[Kumamoto] Aso Shrine: Home to one of Japan’s "Three Great Romon Gates."

『Aso Shrine』 Ichinomiya-machi, Aso City, Kumamoto Prefecture 3 mins by car or a 19-min walk from JR Miyaji Station I’ve traveled to Aso many times, but this was actually my first time visiting Aso Shrine. As the head shrine for about 500 Aso Shrines across the country, it boasts a history of over 2,000 years. Though it suffered damage during the Kumamoto earthquake, it has since been beautifully restored ⛩. The grand Romon gate is truly awe-inspiring—it's recognized as one of Japan’s "Three Great Two-Story Gates." I also tried the ritual at the "Matchmaking Pine Tree" (Enmusubi no Matsu). The sign said women should circle it twice to the right and men twice to the left, so I gave it a go (◦ˉ ˘ ˉ◦). The shrine was bustling with many visitors. There’s also free parking available. Definitely a place I’d love to visit again ⛩. ┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈𖠚ᐝ𖠿𖠋𖧧┈ 【Aso Shrine】 ■ 3083-1 Miyaji, Ichinomiya-machi, Aso City, Kumamoto Prefecture ▷ 9:00–17:00 Closed: None Parking: Available ༶ஐ┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈