The master god who has created Aso, Takei Watatsu no Mikoto, and 12 of his family gods are enshrined here. As the head of Higo Province, this is ranked top over nearly 500 branch Aso Shrines nationwide. Its history goes back more than 2000 years. Its faith is fused with volcano worship that believes Mt. Aso to be a god.
No written history about the establishment of Aso Shrine is left. The current halls have been rebuilt between 1835 and 1850 with the gift from Kumamoto Domain. These halls and gates are now designated as national important cultural assets. The tower gate with the two-layered roof is the largest in Kyushu, counted into Japan’s Three Great Tower Gates. In 2016, Kumamoto Earthquake destroyed many buildings and tower gates, but restoration is moving on.
The current priest is the 92nd descendant of Aso Family, a powerful clan that had governed this area since ancient times.
Highlights
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The revered shrine is said to have been established more than 2000 years ago.
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The god who created Mt. Aso is enshrined here. He is embodied as Mt. Aso’s crater.
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Kumamoto Earthquake devastated the shrine, but restoration is moving on.
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Onda Festival, Hiburi (swinging fire) ritual, and other traditional events are worth a look.
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The 92nd priests come from the Aso Family according to the long tradition. Aso Family is imperial along with the Senke Family of Izumo Taisha Shrine and the Kitajima Family.
