With a history dating back around 2,300 years, Aso Shrine is dedicated to Takeiwatatsu no Mikoto, the grandson of Japan’s first legendary emperor and the founding father of Aso. It is also the head shrine of the nearly 500 Aso Shrines around Japan. Standing at 18 meters tall, the Romon gate is one of Japan’s three largest shrine gates and has been designated as an Important Cultural Property by the national government. The main pavilion itself is highly regarded as one of the prime examples of early modern shrine and temple architecture.

Shrine parishioners come to worship the god of agriculture, and festivals are held throughout the year to pray for good harvests in accordance with the seasonal rice crop. (These festivals have been designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property.) The traditional festivals are just another aspect that adds to the charm of Aso Shrine. Since ancient times, the lake in the Nakadake crater has been considered a shintai or where 
Shinto gods reside. Aso Sanjo Shrine, located near Nakadake crater, serves as the inner sanctuary of Aso Shrine.


*Romon gate is under reconstruction due to the earthquake damage.