Shrine Spots in Kumamoto Area

  • Aso Shrine
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    4.0
    354 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Kumamoto Aso-shi Ichinomiyamachi Miyaji 3083-1
    Records state this Shinto shrine was founded in 282 BCE. The head shrine of the 500-some Aso shrines across the country, the shrine is dedicated to Takeiwatatsu-no-Mikoto and eleven other related deities. This ancient shrine combines Shinto with a mountain faith which worships the caldera of Mt. Aso as a sacred object, and is revered as the most important shrine in what was Higo Province (now Kumamoto Prefecture). Six of the shrines structures, such as its main shrine building and two-storied gate have been designated National Important Cultural Properties. In particular, its two-storied gate is one of the largest in Kyushu and is counted as one of the three greatest two-storied shrine gates in all of Japan. Some of the shrine's many other highlights include a stone which is said to grant wishes, and a pine tree which is said to grant luck in finding love and marriage.

    Travelling to Miyaji on a JR Hohi Line Limited Express, my primarly motivation for the journey was to sample JRs attractive Kawasemi Yamasemi scenic train for the return journey to Kumamoto. With...

  • Kato Shrine
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    4.0
    365 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Kumamoto Pref. Kumamotoshichuouku Honmaru 2-1
    Located on the northern part Kumamoto Castle's grounds, this Shinto shrine honors the local feudal lord Kato Kiyomasa, who is called by the name “Seishoko-san” by the locals in friendly manner. You can recognize it by its large white torii gate. The Seishoko Festival is held every year in July. Lots of people come for the night market the evening before the main event as well as the main festival's procession.

    This shrine, located in the premises of Kumamoto Castle, is dedicated to Kato Kiyomasa, a beloved hero of Kumamoto. But the foundation of this shrine is relatively new and it only dates back to Meiji...

  • Aoi Aso-jinja Shrine
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    4.0
    206 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Kumamoto Pref. Hitoyoshishi Kamiaoimachi 118
    This shrine was built in 806, the first year of Emperor Heizei’s reign, and became known as the shrine dedicated to the local deity of the Kuma region. The main building was constructed starting in 1610 over the course of approximately three years by Nagatsune Sagara, and it still stands today. It features a black thatched roof with steep slopes, as well as gorgeously colored, exquisitely decorative Momoyama-style sculptures. In 2008, the five sections of the main shrine building were designated National Treasures. White flowers bloom around the lotus pond in early summer, making it quite a sight to behold.

    This wooden carving Aoi Shrine has over 1200 years history. The 5 structures has been recognized National Treasures in 2008; The gate, Mail hall, Corridor, Offering hall and Oratory. There are...

  • Kumamotojo Inari Jinja
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    3.5
    113 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Kumamoto Kumamoto-shi Chuo-ku Honmaru 3-13

    A small Inari Shrine that is at the SW corner of the Castle premise. Quite visible by the flagging red/white banner as we left the Castle, the red-white banner is a common Inari Shrine setup for...

  • Kengun Shrine
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    4.0
    65 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Kumamoto Pref. Kumamotoshihigashiku Kengunhonmachi 13-1
    Located in Higashi Ward, this is the oldest Shinto shrine in Kumamoto City. It's dedicated to Takeiwatatsu-no-Mikoto, who is said to be the grandson of Japan's first emperor.  One of the four main Aso shrines, it has a roughly 1,200-meter approach called the Hatchobaba leading to it. There's also a lovely tower gate. The torii gate before it was built on the small size so as not to block the view. A sacred ginkgo tree is on the grounds, as well as the Sazare-ishi boulder sung about in the Japanese national anthem.

    健軍神社は熊本市内で最も古い神社とされており、阿蘇四社の一つとして、様々な神が祀られている。健軍の名称は征伐勇士に由来したそうである。

  • Kikuchi Shrine
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    4.0
    47 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Kumamoto Pref. Kikuchishi Waifu 1257
    This Shinto shrine is located in Kikuchi City. Founded in 1870, it honors three feudal lords of the Kikuchi clan who fought on the southern side during the period of the Northern and Southern dynasties (1336–1392) The Kikuchi Jinja History Museum on the precincts displays valuable items tied to the clan and other historical cultural assets. It's also a popular cherry blossom viewing spot and gets crowded in spring when they're in bloom.

    熊本県の北部にある菊池市。私たちは、小国町にある鍋ケ滝を後にして国道を南に走って菊池市の中心部に着きました。町の中心部近くにあったのが、菊池神社です。 菊池神社は、小高い丘全体に境内が広がっていました。私たちが小高い丘と思った場所は、かつて菊池城という中世の山城跡で、この地を治めていた菊池氏の本拠だったそうです。緑豊かな中に、お堂などが点在していました。

  • Izumi Shrine
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    3.5
    71 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Kumamoto Kumamoto-shi Chuo-ku Suizenji Park 8-1
    This Shinto shrine is located inside Suizenji Jojuen Garden, a Momoyama-style circular strolling garden. The shrine was erected in 1878 to pray for the restoration of the local area, a castle town beneath Kumamoto Castle which was devastated by the Satsuma Rebellion. The shrine is principally dedicated to Hosokawa Fujitaka, founder of the Hosokawa clan; Hosokawa Tadaoki, the second Hosokawa lord; Hosokawa Tadatoshi, the third Hosokawa lord; and Hosokawa Shigekata, the eighth Hosokawa lord. The shrine is also dedicated to later lords of the Hosokawa clan as well as Gracia, wife of Tadaoki. The current shrine was rebuilt in 1973 after the original was damaged during World War II. The shrine is still widely visited and is believed to grant worshipers luck in scholarly, martial, and industrial endeavors.

    스이젠지 공원 내부를 돌다보면 만날 수 있는 아담한 신사입니다. 호소카와 가문 일부 인물들의 위패를 모시고 있으며 이따금 종교적인 행사가 열리기도 한답니다.

  • Fujisaki Hachiman-gu Shrine
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    3.5
    52 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Kumamoto Pref. Kumamotoshichuouku Igawabuchimachi 3-1
    This shrine is located in Chuo Ward, Kumamoto City. Founded in 935, it honors the Emperor Ojin, Empress Jingu, and Sumiyoshi Sanjin (Three Gods). It was the primary place of worship for the lords of Kumamoto Castle during the Edo period. The shrine was destroyed by fire in 1877 during the Satsuma Rebellion and later moved to its present location and rebuilt. Every September they hold the Annual Autumn Festival of Fujisaki Hachiman-gu Shrine with a procession of accompanying soldiers and elaborately decorated horses.

    Now revealed that they have been abusing horses at anual events for long time. Traditons?? religeon?? They should close the horific events to a buseing innocents animals...

  • Hogihogi Shrine
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    3.5
    28 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Kumamoto Pref. Asogunminamiasomura Kain 2909-2
    This unusual Shinto shrine is located in Minamiaso village, Aso County. It was founded to pray for hitting the lottery, and it honors a boulder that was dug up during construction work in 2004. Lots of visitors come to pray for big winnings. People from around the country leave old wallets and purses at a memorial altar.

    南阿蘇の観光名所である「宝来宝来神社」に立ち寄る事に。一部の方にはパワースポットという認識が有られるが、私はパワーがどうだのこうだのではなく、こういう施設をお金をかけてコツコツ増設しながら作り上げているのに、入場料を一切徴収せず何も買わなければ一切無料で済む施設という点が素晴らしいと感心する場所。真っ赤な建物が印象的な神社で、久しぶりに来たが以前より施設が増設されていました。 宝来宝来堂の隣には...

  • Kokuzo Shrine
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    4.5
    20 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Kumamoto Pref. Asoshi Ichinomiyamachiteno 2110
    "This Shinto shrine is one of the oldest in Kumamoto Prefecture. One of the 12 shrines of Aso, this shrine is dedicated to Hayamikatama-no-Mikoto and three other gods. The shrine is a famous for being a mystical ""power spot"" destination said to improve one's economic fortunes. Legend has it that the grove of cedars encompassing the grounds were personally planted by Hayamikatama-no-Mikoto and, although they were damaged by a major typhoon in 1991, trees more than 2,000 years old still stand straight and proud here. The shrine history-rich events throughout the year, including a field festival to pray for large harvests, a spring festival, traditional ritual to banish a sleep-inducing demon, and a rice harvesting festival."

    癒しとパワーを感じる神社です。 特に何があるとかではなく、マイナスイオンを感じてなんとなく居心地の良さのある神社です。

  • Ukishima Jinja
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    4.5
    15 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Kumamoto Kami-mashiki-gun Kashimamachi Itera 2828

    イザナギとイザナミが祀られています。両親が子どもを守るということです。赤ちゃんを連れた若い夫婦が参られていました。小さな神社です。周りを取り巻く湧水の池が大きいため透明な明水に浮かんでいるような気持ちになる神社です。子どもの御守りがかわいいです。御朱印は小さな神社ですが立派で、よいご縁をいただきました。熊本市から近いのでまた来たいと思いました。

  • Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine
    Travel / Tourism
    Kumamoto Pref. Asoguntakamorimachi Kamishikimi 2619
    This shrine is located in Takamori Town, Aso County. There's a large rock formation on the grounds with a gaping hole passing through it called the Ugeto Iwa. Legend says a Shinto deity kicked the cavity open. As making a hole in rock isn't so easy, it's thought worshiping there brings success and victory. The shrine's sacred Nagi trees are said to bring blessings too. As the leaves are tough to pull off, it's thought they will give spousal relationships longevity. The approach to the shine is lined with nearly 100 lanterns.
  • Omiya Shrine
    Travel / Tourism
    Kumamoto Pref. Yamagashi Yamaga 196
    This Shinto shrine is approximately 15 minutes by car from both Ueki Interchange and Kikusui Interchange. Located just south of Omiya Park, it honors Emperor Keiko, the 12th emperor of Japan, who in his deified form is thought to be the guardian spirit of Yamaga district. The shrine was constructed on the site of the Imperial lodging used when the Emperor's entourage visited the area. Yamaga paper lanterns, a traditional handicraft made with just washi Japanese paper and glue, are said to have first been made to welcome him. The shrine gets packed with visitors during the lantern festival that's held on August 15 and 16 every year, which features ritual dancing, a torch procession, and a fireworks display.
  • Shirakawa Yoshimi Jinja
    Travel / Tourism
    Kumamoto Aso-gun Minamiasomura Shirakawa
  • Einoo Tsurugi Jinja
    Travel / Tourism
    Kumamoto Uki-shi Shiranuhimachi Einoo 658
  • Shirohebijinjasohakusuiryujingongen
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    3.0
    15 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Kumamoto Pref. Asogunminamiasomura Nakamatsu 3290-1

    一心行の大桜を見た後、北側の国道325号線に向かうと、国道の手前に阿蘇白蛇神社がありました。この神社は、境内で見つかった白蛇様に由来してつくられた神社です。ですから、生きた白蛇様と金蛇様をご神体としています。 神社の拝観所で、ご神体である白蛇様を拝観することができます。白蛇様は、拝観所のガラスケースの中にいらっしゃいましたよ。

  • Kumamoto Daijingu Shrine
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    3.5
    44 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Kumamoto Kumamoto-shi Chuo-ku Honmaru 3-5

    熊本城の東側エリアの熊本城稲荷神社の北側に位置しています。創建は19世紀後半とそれほど古くはないです。伊勢神宮の天照皇大神と豊受大神を勧請して祀ってある場所ですが、大神宮というほどの存在感はなく、わりと普通の神社でした。

  • Kitaoka Shrine
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    4.0
    26 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Kumamoto Kumamoto-shi Nishi-ku Kasuga 1-chome 8-16

    The shrine is very near to our staying place at The New Hotel Kumamoto, about 300 metres and 2 traffic junctions away. Slightly towards the North of the station, very conveniently located. It is...

  • Oguniryo Shrine
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    3.5
    7 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Kumamoto Pref. Asogunogunimachi Miyabaru

    江戸時代の富くじエピソードから、宝くじや金運向上のパワースポットとされています。鳥居の社号標の文字が金色に塗られており、それだけでもありがたい雰囲気が漂っています。立派で風格がある神門、三本杉のご神木、厳かな社殿、平日の早朝だったので境内全体が静かで神秘的でした。小国両神社、けやき水源、鏡ヶ池で福運を呼ぶ三社とされているので、すべて参拝させていただきました。

  • Yatsushirogu Shrine
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    4.0
    9 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Kumamoto Yatsushiro-shi Matsuejomachi 7-34

    Yatsushirogu is a shrine which is located in the site of Yatsushiro Castle. The place where now the main building stands used to stand the castle tower. The shrine is the construction after Meiji...

Kumamoto Areas

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Kumamoto lies in the center of Kyushu, a calm prefecture perfect for easy strolls around the historic center and lazy evenings in the natural hot springs at Kurokawa Onsen. For a slightly more strenuous activity, head to Mount Aso, whose surrounding hills offer hiking opportunities aplenty with views over the active volcano.

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