Question 1

How do I get there?

Accepted Answer

About 15 minutes walk from Miyaji Station on the JR Hōhi Main Line, or 5 minutes by bus (get off at Aso Jinja-mae bus stop). By car, about 60 minutes from Kumamoto IC on the Kyushu Expressway via Route 57 heading towards Aso City.

Question 2

Are there special festivals or religious ceremonies?

Accepted Answer

On the Day of the Monkey in March, the Hifuri Shinji ceremony is held to celebrate the marriage of the enshrined deity. Various other festivals are held throughout the year. For details, please see the festival information on the official website.

Question 3

Can I visit with a pet?

Accepted Answer

Pets are generally allowed in the outdoor grounds, but please be mindful of the sacred nature of the place. For details, please contact the shrine directly.

Question 4

Can I also enjoy strolling through the gate town?

Accepted Answer

Yes, along the approach to Aso Shrine there are spring water spots called the Mizuki tour, where you can enjoy local specialties like horse meat croquettes and souvenirs while strolling. The path is wide and easy to walk.

Question 5

Can I get a shrine stamp (goshuin)?

Accepted Answer

Yes, shrine stamps are available at the Ofuda counter (9:00–17:00). Aso Shrine is one of the nationally popular spots for collecting shrine stamps.

Question 6

Is there an entrance fee for Aso Shrine?

Accepted Answer

Worshipping in the grounds is free. If you receive a special prayer blessing (gokigan), an additional fee applies. Please check the official website or ask at the shrine office for details.

Question 7

Which deities are enshrined here?

Accepted Answer

Takeiwatatsu no Mikoto and 11 other family deities, 12 in total. Since ancient times, the shrine has blended with fire mountain worship, with Mount Aso's crater as its sacred object, and has been revered as the chief shrine of Higo Province.

Question 8

How do I apply for a prayer blessing?

Accepted Answer

Prayer blessings are accepted from 9:00 to 16:30. For off-site ceremonies (Aso City only), please call 0967-22-0064 in advance to let us know your preferred date, then visit to apply.

Question 9

Can I visit the main gate building (rōmon)?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the main gate is considered one of the largest in Kyushu and counted among Japan's three greatest gate buildings. It collapsed in the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake but has since been restored using original construction methods and materials. The restored gate can be visited as an important cultural property.

Question 10

How much time should I allow?

Accepted Answer

If you only visit the grounds slowly, about 30 minutes is sufficient. If you also enjoy strolling through the gate town and the spring water spots, you can spend 1–2 hours.

Question 11

Is there parking?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there is parking (114 regular vehicles). Regular vehicles are free for the first 30 minutes, then ¥100 per 60 minutes (large vehicles ¥1,000 for 3 hours).

Question 12

What is the address?

Accepted Answer

3083-1 Miyaji, Ichinomiya Town, Aso City, Kumamoto Prefecture

Question 13

What are the opening hours (visiting hours)?

Accepted Answer

Worship: 6:00–18:00, Ofuda counter: 9:00–17:00, Prayer blessing reception: 9:00–16:30

Question 14

Is there parking?

Accepted Answer

Yes, parking is available. Please check the official information for details.

Question 15

How much is admission?

Accepted Answer

Free

Question 16

When is it closed?

Accepted Answer

Open year-round

Question 17

How do I get there?

Accepted Answer

About 15 minutes walk from Miyaji Station on the JR Hōhi Main Line, or 5 minutes by bus (get off at Aso Jinja-mae bus stop). By car, about 60 minutes from Kumamoto IC on the Kyushu Expressway via Route 57.

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