Nakama Shrine
No records remain that tell when Nakama Shrine was founded, although it is known that the structure was rebuilt in 1892 and again in 1961. The shrine’s atmospheric approach of 43 steps is constructed of randomly shaped stones still in their natural state. A small rock shrine on the grounds that is dedicated to the mountain kami beyond is dated 1827. In autumn, the grounds are a likely place to see Great Orange-tip butterflies. They come to feed on the flowering three-leaved caper trees and are believed by some islanders to be messengers of happiness. The deities honored at this main sanctuary of the township are Kukunochi, the kami of trees; Kayanohime, the kami of grasses; and Toyouke Omikami, the tutelary deity of food. The destination of the annual takemairi pilgrimage is Mt. Shichigo, whose striking pyramidal shape jutting from the ridge just beyond the township is a Nakama landmark.
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To book a village tour in Nakama, visit online or the Yakushima Environmental and Cultural Village Center in person at:
823-1 Miyanoura
Yakushima-cho, Kumage-gun
Kagoshima-ken 891-4205