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Aso Shrine
阿蘇市一の宮町宮地３０８３−１
As the head shrine of approximately 500 Aso Shrines nationwide and the Ichinomiya (chief shrine) of Higo Province, it is renowned for its Yagura-mon gate, one of the 'Three Great Gates of Japan.' The shrine buildings, which were damaged in the Kumamoto Earthquake, have now been fully restored.
History
This Ichinomiya of Higo Province enshrines 12 family deities, including Takeiwatatsu-no-Mikoto, who is said to be the grandson of Emperor Jimmu and the pioneer of the Aso region. It is considered an ancient shrine with over 2,000 years of history. The Yagura-mon gate, built in 1850 CE (Kaei 3), stands about 18 meters tall. As a double gate, it boasts the largest scale in Kyushu and is designated as an Important Cultural Property. Although most of the shrine buildings, including the gate and worship hall, collapsed during the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake (Heisei 28), restoration work was completed in December 2023 (Reiwa 5).
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What visitors say
The magnificent structures, including the National Treasure Yagura-mon gate, exude an overwhelming presence, and the solemn atmosphere of the grounds has regained its beauty following restoration work. While the parking lot can get crowded, there is a shopping street nearby, making it a suitable environment for a leisurely visit.
Opening hours
- Monday: 9:00 – 17:00
- Tuesday: 9:00 – 17:00
- Wednesday: 9:00 – 17:00
- Thursday: 9:00 – 17:00
- Friday: 9:00 – 17:00
- Saturday: 9:00 – 17:00
- Sunday: 9:00 – 17:00
Annual events & festivals
- January 1 onwardHatsumode (first shrine visit of the year)
The Ichinomiya (chief shrine) of Higo Province and the head shrine of all Asu shrines nationwide.
As the Ichinomiya of Higo Province and the head shrine of approximately 500 Asu shrines across Japan, it is a major destination for New Year visits. The Romon (tower gate), which was damaged in the 2016 earthquake, was rebuilt in 2023 and is bustling with visitors during the Hatsumode period.
HighlightsSee details on the official site ›- ・Ichinomiya of Higo Province
- ・Head shrine of Asu shrines
- ・Rebuilt Romon (tower gate)
- MarchHi-furi Shingoji (Fire-waving rite)
A mystical Shinto rite where torches are waved overhead to welcome the deity.
In March, an agricultural rite is performed to pray for a bountiful harvest of the five grains. Participants light torches made of bundled thatch and wave them overhead in a mystical display to welcome the deity.
HighlightsSee details on the official site ›- ・Waving torches
- ・Prayers for a bountiful harvest
- ・Mystical fire rite
- July 28Ota-ue Shinkosai (Rice Planting Festival)
An agricultural festival praying for a good rice harvest, known for the Unari procession and seedling throwing.
On July 28, an agricultural festival is held to pray for a good rice harvest. It is a nationally designated Important Intangible Cultural Property, famous for the Unari procession of participants in white robes and the ritual of throwing rice seedlings into the mikoshi (portable shrine).
HighlightsSee details on the official site ›- ・Unari procession
- ・Seedling throwing
- ・Important Intangible Cultural Property
- Night of August 6Neguri-nagashi Shingoji (Sleep-dispelling rite)
A rite to conclude the rice songs. Approximately 100 parishioners sing rice songs while parading through the streets at night. It is said to dispel drowsiness on a midsummer night.
See details on the official site ›
Dates can shift from year to year. Please check the official information before you go.
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