Aoi-Aso Shrine in Hitoyoshi / 青井阿蘇神社

英語版のサイトに "Aoi-Aso Shrine in Hitoyoshi" のページをアップロードしました：
http://handejapan19.html.xdomain.jp/index.html

青井阿蘇神社は、城下町・人吉の街中にあります。
806年(大同元年)に阿蘇神社の分霊を勧請して創建されています。

鎌倉時代以降は人吉の領主となった相良氏が氏神として崇めています。
現在残る社殿は、相良氏20代の長毎によって1610年(慶長15年)に造営されています。

"Aoi-Aso Shrine in Hitoyoshi" のページへどうぞ：
http://handejapan19.html.xdomain.jp/TravelDestinations/Kyushu/Hitoyoshi_E.html

日本版の"青井阿蘇神社"の散策記は下記です：
http://shanehsmt.html.xdomain.jp/Travel/Japan/Kyushu/Hitoyoshi.html#AoiAso
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My English site:
http://handejapan19.html.xdomain.jp/index.html

Hitoyoshi in the southern Kumamoto is a castle town and has long history even since before the Kamakura Age (1185-1333).
Aoi-Aso Shrine, located in the downtown Hitoyoshi, is a historical shrine and was built in 806. SAGARA Clan, who were the castle lords of Hitoyoshi Castle since the thirteenth century, worshipped Aoi-Aso Shrine as their guardian god.

In front of Aoi-Aso Shrine, you will see the two-storied gate behind the "Torii" Gate.

The two-storied gate is very gorgeous. The thatched shrine gate is very rare these days.
The gate was built in 1613 at the beginning of the Edo Age (1603-1868) .

If you go through the two-storied gate, you will see the Worship Hall.
The violet shrine curtain goes well with the thatched Worship Hall.

At the front of the Worship Hall, you will see the Main Shrine Hall through the hall of offering.
It is said the god stays at the Main Shrine Hall.
The atmosphere is very solemn.

As these shrine buildings are very historical and they used unique local architecture, they are designated as national treasures of Japan. They are the first national treasures as thatched shrine buildings.

The page of "Aoi-Aso Shrine in Hitoyoshi":
http://handejapan19.html.xdomain.jp/TravelDestinations/Kyushu/Hitoyoshi_E.html