🌲 Hidden Japan | Sacred Sano Shrine ⛩️ A Walk Through the Longest Cedar Path

🌲 Hidden Japan | Sacred Sano Shrine ⛩️ A Walk Through the Longest Cedar Path

Today, we’d like to introduce Sano Shrine, located about 50 km west of Miyazaki City. Like Tsumakirishima Shrine, which we showed in Vlog 8, Sano Shrine is one of the Kirishima Rokusha Gongen, a group of six historic shrines in the Kirishima area. It is said to have been founded during the reign of Emperor Kōshō (475–393 BCE) at the birthplace of Emperor Jinmu. When Emperor Jinmu was a child, he was called Sano-no-Mikoto, a name said to have come from this area. The shrine’s most distinctive feature is its approach, the longest in Japan, stretching about 1.3 km from the first torii gate to the main gate. You can drive between the first and second torii gates. From the second gate to the main hall, you walk through a cedar avenue planted about 400 years ago. (Image by Miyazaki Tourism Association) In the plaza in front of the second torii, the Sano Kagura is performed every year, from the first Saturday evening in December until sunrise the next day. This tradition has continued for over 500 years. (Image by Takaharu Town) It is designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan. The program includes the “Dance with a Real Sword,” the “Mask Dance” featuring 11 different masks,…(Image by Takaharu Town) and the “Gosui-mai,” where dancers drink shōchū while performing. Even today, great effort is made to keep the dances close to their original form. (Image by Takaharu Town) Now, let’s head toward the main hall. ♪ Actually, not realizing there were first and second torii gates, we started from the third one. 💦 The cedar trees lining the path were planted about 400 years ago under the orders of Shimazu Yoshihiro. It’s said that around 800 cedars were planted throughout the shrine grounds. In 1924, this cedar avenue was designated a Natural Monument of Japan. The main gate is coming into view. This is the temizuya, where visitors cleanse their hands before worship. The sound of flowing water is so calming. ♪ Originally, Sano Shrine stood about 1 km away in a place called Ōjibaru. But after being destroyed several times by eruptions of Mt. Kirishima, it was relocated here in 1610. From New Year’s Eve through New Year’s Day and the first three days of January, it becomes extremely crowded. On this day, though, there were only about three other visitors besides us, so we could really enjoy the shrine’s mystical atmosphere. The cedar over 400 years old. The way it rises straight into the blue sky is truly beautiful. In the plaza in front of the main hall, the Nawashiroda Festival (also called Bebugahaho) is held every year on February 18 to pray for a good harvest. (Image by Takaharu Tourism Association) When the cedar avenue was designated a Natural Monument in 1924, there were 166 trees with trunks more than 3 meters around. But typhoons and strong winds have reduced the number to 38. This is Mizujinja, the Water Shrine. Just like at Tsumakirishima Shrine, there was also a large straw ring here for warding off misfortune. The order and number of times you pass through it are a little different here. Of course, we went through it as well. 😊 The wooden carvings above are intricate, especially the pair of dragons on either side—they were wonderful to see. This is the worship hall (haiden). We walked around the back to see the side of the main sanctuary (honden). There too, carvings of animals and plants caught our eyes—we couldn’t help but admire them. Let’s take a look from the other side as well. The roof is in the nagare-zukuri style, an asymmetrical design often seen in shrine architecture. Sunlight filtering gently through the cedar forest… The sound of water flowing through the grounds… The chirping of small birds… And the calls of cicadas… This is a place where you can simply surrender yourself to the quiet flow of time that has continued since ancient days, and become one with nature..

🌿 Experience Miyazaki, the “Land of Sun and Myth,” through hidden gems, mystical shrines, and stunning nature — with no narration, only calming nature sounds and original healing BGM.
Perfect for travel, relaxation, meditation, and enjoying the beauty of Japan.

We invite you to explore Sano Shrine ⛩️ in Takaharu, Miyazaki.

Said to have been founded at the birthplace of Emperor Jimmu, this sacred place is known for the longest shrine approach in Japan, lined with majestic cedar trees more than 400 years old.🌲

Stroll beneath the towering giants stretching straight into the blue sky, listen to the gentle sound of flowing water, and the songs of birds.
Here, you can experience the timeless stillness that has continued since ancient times.

Perfect for those who want to feel the mystical atmosphere of Japanese shrines and discover the hidden beauty of Miyazaki. 💫

🎵 No narration / Nature sounds + original BGM by Rinaldo & Satomi
✨ Let yourself unwind and enjoy this peaceful journey through one of Japan’s hidden gems.

➡️If you’d like to see subtitles, please turn them on in your video settings.

🌿 Discover more hidden spots and historic sites in Miyazaki on our channel!🌿

We would be very happy if you give us a high rating, comment or subscribe to our channel.💕

Thank you for watching. ❤️

📍Location map:
Sano Shrine(Takaharu, Miyazaki)
https://www.google.com/maps/place/狭野神社/@31.9084543,130.9698623,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x353f3d6893a4e65d:0x285d2a24ebfa96a6!8m2!3d31.9084543!4d130.9698623!16s%2Fg%2F120lwhfn?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDkyNC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D

Timestamps:
0:00 – Opening
0:34 – Arrival at the Sano Shrine
1:32 – The longest approach to a shrine in Japan
3:25 – Arriving at the shrine gate
4:27 – A cedar tree over 400 years old
5:45 – Worship hall of the Sano Shrine

#MiyazakiJapan #HiddenGemsJapan #SacredSites #JapaneseShrine #Shinto #JapanNature #TravelVlog #ScenicSpots #relaxing

© My Intimate Japan 2025 All rights reserved
Downloading, sharing and editing the video and music is prohibited.