Hello~ We are Minze and Totoro!
哈囉大家好~ 我們是小之和于媗！
Today we want to introduce Aso Shrine to you~
Totoro
Aso Shrine and Monzen-machi
Aso Shrine has a history of over 2,300 years and is recognized as a National Important Cultural Property with around 500 branches Jinja across Japan.
Rebuilt after the Kumamoto earthquake, Aso Shrine retains its ancient charm. A morning visit offers a serene atmosphere, with the majestic front gate standing solemnly. The sunlight casting its glow on the deep brown structure resembles a gracefully elegant elder who guides you into a sacred area, narrating stories that have flowed through the river of history.
First, let me introduce the traditional way to pay respects at the shrine : bow twice, clap twice, state your wishes, and then bow once more to complete the ritual.
Two other things that left a deep impression on me are the “Takasago No Matsu (Pine),” where people pray for connections, and the “Gankake Ishi (Wishing Stone),” where people pray for their wishes to come true. The methods of praying differ. For the former, men go left and women go right, circling the pine tree twice. For the latter, you silently recite your wish in your heart, then touch the stone three times, and say your wish out loud for it to come true.
The earthquake may have damaged the roof tiles, but it did not shatter the shrine’s spiritual energy and hope.
The purification and collection of one’s spirit and mind are the greatest rewards from a pilgrimage to Aso Shrine.
May everyone’s wishes come true.
After visiting the shrine, I recommend exploring the nearby shopping streets for some delicious treats. Here are three must-try places:
Torimiya (とり宮)
Aso is famous for horse meat, and for those new to this delicacy, horse meat croquettes are a great introduction. Unlike regular croquettes that only offer the aroma of potatoes, these golden-fried horse meat croquettes combine unique spices with the meat and potatoes. The texture ranges from the crispy exterior to the smooth filling inside, making them irresistible even for those who usually avoid hot food.
Aso no Okashi Kobo Tanoya (阿蘇の菓子工房 たのや)
The dessert display here is a dream come true for any sweet lover. In a market flooded with flashy yet superficial cafes, this dessert shop’s dedication to high quality and affordability won me over, especially with its cream puffs. The elegant exterior and rich yet light filling make for an unforgettable bite as the cream eagerly bursts through the delicate shell, prompting us to rush back in for seconds. We also tried the owner’s recommended daifuku, opting for the “Strawberry Banana Chocolate Daifuku.” Each bite offers a different experience, making it a treat worth sharing. The shop also has seating available, perfect for a brief rest while savoring your sweets.
Komeko
Tucked away in greenery, this wooden cottage-style café has a fitting artistic atmosphere. Known for its chiffon cake, which is made from rice rather than the usual ingredients, it offers seasonal flavors. We tried the summer-exclusive matcha chiffon cake, filled with matcha custard and fresh cream, topped with fresh citrus, chestnuts, and cookie crumbs— a feast for both the eyes and the taste. Listening to the wind chimes swaying in the breeze and enjoying the thoughtfully decorated interior made for a blissful and pleasant experience.＾＾
Bonus : Kyū Jo Gakko Ato (旧女学校跡)
Lastly, I’d like to share a unique shop that sells antique furniture, called “Kyū Jo Gakko Ato ,” which, as the name suggests, is housed in a former girls’ school. The colorful stained glass in the hallway bathes the space in a kaleidoscope of colors, making it feel like you’ve stepped into a time machine, transforming into a young lady of the court, savoring the nostalgic atmosphere surrounded by finely crafted wooden furniture.
Minze
In addition to the beautiful Aso Shrine, the torii gates here are quite unique. Generally, torii gates are located at the front entrance of the shrine, serving as the entrance and gateway for the deities. However, at Aso Shrine, they are situated on the left and right sides, and it is said that they connect the volcano with Kokuzou Shrine. The main gate of Aso Shrine is called “Roumon” in Japanese, a two gate. As one in top three of Japan’s Roumon gates and a designated National Important Cultural Property of Japan, the new and old wood colors mixed together after reconstruction. Making one deeply appreciate how much effort Japan has put into preserving its traditions. Only antiquity has long been insignificant in the long stretch of history; without any introduction, ruins are just broken walls, and unrenovated historic sites are just dilapidated houses. Beauty is subjective, but craftsmanship is objective, and Japan always manages to satisfy me on both fronts. Personally, I collect “shuin” (stamps from Japanese jinja, usually available at jinja selling protective charms), and the shuin from Aso Jinja is not written in a stamp book but is instead a paper with their design (which seems to change annually).
Next to Aso Jinja, amidst the bustling shopping street, besides delicious freshly fried croquettes and overstuffed cream puffs, the Mizuki pilgrimage is also a major highlight. Mizuki refers to points where drinkable spring water emerges. We started our search from the spring in front of Aso Jinja, and almost every store had a Mizuki at its entrance, with a sign next to it displaying the name of the spring and a water quality certification. Though I, as an ordinary person, cannot clearly distinguish the flavors of the different Mizukis, and I’m not sure if it’s just psychological, the taste I liked the most was from “Karen Water.” Next to the “Kinun Water,” there is a very cute red frog. I took photos with the “Dazai Osamu” goods from “Bungou Stray Dogs” at Bungou Spring. On this short street, aside from the delicious food, discovering these small attractions is also highly recommended.
