This Tsuko-Tegata (通行手形) wooden plaque comes from Kirishima National Park (霧島国立公園), a volcanic region spanning Kagoshima and Miyazaki Prefectures, renowned for its dramatic landscapes, lush forests, and mythological associations with the origins of Japan.
The front features a vivid hand-painted scene of the park’s natural beauty—tall trees, rolling green mountains, and clusters of red blossoms—evoking the tranquil atmosphere of the highlands. This imagery closely reflects the scenery of Ebino Plateau (えびの高原), one of Kirishima’s most famous areas, known for its sweeping volcanic plains, seasonal wildflowers, and scenic walking trails surrounded by crater lakes and peaks.
The reverse bears bold calligraphy reading 通行手形, along with inscriptions referencing 霧島国立公園, and is accented with traditional vermilion seals that echo the authority of Edo-period travel permits. These elements reinforce its symbolic role as a pass granting safe journey through the region.
Blending scenic beauty with protective symbolism, this tsuko-tegata serves as a charming keepsake of Kirishima’s sacred landscapes—especially the serene Ebino highlands—and a talisman for safe and fortunate travels.
