History / Culture / Tour Spots in Aso 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...

  • ASO VOLCANO MUSEUM
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    3.5
    144 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Kumamoto Pref. Asoshi Akamizu 1930-1
    This three-story museum in Aso City is dedicated to Mt. Aso, an active volcano. The second floor's permanent exhibit features panel displays of the area's geology and the current conditions of the volcano. The third floor has video facilities showcasing Aso's natural environment and the area's folk culture. The museum lets visitors view the craters in real time, helpful when access is restricted due to bad weather or volcanic activity. Head to the first floor for the gift shop and a restaurant serving light fare.

    I visited this after the snow storm. The view is really amazing both along the way to this and around this place FB:กินเที่ยวไม่ซ้ำ จำที่ไม่ได้ Google map:กินเที่ยวไม่ซ้ำ จำที่ไม่ได้

  • Tawarayama Koryukan Moe no Sato
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    4.0
    40 Reviews
    Shopping
    Kumamoto Pref. Asogunnishiharamura Komori 2115-3
    This community center is in Nishihara Village, Aso County. They have a produce stand selling local vegetables as well as prepared products like original shochu liquor made from local sweet potatoes, confections, and pickled vegetables. They display the work of the Kumamoto born calligrapher Soun Takeda too.

    南阿蘇村から県道28号線を熊本市内方面へと向かっていました。阿蘇の外輪山である俵山を過ぎると長い下りが続いていて、しばらく下ると、道の左手に「俵山交流館...

  • 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...

  • Yoh Shomei Art Museum
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    4.5
    33 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Kumamoto Pref. Asogunminamiasomura Kawayou 5988-20
    "An art museum which displays around 40 original drawings and other works of art by picture book creator Shomei Yoh. Situated on a lush, green hill, the museum has a walking course on the hill's vast grass-covered plain called ""Picture Book Lane."" Inside, visitors are greeted by Jake, a dog appearing in Yoh's books; as well as Blue Bee, the blue bee who brings happiness. Visitors are encouraged to enjoy a wonderful tea time in the museum's cafe. The museum also holds original drawing exhibitions. The museum's shop sells a variety of items perfect for gifts and souvenirs, including stuffed animals, picture books, framed pictures, and prints."

    ちょうど行ったときブルービーが来ていました。小さくて動きがあるので素人にはいい写真は難しかった。でもこんな蜂がいるなんて知らなかったしとてもきれい。

  • 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。

  • Kitazato Shibasaburo Memorial Museum
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    4.5
    17 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Kumamoto Aso-gun Ogunimachi Kitazato 3199
    "This memorial museum is located in the birthplace of Kitazato Shibasaburo, a medical scientist who is world famous for his research on the bacteria which causes tetanus. The museum operates out of the remodeled Kitazato Bunko, a library which was erected in 1916 thanks to the investment of over 10 thousand yen in funds. The museum displays videos, photographs, and personal affects which convey the life and achievements of the doctor. At the time it was built, the Kitazato Bunko was the second largest library in the prefecture after the Kumamoto Prefectural Library. According to records, the library's collection consisted of 1,511 volumes. The Kihinkan, a facility built to serve as a reception hall for honored guests born in the prefecture and other, also stands on the grounds, and from the structure visitors can get a commanding view of beautiful Mt. Waita, known as the ""Fuji of Oguni."""

    熊本県の北端、小国町にあります。このあたりは温泉の多いところで、温泉めぐりの途中で立ち寄り。鉄道も廃線になって、昔ながらの風景が残るところ。この場所から世界的権威が生まれ育ったということに驚きを感じます。北里柴三郎が建てた文庫や迎賓施設、生家が残っており、その生涯を知ることができます。

  • Sakamoto Zenzo Museum of Art
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    4.0
    17 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Kumamoto Pref. Asogunogunimachi Kurobuchi 2877
    This art museum is located in the Kurobuchi area of Oguni Town, Aso County. It houses and exhibits works by the Oguni-machi-born abstract artist Zenzo Sakamoto. The exhibition facility consisting of a relocated kominka (old house) is the only one with tatami mats covering the entire interior in Japan, and you can enjoy watching works while sitting on tatami. There are also adjoining facilities such as a museum shop, break room and rental space.

    「全館畳敷きの美術館」と前に書いてあり、その通りの中は畳敷です。大きい民家の中が美術館で展示されているのは抽象芸術作品でした。日本民家なので湿度の対策が大変なのではなどと考えましたが、内部は現代建築になっているのかもしれません。入って左側が常設展時になっていました。鍋ヶ滝に行く途中の道で道路の反対側に駐車場があります。

  • Tsujun Bridge
    Travel / Tourism
    Kumamoto Pref. Kamimashikigunyamatochou Nagahara
    This is a large-scale stone arch aqueduct built in 1854 by Yasunosuke Futa, the village chief of Yabe, in order to send water to the dry Shiraitodai area, and is designated as an important cultural asset. At present, access to some areas is limited due to the effects of the Kumamoto earthquake and water discharge has been stopped.
  • 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.
  • Tsuetate Onsen P Hall
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    4.0
    1 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Kumamoto Aso-gun Ogunimachi Tsuetate 4190
    "This community center stands at the foot of the Tsuetate Bridge. The facility's name is derived from its distinctive exterior, which resembles the letter ""P."" The facility has large windows which let in plenty of light, making it an open and airy space, and inside are sold cute, handmade accessories, knickknacks, and original merchandise. Various drinks and desserts are sold in the second floor cafe space. The Mukashi Pudding has a lightly sweet flavor and is particularly popular; on busy days, the cafe will sell 100 or more servings. Feel free to stop by while waiting for a bus or before you can check in to your hotel."

    黒川温泉の北側に杖立温泉がある。 鯉のぼりを川に吊るすイベントの時期でもないし、平日でもあるので静かな温泉街を味わえた。 川沿いの元湯を楽しんだあと、ひと息つこうとお店を探す。 ここ杖立温泉では杖立プリンを売り出しているが、プリンを食べれるお店がなかなか見当たらない。 住人に聞くとこの店をすすめられた。 鉄筋コンクリート打ちっぱなしのおしゃれな建物にある。螺旋階段を上がると、まず目に入るのが、小物...

  • Tsujun Sanso
    Travel / Tourism
    Kumamoto Pref. Kamimashikigunyamatochou Nagahara 192-1
    This hot spring hotel is in Kumamoto Prefecture's Kamimashiki County. Its natural alkaline simple spring is said to help alleviate muscle soreness and nerve pain. It has a spacious indoor bath, a sauna, and an open-air bath surrounded by nature. There's also a bath equipped for seniors and the physically challenged that's available with a reservation. They welcome visitors who stop by just to use the baths.
  • Shirakawa Yoshimi Jinja
    Travel / Tourism
    Kumamoto Aso-gun Minamiasomura Shirakawa
  • Koi Jizo-son
    Travel / Tourism
    Kumamoto Aso-gun Ogunimachi Shimojo
    This Jizo/Kshitigarbha statue stands in a corner of Tsuetate Onsen, once considered the retreat of Kyushu. There are three bridges in the hot spring district spanning the Tsuetate River, and Jizo statues stand at each which are each said to grant wishes. This particular statues stands at the base of Tsuetate Bridge and is said to grant luck in finding love. Together with a Jizo said to protect the growth of children and a Jizo said to protect health, many tourists make sure to visit all three statues.
  • 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。

  • 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。

  • Nusaritujingu
    Travel / Tourism
    Kumamoto Pref. Kamimashikigunyamatochou Ono 698
  • Seiwa Kogen Astronomical Observatory
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    4.0
    3 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Kumamoto Kamimashiki-gun Yamatocho Imuta 1238-14

    風の音と鳥のさえずりだけが聞こえる自然を思い切り満喫できる場所です。 天体観測はとても綺麗で、夜中に自分たちで見ることのできる星空は素晴らしいようです。(私たちは天体観測は十二分に楽しめましたが、夜中は残念ながら見れませんでした。) ただ、5月初旬の気候でも夜中は半端なく冷え込みます。こたつとファンヒーターを使うくらい寒かったので、夜中の観測を考えている方は万全の服装をおススメします。又、ピクニッ...

  • Minami Aso Luna Astronomical Observatory
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    5.0
    2 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Kumamoto Aso-gun Minamiasomura Shirakawa 1810

    主廚相當厲害,知道如何將蔬菜的鮮甜以最好的烹調方式呈現,即便做法簡單,但每一口都吃到好食材的感動,來住宿,大力推䔃一定要訂早晚餐。

  • Kazenooka Aso Oono Katsuhiko Museum
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    5.0
    2 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Kumamoto Aso-gun Minamiasomura Nagano 2514-20

    震災の大きな爪あとを見ながら美術館に着きました。45歳トラクターの事故で両腕をなくしながら義手で力強い絵と心ふるわす詩を書かれてとても感動しました。

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.

Kumamoto Photo Album

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