Although its origins are uncertain, Aso Shrine (阿蘇神社, Aso Jinja) is believed to date back almost two thousand years to the end of the Yayoi Period (300 BC to 300 AD). It has been considered the most important shrine in Higo Province, present day Kumamoto Prefecture.
The shrine's most impressive feature is its two-story Romon Gate, one of the largest of its kind in Japan. Behind the gate visitors will come upon the Haiden, the shrine's offering hall. Twelve deities are enshrined at Aso Shrine, including one god who is believed to have created the Aso area. The shrine also has a pine tree that is believed to give good fortune for marriage.
On April 16, 2016, the celebrated Romon Gate and the offering hall collapsed in an earthquake, and many more structures were damaged. The reconstruction works lasted 7.5 years and were completed in December 2023 when reconstruction works on the Romon Gate ended.
Getting there and around
Aso Shrine is about a 20 minute walk north from Miyaji Station on the JR Hohi Line (5 minutes, 240 yen from Aso Station, departures about once an hour).
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Links and Resources
Japanese
Hotels around Aso
Top rated in Aso
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ShinwaenBoasting hot spring baths surrounded by beautiful gardens, Shinwaen provides charming Japanese-style accommodation, and lavish meals are served in guest rooms. Free Wi-Fi is offered throughout the property, and free parking is available. Rooms are fitted with tatami (woven-straw) flooring and traditional futon bedding, and come with a flat-screen TV. Some rooms feature a private open-air bath. Seasonal flower arrangements welcome guests at Shinwaen. In-room massages can be arranged at an extra charge. Free luggage storage is available, and drink vending machines can be used. The property is a 15-minute drive from JR Aso Station, and Hana-asobi with large rose gardens is a 3-minute drive away. Cuddly Dominion zoo can be reached within a 15-minute drive. Japanese meals prepared with home-grown vegetables are served in the Dining.View on Booking.com -
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Syukubo AsoView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Syukubo Aso in Aso offers tatami rooms with air-conditioning, free WiFi, and a garden. Each room includes a refrigerator, TV, and free toiletries.Relaxing Facilities
Guests can enjoy a public bath and free on-site private parking. Additional amenities include a hairdryer, dressing room, and slippers.Dining Experience
The ryokan serves Asian breakfast and dinner, highly praised by guests.Convenient Location
Situated 28 km from Kumamoto Airport, the property is near attractions such as Aso Volcano and Kurokawa Onsen. -
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Fairfield by Marriott Kumamoto AsoView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Fairfield by Marriott Kumamoto Aso in Aso offers comfortable rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and modern amenities. Each room includes a tea and coffee maker, bidet, hairdryer, refrigerator, free toiletries, shower, slippers, TV, electric kettle, and wardrobe.Essential Facilities
Guests enjoy a terrace and free WiFi, perfect for relaxation and staying connected. The hotel features a lounge, lift, 24-hour front desk, shared kitchen, full-day security, and luggage storage. Free on-site private parking is available.Convenient Location
Located 28 km from Kumamoto Airport, the hotel is highly rated for its proximity to public transport options and its convenient location. Guests appreciate the room comfort and the surrounding area. -
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Minshuku AsogenView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Minshuku Asogen in Aso offers family rooms with air-conditioning, tatami floors, and modern amenities including a refrigerator, TV, and electric kettle.Relaxing Facilities
Guests can enjoy a beautiful garden and free WiFi in public areas, providing a serene and connected stay.Dining Experience
The ryokan serves a delicious dinner and a hearty breakfast, highly praised by visitors for its quality and variety.Convenient Location
Located 24 km from Kumamoto Airport, the property offers free on-site private parking and is highly rated for its excellent service and attentive staff. -
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SozankyoSozankyo is a traditional Japanese-style inn with both indoor and outdoor hot spring baths. Located within the Aso Uchimaki Onsen Hot Spring Area, it provides free Wi-Fi in public areas. Charming Japanese-style rooms and rooms with Western beds all come with a TV, electric kettle and personal safe. All rooms have an en suite toilet. Guests have free access to private and public hot spring baths. Sozankyo is a 10-minute drive from Aso Station and 25 km from Aso-zan Mountain. Free parking is available. Special Japanese set meals are served for breakfast at Komorebi dining room, which offers a traditional multi-course Kaiseki dinner. Relaxing massage treatments are available. Guests can also wash their clothes at the coin-operated laundry area.View on Booking.com -
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KAMENOI HOTEL AsoView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
KAMENOI HOTEL Aso in Aso offers family rooms with mountain views, private bathrooms, and modern amenities. Each room includes air-conditioning, free WiFi, and a private open-air bath.Relaxing Facilities
Guests can enjoy a hot spring bath, sauna, sun terrace, and open-air bath. The property features a garden, restaurant, and lounge, ensuring a relaxing and enjoyable stay.Dining Experience
The restaurant serves Japanese and European cuisines with breakfast options including American, buffet, Italian, vegetarian, and Asian. Dinner is available with local specialities and warm dishes.Convenient Location
Located 31 km from Kumamoto Airport, the ryokan provides free on-site private parking and is highly rated for its breakfast, scenic views, and dinner. -
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AsoTsuruyaView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
AsoTsuruya in Aso offers family rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and tatami floors. Each room includes a balcony with mountain views, bathrobes, and free WiFi.Dining Experience
Guests enjoy a traditional restaurant serving Japanese cuisine. The on-site bar provides a relaxing atmosphere, complemented by a daily breakfast featuring Asian dishes.Leisure Facilities
The ryokan features a lounge, terrace, and private open-air bath. Additional amenities include a work desk, sofa bed, and streaming services.Location and Services
Located 32 km from Kumamoto Airport, AsoTsuruya offers free on-site private parking and daily housekeeping service. Highly rated for its breakfast, attentive staff, and dinner. -
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AsobeView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Asobe in Aso offers family rooms with air-conditioning, tatami floors, and soundproofing. Each room includes a work desk, sofa, and TV, ensuring a pleasant stay.Essential Facilities
Guests enjoy free WiFi, laundry service, luggage storage, and free on-site private parking. Additional amenities include a tea and coffee maker, refrigerator, electric kettle, and bidet.Delicious Breakfast
A delicious Asian breakfast is served daily, providing a perfect start to the day.Convenient Location
Located 25 km from Kumamoto Airport, Asobe is highly rated for its bathroom comfort, attentive staff, and impeccable room cleanliness. -
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Tabinoyado AsonoyuView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Tabinoyado Asonoyu in Aso offers adults-only rooms with air-conditioning, tatami floors, and yukata. Each room includes a shared bathroom, free toiletries, and a TV.Relaxing Facilities
Guests can enjoy a hot spring bath, open-air bath, and a beautiful garden. Free WiFi is available throughout the property.Convenient Amenities
The ryokan provides free on-site private parking, a public bath, and a seating area. Additional amenities include a hairdryer, slippers, and a seating area.Guest Services
The property staff and service support are highly praised by guests. Reception is available in Japanese. Kumamoto Airport is 26 km away. -
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Yumeoi-soBoasting various hot spring baths that can be reserved for private use, Yumeoi-so provides chic Japanese-style accommodation. Guests can enjoy karaoke and table tennis for free. Free Wi-Fi is provided in the lobby. Yumeoi-so offers large public hot spring baths and 12 private-use hot spring baths for guests’ relaxation. A game room with traditional Japanese games and a kids’ room are available on site. Rooms at Yumeoi-so feature tatami (woven-straw) flooring and traditional futon bedding. A low table and seating cushions are provided, and rooms come with facilities like flat-screen TV, a fridge and an electric kettle. A Japanese and Western breakfast buffet is available. The property is a 15-minute walk from JR Aso Station. Mount Aso is a 30-minute drive, and Aso Farmland is a 25-minute drive away.View on Booking.com
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