Aso Shrine
阿蘇神社
An ancient shrine enshrining Takeiwakatsu no Mikoto, the mythical founder of Aso, and his family of twelve deities. Its gatehouse, collapsed in the 2016 earthquake, was restored in 2023, and the approach has gushing springs.
Aso Shrine lies in Ichinomiya-machi, Aso city, on the north side of the Aso caldera plain. It is said to have a history of more than 2,000 years, and it is the head shrine of about 450 Aso shrines nationwide. It enshrines Takeiwakatsu no Mikoto, the mythical figure who opened up Aso, and his family of twelve deities, and it has long been led by chief priests from the Aso clan. The shrine's two-story sanmon-style gatehouse stands about 18 meters tall and is one of Japan's three great gatehouses. It is designated a National Important Cultural Property. It was completely destroyed in the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake, and after seven years of restoration it reopened at the end of 2023, so visitors can now see its restored original form. In front of the shrine is the Mizumoto Junkōdō shopping street, where clear springs well up everywhere. You can drink spring water while eating croquettes, horse-meat dishes and other snacks. Each March, the Hifuri Shinji ritual sees people wave burning bundles of grass, a spectacular sight. Worship is free. Access: a 15-minute walk from JR Miyaji Station. It can be combined with Daikanbo and Kurokawa Onsen.
Opening hours
All day (shrine office approx. 09:00–17:00)
Nearby sights
- Daikanbo
- Mt. Aso Nakadake Crater
- Uchinomaki Onsen
- Komezuka
- Aso Volcano Museum
- Kusasenri
- Oshitoishi Hill
- Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine