Takamori, Kumamoto, Japan

travelasia

Dec 13

Written By Anne

The main plan for today was to visit Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine in Takamori, but somehow, the day turned into an unexpected One Piece-themed adventure.

I started my day early, knowing that there would be a lot of transit involved and wanting to make sure I could visit all the spots I had planned. From Kagoshima-Chuo Station, I made my way toward Higo-Ozu Station. With about an hour to spare before my train to Takamori, I decided to take a short walk to a nearby park to check out the Zoro One Piece statue.

The train ride to Takamori was scenic and enjoyable. The conductor occasionally made announcements, pointing out various local points of interest along the way, which added to the experience.

After arriving at Takamori Station, I was greeted by the Franky One Piece statue right next to the train tracks. I also happened upon a One Piece-themed one-man train. I snapped a few quick photos before catching the bus toward Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine.

There’s a bit of a hike to get to the shrine, as well as to the cave located just above it. The exact founding date of the shrine is unknown, but it’s believed to date back to the Heian period (794–1185). It’s thought to be connected to the Kumano faith, and local legends say the site holds strong spiritual energy. Many visitors come here to pray for purification, protection, and good fortune. It’s also believed that passing through the hole in the cave above the shrine can bring blessings or help one overcome personal challenges. Aside from the shrine’s picturesque setting, I could feel why it draws those seeking spiritual healing and peace.

Unfortunately, the return bus schedule didn’t quite align, and rather than waiting around for two hours, I decided to walk the 6.6km to Takamori Yasui Tunnel Park. This site was originally intended to be a railway tunnel but was never completed. Today, it features a unique indoor light installation and a small outdoor park. Since it was close to Christmas, I saw several decorated trees—each uniquely designed by different local businesses. It was fun to walk around and admire their creativity.

Afterward, I headed back to the train station and bought my ticket toward Tateno Station. To my delight, it was on the One Piece-themed one-man train. The train was packed with fans who came just for the experience. The train was full of fun details from the anime, making it a memorable ride.

I transferred at Tateno Station and continued on to Aso Station, where I wrapped up my day. I’ll be doing some hiking around Aso tomorrow.

Route Detail

Itinerary: Kagoshima Chuo Station → Higo-Ozu Station → Zoro One Piece Statue → Takamori Station → Franky One Piece Statue → Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine → Takamori Yasui Tunnel Park → One Piece one-man Train → Tateno Station → Aso Station

Distance: 11.36km out & back from Takamori Station

Total elevation gain: 173m

Difficulty: Easy

Time: 10h 30m (Transit + Sightseeing)