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Shrine · Aso, Kumamoto
Aso Shrine
A Shinto shrine dedicated to the volcano’s deities, one of the oldest in Kyushu, with a two-storied torii gate rebuilt after the 2016 earthquake and a row of springs in front.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
A look at the place
Aso Shrine in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
Click the picture to enlarge it.
Discover
About Aso Shrine
Aso Shrine, Aso Jinja, is in the town of Aso at the northern floor of the caldera. It is dedicated to twelve deities linked to the creation of the region, including Takeiwatatsu, who, according to tradition, drained the caldera’s lake to make the area habitable. The Aso family has cared for the shrine for many centuries, and the site is one of Kyushu’s oldest and most important.
The entrance gate, the romon, is a two-story wooden structure with curved roofs and is considered one of the largest of its kind in Japan. It was toppled by the 2016 earthquake, along with the worship hall, and was rebuilt using the restored original components. Today it can be seen again at the front of the courtyard.
One distinctive feature is that the shrine’s approach runs to the side rather than toward the main hall: it continues straight toward the former Kokuzo shrine to the north. In the courtyard there are trees regarded as sacred and a stone that visitors touch to pray for good encounters.
In front of the shrine, Monzen-machi street has shops, cafés and spring-water spouts, the mizu-kiki, where you can fill your bottle. The shrine holds festivals throughout the year, such as the hiburi in March, when burning straw torches are swung, linked to rice planting. In July another festival marks the transplanting of rice seedlings into the caldera’s paddies.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 30 minutes at the shrine; an hour including the spring street.
Best time
Morning, when the courtyard is calm. In March the hiburi festival is usually held at night with torches; check dates before you go.
How to get there
About 1 km from Miyaji Station on the Hohi Line, one stop from Aso Station; from Aso Station it’s about 5 km by bus or taxi.
Tip
Bring a bottle to fill at the spouts on Monzen-machi street, each labeled with its source. Try the croquette and the pudding from the shops on the street.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Aso Shrine
Was Aso Shrine rebuilt after the earthquake?
Yes. The two-story gate and the worship hall, which were toppled in 2016, were reconstructed using the restored original pieces and can be seen now.
How to reach Aso Shrine by train?
Get off at Miyaji Station on the Hohi Line and walk about 15 minutes. From Aso Station go by bus or taxi, about 5 km.
Can you drink the water from the spouts in front of the shrine?
The spouts on Monzen-machi street are used by locals and visitors to fill bottles, each marked with its source. Follow the signs at each spout.
What is the hiburi festival at Aso Shrine?
It is a ritual linked to rice planting in March, during which participants swing burning straw torches attached to ropes, forming circles of fire at night.
Beyond the guide
