Kusakabe Yoshimi Shrine

Enshrined in Kusakabe, Takamori Town, Aso District, Kumamoto Prefecture, Kusakabe Yoshimi Shrine is a rare descending shrine where the main hall sits at the bottom of over a hundred stone steps below the torii gate. It is counted among Japan's three great descending shrines alongside Udo Shrine in Miyazaki and Ichinomiya Nukisaki Shrine in Gunma, and is known as the third shrine of Aso. Enshrining Hikoyai-no-mikoto (the Country Dragon deity), the first prince of Emperor Jimmu, along with twelve other deities, it welcomes visitors into a sacred grove wrapped in quiet.

Highlights

- The rare descending structure where you walk down the approach toward the hall - Its pedigree enshrining Hikoyai-no-mikoto, the first prince of Emperor Jimmu - The legend of Hikoyai-no-mikoto slaying a great serpent in a pond - Clear spring water welling up beyond the purification pavilion - A uniquely mysterious atmosphere created by the forest quiet and stone steps

Seasonal Enjoyment

From spring to summer, the steps and hall wrapped in fresh greenery feel cool and refreshing, while autumn colors the sacred grounds with foliage. In winter you can enjoy the solemn atmosphere in crisp air, and the purity of the spring water remains constant through the seasons. The view of the hall looking down through the trees, unique to a descending shrine, changes its charm with each season.

Access and Basic Information

- Location: 2175 Kusakabe, Takamori Town, Aso District, Kumamoto Prefecture - Access: Convenient by car from central Takamori - By car: Via the national route from the Minami-Aso and Takamori direction; parking is available - Worship: Grounds open freely, admission free

Practical Travel Notes

The greatest feature of this shrine is walking down over a hundred stone steps from the torii to the hall. Allow about 20 to 30 minutes for a visit, but since the descending steps become an uphill climb on the way back, those unsure of their stamina should proceed slowly and steady their breathing. Some steps are mossy and slippery, so comfortable walking shoes are reassuring. Public transport is limited, so a car is the realistic choice. Touring together with other Takamori sights such as Kamishikimi Kumanoza Shrine and the Takamori Yusui Tunnel Park lets you savor the nature and faith of Minami-Aso in a day. In rain the steps grow especially slippery, so take care.

A Word of Advice

The descending steps become an uphill climb on the way back. Take your time, steady your breathing as you worship, and purify your body and mind with the spring water. Savor the rare structure of one of Japan's three great descending shrines, both going down and climbing back up.