Hello again from Michi No Eki Aso!
Around 10 a.m. Oliver took us to Aso Shrine. It took about 15 minutes to drive from Michi No Eki Aso. We parked at the parking lot next to Aso Shrine, and on the left side of the parking lot were the Nanten Bird Gate and the approach to the shrine.
As we walked through the Nanten Bird Gate into the shrine, we first encountered the fortune-telling area on the left side, where various fortune slips were available, such as fan-shaped ones and ones with red strings.
They were priced at around 200 yen. Across from it was the place where amulets were bestowed. We bought a stamp book for receiving shrine seals (Goshuin) there and got amulets for our family.
一早Oliver帶我們到阿蘇神社，從阿蘇道之驛出發車程大約十五分鐘，我們停在阿蘇神社旁的停車場，停車場的左側是南鳥居和參道，從南鳥居走進神社，可以先看到左側的御神籤求籤處，那裡有各式各樣的御神籤，如扇子形狀、紅線等的御神籤，價格約200日幣上下，而對面是御守授予所，我們在那裡買了一本 御朱印帳和幫家人求了御守。
As we continued walking, we reached the main hall of Aso Shrine. The original hall was damaged during the Kumamoto earthquake in 2016. What we see now is the reconstructed version. Aso Shrine is dedicated to twelve deities collectively known as the “Aso Twelve Gods.”
Standing before the main hall, we tossed coins into the offertory box and followed the ritual of “two bows, two claps, and one bow” to pay our respects.
After the visit, as we walked down, we encountered the “Wishing Stones.” It is said that the wish will come true by making a wish and touching the stone three times! Next was a row of “Ema boards” where visitors could write down their wishes and hang them up.
往內走就可以看到阿蘇神社拜殿，2016年損毀於熊本大地震，現在看到的已經是再建後的樣貌，阿蘇神社有十二位神明，統稱為「阿蘇十二神」，我們站在拜殿的前面，投錢到賽錢箱，跟著「二拜二拍手一禮」的步驟參拜，參拜結束後往下走看到的是「許願石」，聽說許下願望再摸摸石頭三下願望就會成真喔！旁邊還有一排「繪馬牆」，可以將願望寫下並掛上去。
After leaving the shrine through the Kita Torii gate, we walked straight ahead and arrived at the Monzenmachi shopping street. The street has various food stalls and shops, such as horse meat pancakes, tea houses, rice cakes, and Tamba-ya.
從北鳥居離開神社後，往前走就是門前町商店街，商店街有許多美食小吃和店舖，如馬肉可樂餅、茶屋、糰子、跟丹波屋等…
Our first stop was Torimiya, where we ordered horse meat croquettes and red beef skewers. We had to wait for a while as they were freshly made.
The golden-brown crispy croquettes exuded a tantalizing aroma when we finally received them. The crunchy outer layer enveloped the creamy mashed potatoes with one bite, complemented by the savory horse meat. It was delicious!
Despite being fried food, it wasn’t greasy and could be considered the epitome of pancakes. We then savored the red beef skewers, which burst juicily in our mouths. The meat was perfectly cooked and didn’t require additional seasoning. We highly recommend it!
首先，我們去了Torimiya，點了馬肉可樂餅跟赤牛串，因為是現做的所以等了一下子，拿到的時候非常燙，炸至金黃的可樂餅香味撲鼻，一口咬下，酥脆的外皮包裹著綿密的馬鈴薯泥，搭配著鹹香的馬肉，歐依系！雖說是炸物但一點也不膩口，可以說是可麗餅的天花板，接著品嘗赤牛串，肉汁在嘴裡爆開，熟度恰到好處，不須多餘的調味就很美味了，推薦！
We continued our stroll and found a stand selling grilled rice cakes. We bought a skewer to try. We chose the original flavor (soy sauce). The chubby rice cake was grilled to a golden hue over a charcoal fire and topped with a thick, flavorful soy sauce glaze.
With a bite, we experienced the combination of the crispy outer layer, the soft and chewy interior, and the sweet and savory sauce. The first taste was unique, but it quickly became addictive. We unanimously agreed that the MVP of the day was the grilled rice cakes!
走著走著看到一家烤糰子店，抱著嘗試的心態買了一串吃吃看，點了原味（醬油），白白胖胖的糰子在炭火上烤的金黃，塗上調製好的濃稠醬油就大功告成了，淺嚐一口，焦脆的外皮軟糯的內心加上甜鹹的醬汁，第一口還是覺得很奇特，但會讓上人上癮，非常驚艷，我們一致認為本日MPV就是烤糰子！
Next, we walked for about ten minutes to reach Aso Natural Ice. They use only natural ingredients in their ice cream. We each ordered a set of three scoops for 400 yen. We chose kiwi, brown rice, milk, mango, strawberry, and orange flavors.
The ice cream was smooth yet refreshing. Our favorites were kiwi and orange, providing perfect respite from the summer heat! We wished we could try more flavors. If you ever visit, make sure to give it a try!
再來我們走了約十分鐘的距離到Aso Natural Ice，那裡的冰淇淋都用天然的材料，我們都點了三小球的套餐，要價400日幣，我們點了奇異果、玄米、牛奶、芒果、草莓跟橘子，吃起來綿密卻清爽，我們最喜歡奇異果跟橘子，非常的消暑！意猶未竟，有過來一定要來吃吃看~
Thank you very much for reading and we will back with another entry from our month visit to Aso, Kumamoto.
Ellen
