益救神社

Located on Yakushima Island, this shrine serves as a spiritual guardian for the island's inhabitants and visiting pilgrims, enshrining deities associated with protection from natural disasters and safe passage across the treacherous waters surrounding the island. The shrine's name literally means "beneficial salvation," reflecting its role as a place where worshippers seek divine intervention for recovery from illness, protection during travel, and blessings for successful endeavors. Visitors often come here to pray for safety before embarking on mountain treks through Yakushima's ancient cedar forests or sea journeys, making it an essential spiritual waypoint for both locals and tourists exploring this UNESCO World Heritage island.