Aoi Aso Shrine

The tower gate of Aoi Aso Shrine is a building that catches your eye as soon as you pass through the front torii gate. Its impressive height of 12m and unique architectural style that harmonizes Zen Buddhism and Momoyama style are its features. The tower gate serves as the entrance to the shrine and exudes a solemn and majestic atmosphere. Of particular note is the rare thatched roof. Thatched roofs are one of Japan's traditional roofs and are not often seen in modern times because they require regular re-thatching. However, at Aoi Aso Shrine's tower gate, you can see this traditional roof. Aoi Aso Shrine's tower gate is a building that combines historical value and beauty and is beloved by many people as an important cultural heritage of Hitoyoshi City!

The grounds of Aoi Aso Shrine are divided into a main hall, a Kagura hall, and a shrine office, all of which can be visited. This shrine enshrines three gods: Takeiwatatsu-no-mikoto, the grandson of the first emperor, Emperor Jimmu, his wife, Asotsuhime-no-mikoto, and their child, Kunino-miya-tsuko-haya-tama-no-mikoto. Aoi Aso Shrine boasts a history of over 1,200 years and has a beautiful environment in harmony with rich nature. The buildings, such as the shrine and Kagura hall dedicated to the gods, are a special architectural style that combines Zen and Momoyama style, giving visitors a solemn and majestic atmosphere. Many visitors come to pray for the gods' blessings and can be seen clasping their hands in prayer. Aoi Aso Shrine, where you can offer prayers to the gods in a quiet atmosphere, is loved as an important spot in Hitoyoshi City!

Misogi Bridge, located in front of Aoi Aso Shrine, is a three-arched concrete bridge with distinctive vermilion handrails. Misogi Bridge is a sacred place where the ritual of "misogi," which involves purifying the hands and mouth before worship, is performed. This is why it was given its name. Especially from June to mid-July, beautiful lotus flowers spread across the pond around Misogi Bridge, creating a stunning sight. Lotus flowers are a summer tradition in Japan, and many tourists and worshippers visit Misogi Bridge during the peak season for the lotus flowers. Misogi Bridge is a popular tourist spot in Hitoyoshi City, where you can enjoy the beautiful lotus flowers in a peaceful atmosphere. As part of Aoi Aso Shrine, it's a spot where you can feel the history and nature of Kumamoto.

The large kusu tree towering next to Arai Aso Shrine is a special existence as the shrine's sacred tree. It has been designated as a natural monument in Hitoyoshi City and is known as the largest kusu tree in the region. Its height exceeds 20m, and the thickness of its trunk is also impressive. This large kusu tree is revered as a sacred presence and holds a special meaning for visitors to the shrine. Its majestic appearance further enhances the atmosphere of the shrine and is sure to impress and inspire those who visit. The sacred tree of Arai Aso Shrine is a valuable presence carefully protected in the local nature!

Within the grounds of Aoi Asa Shrine, there are four shrines: Inari Shrine, Kogami Shrine, Miyajitake Shrine, and Ojingu Shrine. Among them, the "Aoi Inari Shrine" is a particularly noteworthy spot. This shrine enshrines the god who governs over the five grains and is revered as the guardian god of the region's prosperity and agriculture. Aoi Inari Shrine is characterized by its vibrant red torii gates, and when you enter the grounds, you are greeted with a powerful and beautiful sight. Many visitors come to take photos and enjoy the atmosphere. It is known for attracting visitors who have wishes for abundant harvests, business prosperity, and warding off evil, and is an important presence for the local people. Among the Aoi Asa Shrine, it is particularly popular and is loved as a place to seek peace of mind in a quiet and sacred atmosphere!