All Reviews of Aso Shrine (Tokyo)

Tucked away in Tokyo, Aso Shrine is guarded by enormous cypress trees and has a long history spanning more than 1,400 years, with a peaceful, rustic atmosphere. I came here especially to see the “golden needle tree,” which is said to have been growing here since 940 AD. Even after more than a thousand years, it still stands quietly within the shrine grounds, making you marvel at the vitality of nature and history. Perhaps because the location is relatively remote and transportation is not as convenient as at Tokyo’s popular attractions, there were surprisingly almost no tourists even though I visited on a holiday, making the entire shrine exceptionally quiet. With no bustling crowds or noisy commercial atmosphere, it was easier to feel the tranquility and solemnity of an ancient Japanese shrine.

It's not a major tourist spot, but it really feels like a hidden gem that Tokyo has forgotten.

This place has an old, nostalgic charm and is definitely worth a visit. Right now, you can't go inside, but the outside is open for photos. Still, you can get a really clear view of the whole shrine from outside.