Dedicated to Hachiman Sanjin: three emperors and an empress.

What to see

• A 1,600-year-old camphor tree, a Special Natural Monument.
• A bronze mirror with autumn grass and two sparrows design.
• This bronze mirror is an Important Cultural Property.
• The shrine holds 116 other bronze mirrors.
• A torii gate and plaque dedicated in 1618.

Notes written by Japan Gems from facts in Japanese Wikipedia.