Local Guide
6 power spots to visit when you visit Aso: from water sources to shrines

Located in the northeastern part of Kumamoto Prefecture, the Aso area is home to one of the world's largest calderas. It is a place filled with spectacular natural power, including volcanic craters from which smoke still rises, panoramic grasslands, springs, forests, valleys, hot spring, and more. Aso also has many recommended power spots. We will introduce you to some must-visit spots, from pure water sources to mysterious hills and shrines that are said to bring good fortune.

A beautiful and soothing water source where water bubbles up

The water source is so clear that you can clearly see the bottom and moss.
The water source is so clear that you can clearly see the bottom and moss.

Minamiaso Village, located in the southern part of the Aso Caldera, has many water sources where underground water from the Aso area springs up. The most representative of these is the Shirakawa Spring. Surrounded by lush forests, this spring is the total water source of the Shirakawa River, a first-class river that flows into Kumamoto City, and gushes out as much as 60 tons of water every minute. The spring water is highly transparent, and you can clearly see the water bubbling up from the bottom. The space where the water murmurs and flows between the trees has a somewhat sacred atmosphere. This is a spot where you can soothe your soul with its beautiful water and air.

You can enjoy the spring water, which was selected as one of the "100 Best Waters of the Heisei Era"

People bring plastic bottles to fetch water. Not only locals, but many people from far away come to fetch water.
People bring plastic bottles to fetch water. Not only locals, but many people from far away come to fetch water.

The Shirakawa Spring is located within the grounds of Shirakawa Yoshimi Shrine, where the god of water is enshrined, and the spring water has a long history of being revered as sacred water that grants eternal youth and longevity and wards off all kinds of illnesses. It has also been selected as one of the Ministry of the Environment's "100 Best Waters of the Heisei Era," and you can draw water freely. The mineral-rich water has a mellow taste that is definitely worth trying.
Within the grounds, there is a sweet shop where you can enjoy coffee made with spring water, a product hall with a wide selection of Aso souvenirs, and a shop where you can Experience papermaking using water from the spring. You can experience the charm of the spring water with your whole body.

Shirakawa River Source
  • URLhttps://www.vill.minamiaso.lg.jp/kiji0031111/index.html
  • 住所Shirakawa 2040, Minamiaso Village, Aso District, Kumamoto Prefecture MAP
  • アクセスApproximately 20 minutes by car from JR Tateno Station
  • 定休日none
  • 入場料100 yen for high school students and above, free for junior high school students and below (as a contribution to environmental conservation)
  • TEL0967-67-1112（南阿蘇村産業観光課）
  • 駐車場free
  • メモAs JR Higo-Otsu Station to Aso Station is currently out of service, replacement buses are currently in operation (as of April 2020)

A beautiful and mysterious landscape created by the grasslands and huge rock formations

This hill is also an attractive photogenic spot. It has also been used in filming movies.
This hill is also an attractive photogenic spot. It has also been used in filming movies.

This power spot is located in Minamioguni Town, about a 35-minute drive from JR Aso Station. A small hill and a group of giant rocks appear at the end of a narrow path through the grassland, and it is a quiet location that seems cut off from the surrounding area. From the top of the hill you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of Mount Aso, the Kuju mountain range, Mount Togami, and the vast grassland. The hill is lined with over 300 rocks of various sizes, giving it a somewhat mystical atmosphere. It is a place filled with mysterious power that makes you want to just relax and do nothing.

Feel the romance of ancient times in the magnetic fields and engraved patterns of the stones

It is a strange sight to see that when you place a compass on the stone, the magnetic field causes the compass to go off-axis.
It is a strange sight to see that when you place a compass on the stone, the magnetic field causes the compass to go off-axis.

These megaliths are thought to have been placed artificially, and as they form a line connecting several power spots across the country, some have suggested they may be ancient ruins. Some of the megaliths are engraved with patterns resembling ancient writing, and others are positioned so that the sun rises between two of them on the summer solstice. Some of the stones have magnetic fields, and if you bring a compass, which you can borrow from reception, close to a rock, you can see the needle spinning. Why not experience the romance of timeless antiquity and mystery?

Oshidoishi Hill
  • URLhttps://oshitoishi.net/
  • 住所Kumamoto Prefecture, Aso District, Minamioguni Town, Nakahara MAP
  • アクセスApproximately 35 minutes by car from JR Aso Station
  • 定休日none
  • 入場料Junior high school students and above: 200 yen, children: 100 yen
  • TEL南小国町観光協会（0967-42-1444）
  • 駐車場free
  • メモThe road from the prefectural road to Parking is very narrow, so please be careful if you are not familiar with driving.
    As JR Higo-Otsu Station to Aso Station is currently out of service, replacement buses are currently in operation (as of April 2020)

    The road from the prefectural road to Parking is very narrow, so if you are not used to driving, please be careful.

A tour of three shrines where you can pray for good luck and win the lottery

Oguni Ryo Shrine, surrounded by a forest of cedar trees, is said to bring good fortune to families.
Oguni Ryo Shrine, surrounded by a forest of cedar trees, is said to bring good fortune to families.

Oguni Town in Aso County is located in the northern part of the prefecture. It is said that visiting the three good luck spots in this small town will increase your luck and fortune. The first is Oguni Ryojinja Shrine, which enshrines the two gods, Takahashinomiya and Hinomiya, who developed Oguni Town. The second is the Water God of the Keyaki Water Source, where water springs up at the base of a 1,000-year-old zelkova tree and brings good luck. The third is Kagamigaike Ebisu, the god of wealth, and there is a legend that during the Heian period, a princess of the imperial family threw a hand mirror into this pond to pray for love. All three locations are within walking distance. Pray for good fortune as you walk through the cobblestone streets and streets that still retain the atmosphere of the time when it flourished as a post town.

Receive "Fukusen" to improve your luck

Kagami-ga-ike Pond, which is said to house a bronze mirror from the Heian period
Kagami-ga-ike Pond, which is said to house a bronze mirror from the Heian period

During the Edo period, there is an anecdote that villagers who visited these three shrines enthusiastically won the lottery one after another, so many people visit the shrines to pray for winning the lottery. Also, at that time, it was said that if you mixed the offerings at the Oguni Shrines with the capital for your business, you would get a 10,000 times return, and there was a custom of borrowing small change from the shrines as "lucky coins," so even today, people who visit the three shrines can borrow lucky coins (5 yen coins).
At each spot, stamp the designated sheet and exchange it for lucky coins at the Fukusen Exchange in Miyahara Shopping Arcade in the town. If you are lucky, don't forget to return the coins and give thanks.

Water God of Keyaki Spring
Water God of Keyaki Spring
A tour of the three lucky shrines in Oguni
  • URLhttps://ogunishoko.jp/fukuun
  • 住所1670 Miyahara, Oguni-machi, Aso-gun, Kumamoto Prefecture (Oguni Ryou Shrine) MAP
  • アクセスApproximately 40 minutes by car from JR Aso Station
  • バスアクセスTake the bus from JR Aso Station, get off at "Ogunimachi Yakuba-mae" and walk for about 6 minutes
  • 営業時間0967-46-3621（小国町商工会）
  • TEL0967-46-3621（小国町商工会）
  • 駐車場Free (Oguni Ryou Shrine)
  • メモStamp sheets for visiting the three shrines are available at the stamp pads at each spot, as well as in stores near both shrines.
    As JR Higo-Otsu Station to Aso Station is currently out of service, replacement buses are currently in operation (as of April 2020)

A small village shrine that enshrines a live white snake

Within the grounds, there are two shrines that enshrines live white snakes as sacred objects.
Within the grounds, there are two shrines that enshrines live white snakes as sacred objects.

This small, uninhabited shrine is located at the foot of Mount Aso in a place called Akasui in Aso City. It is said to have originated when people worshipped a white snake that had taken up residence in a large rock at the back of the shrine grounds, and it has been carefully protected by locals for hundreds of years. Three white snakes are enshrined as deities in the snake shrine at the back of the worship hall, and you can worship and photograph their pure white forms through the glass. It is rumored that you will receive good fortune if you set this as your smartphone's wallpaper. It is said that just looking at the sacred white snakes will cleanse your soul.

There are also charms containing the shed skin of white snakes, which are said to bring luck in terms of money.

There are lanterns and statues of white snakes on the approach to the shrine and in the worship hall. Stroke them three times to pray for good fortune.
There are lanterns and statues of white snakes on the approach to the shrine and in the worship hall. Stroke them three times to pray for good fortune.

The white snake that is the object of worship is said to be the messenger of Benzaiten, one of the Seven Lucky Gods, and is therefore said to bring good fortune in terms of improving one's financial luck. Many visitors come to pray for winning the lottery, and inside the worship hall there are many letters of thanks from people who have had their fortunes improved or won the lottery. There are also amulets containing the shed skin of the white snake, so if you want to receive even more miraculous powers, be sure to check them out.
Once you have received the blessing of good fortune in terms of money, try to feel the soothing power of the abundant nature of Mt. Aso that surrounds the shrine with your whole body.

Akamizuhebiishi Shrine
  • URLhttp://www.city.aso.kumamoto.jp/tourism/spot/historic/shrine/
  • 住所1815 Akasui, Aso City, Kumamoto Prefecture MAP
  • アクセスApproximately 18 minutes on foot from JR Akamizu Station
  • バスアクセスTake the express bus "Yamabiko" from Aso Kumamoto Airport, and walk for about 18 minutes from the "Akamizu Ekimae" bus stop.
  • 駐車場free
  • メモAs JR Higo-Otsu Station to Aso Station is currently out of service, replacement buses are currently in operation (as of April 2020)

A place surrounded by giant cedar trees where you can feel the power of nature

The worship hall was built in 1672 (Kanbun 12) by Tsunatoshi, the fifth head of the Hosokawa clan.
The worship hall was built in 1672 (Kanbun 12) by Tsunatoshi, the fifth head of the Hosokawa clan.

With a history of over 2,000 years, it is one of the oldest shrines in Kumamoto Prefecture. It is located north of Aso Shrine, which enshrines Takeiwatatsu no Mikoto, the founder of the development of Aso, and is known locally as Kitamiya.
The shrine enshrines Hayamikatama-no-Mikoto, the son of Takeiwatatsu-no-Mikoto, who is said to have started agriculture in Aso, as well as three other gods, and many agricultural ceremonies are held here. A stream runs along the approach to the shrine, surrounded by giant cedar trees, and a worship hall built over 300 years ago is enshrined within the grounds. There is also a shrine dedicated to a rare catfish, which is worshipped as the god of agriculture and bountiful harvests.

Be impressed by the impressive trunk of the large cedar tree

Teno's Great Cedar, once 47m tall
Teno's Great Cedar, once 47m tall

If you go down to the square on the right hand side from the worship hall, you will find a surprisingly large tree trunk enshrined. This is the "Teno no Osugi" (Great Cedar of Teno), said to have been hand-planted by Hayaben Tama no Mikoto. The tree is said to be 2,000 years old and once grew within the temple grounds, but unfortunately it was damaged by a typhoon in 1991. Currently, both the trunk and the stump are enshrined. The trunk is about 14m in circumference, and its size and presence are impressive. You can touch the trunk and stump, so you can share in the power of nature.

Kokuzo Shrine
  • URLhttps://kumamoto.guide/spots/detail/11937
  • 住所2110 Teno, Ichinomiya-cho, Aso City, Kumamoto Prefecture MAP
  • アクセスApproximately 12 minutes by car from JR Miyaji Station
    Approximately 55 minutes by car from Aso Kumamoto Airport
  • TEL0967-22-4077（阿蘇神社）
  • 駐車場free

A shrine in the forest with a mysterious atmosphere

The deeper you go into the forest, the more you feel as if you are being transported to another world.
The deeper you go into the forest, the more you feel as if you are being transported to another world.

Located deep in the Aso area, near the border with Takachiho Town in Miyazaki Prefecture, this small, uninhabited shrine has become a hot topic on social media for its mystical scenery of a long approach and lanterns lined up in a deep cedar forest. In addition, it has become even more popular since it was featured in the manga "Hotarubi no Mori e."
Especially in the lush season, the moss-covered stone steps, torii gates, and lanterns are surrounded by lush trees and grass, creating a fantastical green world. Why not visit with your camera in hand?

Don't miss the giant rock that is said to grant success and victory.

When you stand in the hole, you can feel the wind blowing through it, just like a natural fan.
When you stand in the hole, you can feel the wind blowing through it, just like a natural fan.

After walking for about 10 minutes up the approach with over 260 steps, the solemn worship hall appears. The sacred tree, the Nagi tree, has leaves that do not easily fall off sideways, and is said to bring good luck in finding a partner and prospering in business.
After praying, climb up behind the worship hall to the sacred Ugetoiwa rock. There is a 10m wide hole in the huge rock, which is said to have been kicked open by a demon. As it pierces the huge rock, it is considered a symbol of the ability to persevere through any difficulty, and it is said that if you touch this rock, you will be granted the blessing of success and victory. This is a spot where you can experience the power of Aso's majestic nature with your whole body.

Kamishikimikumanoza Shrine
  • URLhttp://www.town.takamori.kumamoto.jp/kanko/kankomap/kanko/kamisikimikumanoimasujinja.html
  • 住所2619 Kamiiromi, Takamori-machi, Aso-gun, Kumamoto Prefecture MAP
  • アクセスApproximately 30 minutes by car from JR Aso Station
    Approximately 45 minutes by car from Aso Kumamoto Airport
  • バスアクセスTake the express bus from Aso Kumamoto Airport, change to the Takamori Town Bus/Iromi Kanjo Line at the "Takamori Chuo" bus stop, get off at the "Nakahara Community Center" bus stop and walk for 2 minutes
  • TEL0967-62-1111（高森町政策推進課商工観光係））
  • 駐車場free
  • メモAs JR Higo-Otsu Station to Aso Station is currently out of service, replacement buses are currently in operation (as of April 2020)

After enjoying sightseeing, spend some relaxing time surrounded by nature at a hot spring inn in Aso Kuju National Park.

Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the caldera

Guest room are detached and come with Outdoor hot spring. You can feel one with nature.
Guest room are detached and come with Outdoor hot spring. You can feel one with nature.

About 70 minutes by car from Aso Kumamoto Airport. Located in Aso Kuju National Park at an altitude of 1000m, Hot spring ryokan has just 12 detached buildings with Outdoor hot spring scattered across a 26,000m2 site. The Aso Caldera is one of the largest in the world. Guest room incorporate natural materials grown in the caldera as interior decor, such as tea utensils made from lava and tables made from Oguni cedar. You can spend a luxurious time bathing while listening to the birds singing, enjoying a Japanese KAI Local Flavors you can taste the bounty of the Kyushu earth, and Experience programs to learn about the charms of the caldera, freeing your mind and body surrounded by the great nature of Aso.

Hoshino Resorts KAI Aso
*The contents listed are current as of the date of article update. They may be subject to change, so please check before using.