九州各地域の隠れた資源を磨き上げ、国内外へ発信

Hirayama Onsen, also known as the backroom of Yamaga, is famous for their beautifying bathing water. Legend has it that when the land was cultivated by god Aso, hot spring water gushed out from within and healed skin diseases in an instant. Hirayama Aso Shrine is said to have been built as a way to thank Aso for this miracle. Inside, you will see a tower gate, the hall of worship, and the main shrine, all beautifully sculpted. There are even stories of how the sculptures were so realistic that life dwelled on them, and villagers had to nail them down to stop them from coming down to the riverside to drink every night. The shrine was enshrined with Shirahige Shrine in 1908 during the Meiji era. Because Shirahige Shrine hosts the god of sumo, Nomino Sukune, Hiarayama Aso Shrine holds a sumo wrestling match every year on September 15 to pray for good harvest.