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This “power spot” in Kumamoto, Japan looks straight out of a Ghibli movie, is pure magic 【Photos】

Meg Murphy Oct 19, 2015
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Deep in the forests of Takamorimachi, a small town in Kumamoto Prefecture on Japan’s southern island of Kyushu, hides a humble shrine shrouded by trees and moss-covered greenery. Hailed as a “power spot” by the Japanese, Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine (上色見熊野座神社) is a mystical destination for those looking to feel the earth’s energy and recharge their spirits, or to just take in the all the scenic beauty it has to offer. Even if you can’t make a visit in the near future, you can at least pacify yourself with these stunning images instead.

Twitter has been abuzz about this particular shrine, and for good reason. I mean, even before entering the forest you can tell something magical is afoot.

▼ That sunlight is just beckoning you over.

朝日が差し込む、上色見熊野座神社(かみしきみくまのいますじんじゃ)。 pic.twitter.com/O82Ieiucss

— なぐら (@m_nagra) September 11, 2015

▼ On the edge of darkness and light

上色見熊野座神社に行ってきた
とにかく雰囲気が最高で大好きな神社の１つ
階段登るのが疲れるけど…まだ足がプルプルしてるけど、参拝して帰るとすごく爽やかな気分になれる pic.twitter.com/jKSh6l7nNf

— もぅもぅ＠にこまきあーと (@ochaochacha2) October 1, 2015

Being there must make you feel like you’ve been spirited away to an enchanted scene straight out of a Ghibli film.

https://twitter.com/hazeno77/status/653972683994984448

上色見熊野座神社 pic.twitter.com/C8N5zQMTfz

— cinkai (@_cinkai) October 13, 2015

But if this all is looking all-too-familiar, you may be remembering the one-shot shojo-manga/ anime titled Hotarubi no Mori e, which is set in this exact forest.

蛍火の杜への聖地、上色見熊野座神社行ってきた･*･:≡(　ε:)
アニメと場所がかなり似ててすごかった！
どうやら最後の写真の中に妖怪が写ってるらしい！(◎_◎;) pic.twitter.com/5ySqwiIosP

— しゅうた (@Syuta502) August 14, 2015

▼ “The shrine entrance at Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine that’s on the poster for Hotarubi no Mori e“

上色見熊野座神社の、蛍火の杜へのポスターの鳥居#蛍火の杜へ pic.twitter.com/zj24aVlCaG

— 柚子ぽん＠㊗️アニメ夏目友人帳7期楽しみ😆✨ (@yuzuponz_s) August 17, 2015

▼ The giant wind tunnel. This particular power spot attracts many visitors.

Image: Cocopri

上色見熊野座神社の先にある風穴岩。
ここに登るまでが修行僧！ジム通っててよかった。。写真撮るよりも自分の目で記憶したけれど、ジブリの世界でした。
熊本の高森町っていいとこよ〜〜。 pic.twitter.com/MDvQ1vYIu0

— Sakiko Yoshimoto 🧞‍♂️🐉 (@Sakikogigi) October 4, 2015

▼ The main shrine

Image: Cocopri

The giant cedar trees, though they take a bit of trekking to get to, are also a sight to behold.

熊本の高森町の牧場先にある「高森殿の杉」。パワースポットらしく癒されました。場所が分かりにくく着くまでの坂道が辛いのですが、こんな大木に出会った瞬間、ナウシカ(木に触る)ってました。 pic.twitter.com/OCAdpZ46G7

— Sakiko Yoshimoto 🧞‍♂️🐉 (@Sakikogigi) October 4, 2015

Image: Takamorimachi homepage

You can feel the serenity of the place just by looking at the photos; if you’re ever in need of a real good recharge, this is without a doubt the place to go.

Source: NAVER Matome
Top image: Twitter/@sakikogigi, Twitter/@hazeno77 (edited by RocketNews24)