Aoi Aso Shrine [Kumamoto]

2025年1月25日

【Aoi Aso Shrine summary】

Aoi Aso Shrine was founded in the first year of Daido (806). It is located in Kamiaoi-machi, Hitoyoshi City, Kumamoto Prefecture, and was formerly a prefectural shrine, and is now an attached shrine of the Jinja Honcho. Three of the twelve deities enshrined at Aso Shrine are Takeiwatatsunomikoto, grandson of the first Emperor Jinmu, his consort Asotsuhime-nomikoto, and their child Kuninomiyatsukohayamikatamikoto.

【Aoi Aso Shrine Misogi-gashi (form of Shinto bridge)】

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The vermilion-lacquered bridge over the lotus pond in front of Aoi Aso Shrine. The red bridge has been beautifully repaired after the torii was flooded by water up to the top of the bridge during the torrential rain disaster in 2020.

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After crossing the bridge, you will see the second torii gate. Beyond the torii gate is a magnificent thatched-roof gate.

【Aoi Aso Shrine precincts】

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The five existing buildings, including the main hall, corridor, hall of offerings, and worship hall, as well as the tower gate, were built between 1610 and 1618 by Nagamai Sagara, the first feudal lord of the Hitoyoshi clan, and his chief vassal, Seibei Sagara, and were designated national treasures in 2008.

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The main hall is a sangensha nagare-zukuri copper shingle roof. The X-shaped side and back planks, and the small wall above the long beam with a “gozama” (a small space between the doors) are characteristic of shrine and temple architecture in the Kuma region. All of the national treasures are thatched buildings, giving them a sense of simplicity as well as massiveness. The shrine pavilions with thatched roofs are the first national treasures in Japan.

【Aoi Aso Shrine Nearby attractions】

Sagara Gokoku Shrine and Hitoyoshi Castle Ruins, Tamachi Sugawara Tenmangu Shrine, Amamiya Shrine

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Sagara Gokoku Shrine and Hitoyoshi Castle Ruins [Kumamoto]

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Tamachi Sugawara Tenmangu Shrine [Kumamoto]

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Amemiya Shrine [Kumamoto]

【Aoi Aso Shrine Access】

Manager’s Comments

The shrine itself is not located in the mountains, it is not a very large site, and the national treasures are concentrated in one place, so you can look around in 15 minutes. The shrine itself is not in the middle of a mountain, and it is not a very large site, with the national treasures clustered in one place, so you can tour it in 15 minutes. The National Treasure Memorial Museum is under construction on the site, and I hope that the entire shrine will be further improved for its completion. I would like to come back after the reconstruction.

Site/Facility Size

(3.5)

Richness of Nature

(3.5)

Ease of access

(4.5)

Number of tourists

(3.5)