Aso Shrine

Aso Shrine (阿蘇神社) is a Shinto shrine located in Aso City, Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan. It is one of the oldest and most important shrines in Japan, with a history that dates back over 2,000 years. The shrine serves as the head shrine of approximately 500 Aso shrines across Japan and is the spiritual heart of the Aso region.

The shrine is dedicated to Takeiwatatsu no Mikoto, the deity who is believed to have cultivated Aso, and the other eleven deities. The shrine’s main structures, including the Honden (main hall), Haiden (hall of worship), and Romon (two-story gate), were designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan, but unfortunately, they were severely damaged during the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake. The Haiden was reconstructed in July 2023 and reconstruction efforts are currently underway to restore the other historical buildings to their former glory. The Romon, a two-story gate, is one of the most distinctive features of Aso Shrine and one of the largest of its kind in Japan. The shrine’s torii gate, located in front of the Romon, is made of cypress wood and stands at a height of approximately 12 meters.

The shrine is also known for its stunning natural beauty, with cherry blossoms in the spring and colorful foliage in the fall. The shrine is surrounded by mountains and forests, providing visitors with a peaceful and serene atmosphere.

Visitors can explore the nearby Monzen-machi shopping street, lined with shops and restaurants offering local specialties, or visit the Aso Volcano Museum to learn more about the region’s geological history and volcanic activity.

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Getting there
Details

Getting there

By Train

From Aso Station:

Take the JR Hohi Line to Miyaji Station (5 minutes, 210 yen)
20-minute walk north from Miyaji Station

By Bus

From Aso Station:

Take a bus to Aso Shrine
Journey time: About 10-15 minutes

By Car

Parking available in front of the shrine:

114 parking spaces
Regular cars: Free for first 30 minutes, 100 yen per 60 minutes after
Large vehicles: 1,000 yen for 3 hours

Details

Hours	6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Admission	Free
Phone	+81 967-22-0064
Address	3083-1 Ichinomiyamachi Miyaji, Aso, Kumamoto 869-2612
Resources	https://kumamoto.guide/en/spots/detail/1420