Aoi Aso Shrine is affectionately called "Aoi-san" by the people who live in Kuma Hitoyoshi. [National Treasure Aoi Aso Shrine was designated as the first national treasure in Kumamoto Prefecture in 2008] A stately tower gate welcomes travelers.
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Make your sightseeing in Hitoyoshi Kuma even more enjoyable! ! Hitoyoshi Kuma has many tourist spots with plenty to see. We are full of information that will make your sightseeing in Hitoyoshi Kuma even more enjoyable, such as the natural scenery surrounded by the Kyushu Mountains, historic shrines and temples, castle ruins and historical sites, parks and facilities where you can spend time with your family and friends, and events and festivals where you can experience the history and culture unique to Hitoyoshi Kuma. Please come and visit with your family and friends. (tentative)
Aoi Aso Shrine
Aoi Aso Shrine, affectionately called "Aoi-san" by the people living in Kuma Hitoyoshi, became the first building in Kumamoto Prefecture to be designated a national treasure on June 9, 2008. Like Nikko Toshogu Shrine and Itsukushima Shrine, it is rare for an entire shrine complex to be designated a national treasure, and this is the first time in the country that a thatched roof shrine building has been designated a national treasure.
detail
[Address] 118 Kamiaocho, Hitoyoshi City, Kumamoto Prefecture, 868-0005
[Telephone] 0966-22-2274 [Opening hours] Open all day
[Closed days] None
【WEB】 https://aoisan.jp/
[Parking lot] Available
[Nearest station/bus stop] 3 minutes walk from Hitoyoshi Station
[Others] National treasures and Japanese heritage sites
Okunchi Festival
Aoi Aso Shrine was established here on September 9th of the lunar calendar in the first year of the Daido era (806). This auspicious day, which can also be considered the birthday of Aoi Aso Shrine, has been celebrated by people for nine days with various ceremonies, including Shinto rituals and Kuma Kagura offerings. The highlight of the festival is the Shinto procession that takes place on October 9th (September 9th of the lunar calendar). Among the various objects in this procession, the lion wearing a mask is the center of attention. It is said that if you are bitten on the head by the lion, you will be free from illness and disaster, and that it will bring you good luck. The sight of a child crying and red-faced after being bitten by the lion is one of the peaceful scenes of the Okunchi Festival.
Details of Okunchi Festival
◆ Event period: October 3rd to 11th (9th: Shinko Procession)
◆Venue: Aoi Aso Shrine [Closed Days] None
[WEB] https://aoisan.jp/about/matsuri/
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