⛩️ Aso Shrine (Aso City, Kumamoto Prefecture)

The shrine dedicated to Aso's god of development, Kenkanryū no Mikoto, and the twelve family deities is the head shrine among approximately 500 branch shrines nationwide. It is said to have a history of over 2000 years, merging the volcanic faith centered around the crater of Mount Aso, and is the most prestigious shrine in Higo Province, holding a revered status. There are no records regarding when the shrine was established. The current shrine building was reconstructed between 1835 and 1850 with donations from the Kumamoto Domain. The shrine hall and gate built at that time are now designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan. In particular, the two-story gate is the largest of its kind in Kyushu and is one of the "Three Great Gates of Japan." During the Kumamoto earthquake in 2016, the gate and other structures collapsed, and most buildings were damaged; restoration work is currently underway. By the way, the current head priest is a descendant of the powerful Aso clan, the 92nd generation of the family.

It is said to be a historic shrine with a history of over 2000 years. It enshrines the god of Aso's development, with the crater of Mount Aso as its sacred body. It suffered significant damage during the Kumamoto earthquake and is currently undergoing restoration work. Traditional events worth seeing, such as the Ota Festival and the Hiburi Shrine Ceremony, are held here. The hereditary position of the chief priest, held by the Aso family, is one of the ancient families alongside the Imperial Family, the Senke family of Izumo Taisha, and the Kitajima family, and it is currently in its 92nd generation.