20 Shrines in Kumamoto worth your time

This ancient head shrine features a massive gate and unique horizontal approach, recently restored after the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake.

What it is

• The head shrine for approximately 450 Aso shrines across Japan.
• Enshrines twelve deities including Takeiwatatsu-no-mikoto, a grandson of Emperor Jimmu.
• The Aso clan has served as high priests here since ancient times.
• Six shrine buildings are designated as National Important Cultural Properties.

What to see

• A rare horizontal approach road leading to the shrine grounds.
• The two-story Romon gate, ranked as one of the three largest in Japan.
• Restored worship hall and gate following completion of earthquake repairs in 2024.

When to go

• The Onda Festival, a national important intangible folk property, is held here.

Getting there

• The shrine is an 18-minute walk from Miyaji Station.

Official site

asojinja.or.jp

Read more about Aso Shrine

A historic shrine in Nagomi featuring an 800-year-old sacred camphor tree and a 270-year-old tradition of children's kagura dance.

What it is

• A religious site in Nagomi Town affiliated with the Aso Shrine system.
• Founded in November 1200 by Sakanashi Yagosuke.
• The shrine enshrines the deity Hikomiko-no-kami.
• Home to a children's kagura performance tradition spanning 270 years.

What to see

• A giant camphor tree standing approximately twenty-five meters tall.
• A prefectural natural monument with a trunk circumference of 6.5 meters.
• A sacred tree associated with local legends of a white snake.
• Nine different kagura dances performed by various groups of children.

When to go

• Visit in November to commemorate the month of the shrine's founding.
• The children's kagura is a designated cultural asset performed on specific festival days.

Read more about Yamamoriaso Shrine

One of Japan's three major Myoken shrines, famous for its UNESCO-recognized autumn festival featuring a unique turtle-snake creature.

What it is

• One of the three major Myoken shrines in Japan, established by imperial decree in 1186.
• Dedicated to the deities Amenominakanushi-no-kami and Kuninotokotachi-no-mikoto.
• Formerly known as Myoken-gu before being renamed in 1871.
• An ancient spiritual site with an upper shrine founded on Mount Yokodake in 795.

What to see

• The Kida or Genbu, a traditional creature resembling a mix of a turtle and a snake.
• Reifu Shrine, an external branch located two hundred meters to the east.
• UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage displays during the annual Myoken Festival.

When to go

• November 22 and 23 for the annual Myoken Festival.
• May 31 to June 1 to witness the Himuro Festival.

Read more about Yatsushiro Shrine

A Japan Heritage shrine founded in 1280, known as the Shrine of Happiness and featuring historic divine statues.

What it is

• Founded in 1280 by Sagara Yoritoshi in Asagiri Town.
• Enshrines the deities Izanagi, Izanami, and Hayatamao no Okami.
• Designated as a Japan Heritage site in 2015.
• Known locally by the alternative name Kofuku Jinja.

What to see

• The current main building which was constructed in 1931.
• Six divine statues enshrined within the old sanctuary.
• A gabled structure called Nisho Gongen from the former main building.
• A sub-shrine on the grounds dedicated to the rain god.
• A torii gate located near the local train station.

Getting there

• Five minute walk from Okadome Kofuku Station.
• Thirty minutes by car from the Hitoyoshi Interchange.

Read more about Okadome Kumanoza Shrine

Kumamoto Castle Inari Shrine is a historic guardian shrine worth visiting for its unique castle backdrop.

What it is

• A shrine in Kumamoto City, also known as Shirahige-san.
• Kato Kiyomasa enshrined Inari Okami here in 1588.
• It was established as a guardian deity for Kumamoto Castle.
• Revered as a guardian deity of daily life.

What to see

• The stone walls of Kumamoto Castle's main keep rise behind the main hall.
• Kumamoto Daijingu Shrine is located to its north.

When to go

• Hatsuumataisai festival is on the first Day of the Horse in February.

Getting there

• 150m northwest from Kumamoto Castle/City Hall tram stop.
• Immediately accessible from the City Hall bus stop.
• Kumamoto Electric Railway and Kumamoto Bus stops are nearby.

Official site

k-inari.com

Read more about Kumamoto Castle Inari Shrine

This shrine, dedicated to Mt. Aso's guardian deity, is worth visiting for its unique paper lantern exhibits.

What it is

• Shrine dedicated to guardian deity of Mt. Aso.
• Also dedicated to legendary Emperor Keiko.
• Site of important rituals for Yamaga Lantern Festival.

What to see

• Lantern Hall displays Yamaga toro lanterns.
• See golden and silver lanterns worn by dancers.
• Lanterns shaped like shrines, castles, birdcages, dolls.
• All lanterns crafted from washi paper and glue.
• Photographs of Thirty-Six Immortals of Poetry by Tosa Mitsuoki.
• Smaller shrines dedicated to various Shinto deities.

When to go

• Yamaga Lantern Festival in August for main rituals.
• Lantern Hall displays new toro for one year.

Address

熊本県山鹿市山鹿196 Map

Read more about Oomiya Shrine (yamagashi)

This shrine honors Kato Kiyomasa, a deity for good luck, builders, and competitive sports.

What it is

• Shrine dedicated to Kato Kiyomasa, first lord of Higo (Kumamoto) domain.
• Founded in 1871, after the end of samurai rule.
• Rebuilt and renamed Kato Shrine in 1884.
• Moved several times, returned to castle complex in 1962.

What to see

• Wonderful view of the two castle keeps.
• Ancient ginkgo tree, said to be planted by Kato Kiyomasa.
• Stone bridge brought back from Korea by Kiyomasa.
• Shrine built of concrete to minimize fire risk.

When to go

• New Year, when 400,000 people visit over three days.

Getting there

• Located just north of the original castle site.

Address

熊本県熊本市中央区本丸2-1 Map

Official site

www.kato-jinja.or.jp

Read more about Katō Shrine

A historic shrine dedicated to Kato Kiyomasa, built in 1822 to celebrate the success of local land reclamation projects.

What it is

• A shrine dedicated to the spirit of the famous warrior Kato Kiyomasa.
• Founded in 1822 by Kanogoki Ryohei to honor successful land reclamation.
• The site transitioned from a Buddhist temple to a Shinto shrine.
• Designated as a village shrine in 1870.

What to see

• The main shrine grounds where the spirit was invited from Honmyoji Jochi-byo.
• Kaizuka Shrine, which serves as an auxiliary shrine on the premises.
• Wago Shrine, another auxiliary shrine located within the grounds.

When to go

• The annual grand festival takes place on September 24.

Read more about Kaizukatō Shrine (Yatsushiro)

A historic district shrine in Yatsushiro featuring ancient stone monuments and artifacts dating back to the 16th century.

What it is

• A former district shrine dedicated to Takeiwatatsu-no-mikoto and Himemiko-myojin
• Established during the Tensho era and moved to its current location in 1753
• Serves as the guardian deity for the Taneyama district
• Houses an object of worship with a written record dating back to 1626

What to see

• A stone pagoda on the grounds dating back to the year 1500
• Stone lanterns crafted by Hashimoto Kangoro in 1851

When to go

• The annual festival is held every year on July 25
• The autumn festival takes place on October 9

Read more about Wakamiya Shrine

Ukishima Shrine, founded in 1001, offers a serene escape with its sacred pond and unique golden stone.

What it is

• Shrine founded in 1001 by Saburo Naohisa Io.
• Enshrines Izanagi-no-Mikoto and Izanami-no-Mikoto.
• The Io family has served as priests for over a thousand years.

What to see

• A large golden stone called 'Kabuto-ishi' in the pond.
• Pond is 6,000 tsubo with 150,000 tons of spring water daily.
• Designated one of the '100 Famous Waters of the Heisei Era'.

When to go

• Main festival is held on September 15th.

Getting there

• 10-minute walk from Shimorokuka bus stop.
• Parking available for cars and large buses.

Address

熊本県上益城郡嘉島町井寺2827 Map

Read more about Ukishima Shrine (Kashima)

Aoi Aso Shrine is a historic shrine with rare thatched-roof National Treasure buildings, easily accessible from Hitoyoshi Station.

What it is

• Ancient shrine founded in 806 AD.
• Dedicated to three Shinto deities.
• First thatched-roof shrine designated a National Treasure.
• Certified as a Japan Heritage cultural property.

What to see

• Five National Treasure buildings, including the main hall.
• Main hall, corridor, offering hall, worship hall, and tower gate.
• Buildings constructed between 1610 and 1613.
• Sacred camphor tree, 18 meters around the base.
• Monument to sumo wrestler Kumagatake Inosuke.

Getting there

• 4-minute walk from Hitoyoshi Station.

Address

熊本県人吉市上青井町118 Map

Official site

www.aoisan.jp

Read more about Aoi Aso Shrine

Historic shrine dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, known for its Edo-period architecture and horseback archery festival.

What it is

• Shinto shrine in Tamana City, Kumamoto Prefecture.
• Invited from Dazaifu Tenmangū in 936.
• Enshrined deity is Sugawara no Michizane.
• Formerly a village shrine.

What to see

• Main hall, worship hall, tower gate, and torii.
• Buildings constructed in the late Edo period.
• Registered national tangible cultural properties since 2003.
• Yabusame (horseback archery) on a 400-meter track.

When to go

• Autumn Grand Festival held annually on November 25.
• Yabusame is dedicated at the festival.

Address

熊本県玉名市津留499 Map

Official site

bairin-tenmangu.jp

Read more about Bairin-tenmangū

Visit this shrine to see a historic pagoda and a large camphor tree.

What it is

• A Shinto shrine in Kumamoto City.
• Dedicated to three deities including Takeminakata-no-kami.
• Main shrine is Suwa Grand Shrine in Nagano Prefecture.

What to see

• A large camphor tree in front of the worship hall.
• The Shōhei Pagoda, a tangible cultural property.
• Pagoda was created in 1357 by Fujiwara Suketsugu.
• Pagoda features carvings of a rising dragon and a hermit.

Getting there

• Accessible by car from Hikarinomori Station.
• Accessible by car from Sanrigi Station.

Address

熊本県熊本市東区小山6-25 Map

Read more about Oyama Suwa-jinja

Kokuzo Shrine is an ancient shrine in Kumamoto, home to historic tombs and a significant cultural property.

What it is

• One of Kumamoto Prefecture's oldest shrines.
• Also known as Hokugu (North Shrine).
• Dedicated to Haya-Mikata-no-Mikoto.
• Current building constructed in 1672.

What to see

• Haya-Mikata-no-Mikoto's tomb, Kami-Mikura Kofun.
• Ame-no-Miyahime-no-Mikoto's tomb, Shimo-Mikura Kofun.
• Megalithic tumuli from the late 6th century.
• Former site of Teno-no-Sugi, a giant cedar tree.
• Designated Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property.

When to go

• Main festival day is July 26.

Address

熊本県阿蘇市一の宮町手野2100 Map

Read more about Kokuzō Shrine

Sakurayama Shrine honors historical figures and offers a glimpse into local history.

What it is

• A shrine founded in 1885, renamed Sakurayama Shrine in 1948.
• It enshrines Amaterasu Omikami and Toyouke Okami.
• Also dedicated to Hayashi Oen and Higo Kinno-to loyalists.

What to see

• The Kamikaze-ren Museum is on the shrine grounds.
• Museum exhibits about 500 items related to Kamikaze-ren.
• Hayashi Oen's grave is located within the grounds.
• Graves of Otaguro Tomoo and Kaya Harukata are also present.

When to go

• The Kamikaze-ren Museum closes on August 31, 2024.

Address

熊本市中央区黒髪5-7-57 Map

Read more about Sakurayama Shrine

Kikuchi Shrine honors the Kikuchi clan, offering history and cherry blossoms.

What it is

• Shrine dedicated to three generations of the Kikuchi clan.
• One of the Kenmu Restoration Fifteen Shrines.
• Enshrinement ceremony held on April 28, 1870.
• Built on the site of Kikuchi Castle.

What to see

• Main deities: Kikuchi Taketoki, Takemitsu, and Takemasa.
• Twenty-six other Kikuchi clan members are enshrined.
• Kikuchi History Museum on the shrine grounds.
• Museum displays 500 years of Kikuchi clan artifacts.

When to go

• Famous cherry blossom viewing spot.

Address

熊本県菊池市隈府1257 Map

Read more about Kikuchi Shrine

This shrine honors the Hosokawa family, who brought peace and prosperity to the region.

What it is

• Shrine in the northwest corner of Suizenji Jojuen Garden.
• Built in 1878 to revitalize Kumamoto after the Satsuma Rebellion.
• Dedicated to the Hosokawa family, who ruled for over 240 years.
• Honors 11 generations of Hosokawa, including Hosokawa Gracia.

What to see

• Chozuya: stone basin for handwashing.
• Water of longevity from an underground spring.
• Baroquely shaped pine tree, once a bonsai of Hosokawa Tadatoshi.
• Torii gate by the pond, reconstructed in wood after 2016 earthquake.

Address

熊本県熊本市中央区水前寺公園8-1 Map

Official site

www.suizenji.or.jp

Read more about Izumi Shrine

Yatsushiro-gū is a Shinto shrine dedicated to imperial princes, built on a castle site.

What it is

• A Shinto shrine in Yatsushiro City, Kumamoto Prefecture.
• Dedicated to Imperial Prince Kaneyoshi and Imperial Prince Narinaga.
• One of the Kenmu Restoration Fifteen Shrines.
• Established by order of the Grand Council of State in 1880.

What to see

• Built on the site of Matsue Castle (Yatsushiro Castle).

When to go

• Annual festival is held on August 3rd.

Getting there

• Accessible by bus from JR Kyushu Yatsushiro Station.

Address

熊本県八代市松江城町7-34 Map

Official site

selectroyal.com

Read more about Yatsushiro-gū

Einoo Shrine, founded in 713, is known for its unique torii gate in the sea.

What it is

• Often called Einoo Tsurugi Shrine.
• Founded in 713 by Emperor Genmei's imperial wish.
• Established for the protection of the country and counties.
• Main deity is Watatsumi-no-kami (Tamayori-hime-no-mikoto).

What to see

• A torii gate standing in the Shiranui Sea.

When to go

• Hasso Festival on the first day of the eighth lunar month.
• Summer Grand Festival on the first day of the eighth lunar month.
• Autumn Grand Festival on November 15th.

Address

熊本県宇城市不知火町永尾615 Map

Read more about Einoo Shrine

Kumamoto's oldest shrine, Kengun Shrine offers a glimpse into ancient local history and culture.

What it is

• One of the four Aso Shrines.
• Enshrines Kengun Okami and twelve other deities.
• Founded in 558 by the Aso Shrine chief priest.
• Said to be the oldest shrine in Kumamoto City.

What to see

• Higokagura, an Intangible Folk Cultural Property.
• Sugibababa, a Kumamoto City Historic Site.
• The shrine grounds are a Kumamoto City Historic Site.

Getting there

• Kumamoto City Bus to Kengun Jinja-mae stop.
• Kumamoto City Tram to Kengun-komae stop.

Address

熊本県熊本市東区健軍本町13-1 Map

Read more about Kengun Shrine