Hello everyone, I’m Jessica, an intern at Michinoeki !
Today, I visited the Mythical Stone in Aso City, Kumamoto. This place is famous because of a local legend: Takeiwatatsu-no-Mikoto, the founder of Aso, used these stones as targets for archery practice. People say one of his arrows even split the ground! Walking up the stone steps and seeing the huge boulder, I could imagine the ancient archer shooting arrows here. It felt amazing to see a piece of history up close.
Mythical Stone
Walking up the stone steps, you’ll soon find this huge rock.
This place is full of Aso’s legends. It is said that the pioneer Takeiwatatsunomikoto shot arrows at this huge stone from the top of Mount Ojo. The loyal Kihachi always ran back and forth to pick up the arrows, running many times. He was very strong but also very tired. Later, Kihachi was beheaded because he could not follow all the orders, but his spirit did not disappear. He became a guardian spirit of Aso, and every year people hold a festival to honor him and pray for safety and good harvests.
Matoishi-ochaya Ruins
https://www.aso-denku.jp/autumn06/
This site dates back to the Edo period, when it was built as a rest house for travelers visiting Aso Shrine or passing through the area. Even today, it preserves a nostalgic, historical charm, making it a lovely spot for a slow walk and a glimpse into the past.
Aso Ubu Shrine
https://www.aso-denku.jp/blog/2021/01/ubujinja_winter/
Aso Ubu Shrine is one of the most beloved shrines in the area, dedicated to protecting families and new life. It’s especially popular among expectant mothers who come to pray for marriage blessings, safe childbirth, and healthy children. There’s also a unique legend here—if you cook rice porridge using the shrine’s sacred spring water, it’s said to help increase breast milk. More than just a place of worship, it’s also a cultural site where visitors can feel the spiritual heart of Aso.
