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
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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 a 3-star ryokan experience with a garden and free WiFi. Each room features air-conditioning, a hairdryer, tatami floors, a refrigerator, shared bathrooms, free toiletries, dressing rooms, slippers, and TVs.Relaxing Facilities
Guests can enjoy a public bath and free on-site private parking. The property provides Asian breakfast and dinner, ensuring a pleasant and memorable stay.Convenient Location
Located 28 km from Kumamoto Airport, the ryokan is near attractions such as Mount Aso (7 km), KK Wings (33 km), and Kumamoto Castle (42 km). Free toiletries and a shared bathroom enhance the comfort of all visitors. -
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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. The hotel features a lounge, lift, 24-hour front desk, shared lounge, full-day security, and luggage storage. Free on-site private parking is available.Prime Location
Located 8 km from Mount Aso and 28 km from KKumamoto Airport 28 km. Nearby attractions include Egao Ken Stadium Kumamoto (33 km), Kumamoto Castle (42 km), Suizenji Park (42 km), and Mount Aso (8 km). Public transport options nearby enhance convenience. -
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Minshuku AsogenView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Minshuku Asogen in Aso offers family rooms with air-conditioning, tatami floors, refrigerators, TVs, and electric kettles. Free WiFi is available in public areas.Relaxing Facilities
Guests can enjoy a beautiful garden and take advantage of free on-site private parking.Dining Experience
The ryokan provides a highly rated dinner and breakfast, supported by attentive staff.Local Attractions
Mount Aso is 9 km away, Kumamoto Castle and Suizenji Park are 38 km distant, and Lake Ezu lies 40 km from the property. -
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Aso Base BackpackersView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodation
Aso Base Backpackers in Aso offers a 2-star hostel experience with free WiFi, air-conditioning, and a shared bathroom. Guests can enjoy a relaxing stay with free on-site private parking and a shared kitchen.Convenient Facilities
The hostel provides a bike hire service and a fully equipped kitchen, catering to travellers who prefer to explore the area on two wheels or prepare their own meals.Local Attractions
Mount Aso is located 8 km away, while KK Wings and Egao Kenko Stadium Kumamoto are 33 km from the property. Kumamoto Castle and Suizenji Park are 42 km distant, offering various activities and scenic views. -
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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 restaurant serving Japanese and European cuisines, a lounge, and a minimarket.Dining Experience
Breakfast includes local specialities, warm dishes, juice, and fruits. Dinner is available at the on-site restaurant, offering a variety of options.Prime Location
Located 9 km from Mount Aso and 31 km from Kumamoto Airport, the hotel is near attractions such as Kuroishi Station and Lake Ezu. Guests appreciate the scenic views and excellent service. -
AsoTsuruyaView on Booking.com
Comfortable Accommodations
AsoTsuruya in Aso offers family rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and modern amenities. Each room includes a balcony with mountain views, bathrobes, and free WiFi.Dining Experience
Guests can enjoy Japanese cuisine at the traditional restaurant or relax at the bar. The on-site restaurant serves Asian breakfast and provides a cosy dining area.Leisure Facilities
The ryokan features a lounge, terrace, and private open-air bath. Additional amenities include a work desk, sofa bed, and streaming services.Local Attractions
Mount Aso is 11 km away, Kumamoto Castle 47 km, and Egao Kenko Stadium 38 km from the property. Free on-site private parking is available. -
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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 tea and coffee maker, refrigerator, and TV. Guests enjoy free WiFi, laundry service, and free on-site private parking.Delicious Breakfast
A complimentary Asian breakfast is served daily, featuring local specialties. The property staff provide excellent service support and maintain high standards of room cleanliness.Convenient Location
Located 8 km from Mount Aso and 25 km from Kumamoto Airport, Asobe is near attractions such as KK Wings (30 km) and Kumamoto Castle (39 km). Free WiFi enhances guest comfort. -
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Tabinoyado AsonoyuView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Tabinoyado Asonoyu in Aso offers family rooms with air-conditioning, tatami floors, and free WiFi. Each room includes a seating area, TV, and free toiletries.Relaxing Facilities
Guests can enjoy a hot spring bath, open-air bath, and a beautiful garden. The property also features a public bath and free on-site private parking.Dining Experience
The on-site restaurant serves traditional Japanese cuisine, complemented by a variety of beverages.Local Attractions
Mount Aso is 13 km away, while Kumamoto Castle and Suizenji Park are 41 km from the ryokan. Other nearby points include Lake Ezu and KK Wings.
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