Hello!
Zodiac (specifically referring to the Chinese or Japanese zodiac signs)
――Next year will be ’Snake‘ Year
Today, under the winter sky of Aso, often referred to as the “Karuizawa of Kyushu,” I, Batten Arakazu, am still on fire as always! How is everyone doing?
As we approach the Year of the Snake (2025), there are only 18 days left until the New Year, including today, December 13th. So, I’d like to introduce everyone to Hebiishi Jinja (Shinto shrine), which enshrines a living, genuine white snakes! ✨
By the way, let me explain a bit about Jinja (Shinto shrines).
Jinja is a Shinto shrine where Janpanese deity is enshrined. Shinto deities are different from monotheism gods, the divinized existence with mysterious power. People believe and worship deities residing everywhere in nature.
Shinto shrine is a sacred place. There is a torii gateway at the entrance to a Shinto shrine making the bounds of sacred area.
First, you wash your hands and rinse your mouth at the purification fountain. At the main shrine, shintai or object of worship believed to contain the spirit of deity such as a mirror or a sword (here in this case ‘Snake`) is housed. The object is not deity itself but a symbol.
When you pray, you offer any amount of money you wish into an offertory box.
Did you know that there are only about three or four shrines in all of Japan that enshrine real, white snakes, including Hebiishi Shrine? (_;
↓You can see the sign on the right side of Route 57 when coming from Kumamoto City.
To the right and behind the main worship hall, there is a shrine dedicated to a pair of parent white snakes. Above that, there is another shrine enshrining their offspring, a pair of white snakes born to the parents. It may be no exaggeration to say that this is the only shrine in Japan where two generations of parent and offspring snakes are enshrined as pairs! ✨
↓ Surprisingly, they are said to be over 180 cm long! (_;
As part of their natural behavior, snakes are said to shed their skin frequently when they are near water. (_; ↓
↑ Their food consists of sterilized baby mice about a week old, which are specially ordered from Gunma Prefecture. (_)
↓ After offering your prayers at this worship hall ↓
↓ Proof is in the pudding, of course! (_;
↑Here’s a photo taken with permission from the parish representative. ✨
What do you think? This shrine houses a total of four snakes (next year’s zodiac animal, the Snake), and they’re pure white! Despite this, it’s surprisingly not very well-known. (_;
Be sure to visit Aso’s hidden gem, Hebiishi Shrine! ✨
During the first three days of the New Year, free amazake (sweet sake) will be served!
P.S. Buyer, Drivers, beware‼
To avoid drunk driving, drivers should refrain from drinking Amazake.!!
