Aso Shrine, Shinto shrine in Aso, Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan
Aso Shrine is a Shinto place of worship in the city of Aso, Kumamoto Prefecture, on the island of Kyushu. The compound includes several wooden buildings, among them a two-story Romon Gate with curved roofs that ranks among the tallest entrance structures at shrines across the country.
The origins of the site reach back to the 3rd century BC and connect to Emperor Korei. The compound received royal patronage over the centuries and was rebuilt following the severe earthquake of 2016.
The site takes its name from the nearby volcano and holds its position as the main sanctuary of the former Higo Province. During the annual March festival, locals gather to pray for a good harvest and witness age-old rituals that have been performed here for generations.
Visitors reach the site after a roughly 20-minute walk north from Miyaji Station on the JR Hohi Line. Access is free, and the spacious grounds invite quiet exploration of the pathways and buildings.
The Romon Gate underwent more than seven years of restoration after the earthquake and reopened in December 2023. Craftsmen used traditional techniques to replicate the original Edo-period construction methods.
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