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Otohime Koyasu Kawara Kannon
乙姫子安河原観音Kumamoto · Kyushu
A roadside Kannon shrine built around a tall, naturally female-shaped standing stone in the Otohime riverbed, worshipped since at least the Heian era (shrine founded 851 CE) as a guardian of fertility and safe childbirth. Legend holds that Empress Jingū prayed here for a safe pregnancy before her sea crossing, and the 87th Aso Grand Shrine priest prayed here for seven days and nights before Emperor Taishō's birth.
- Crowd level
- Hidden gem
- Rating
- 4.4· 28 reviews
- Opening hours
- Daily Open 24 hours
- Admission
- Free, unstaffed, open 24 hours year-round.
- Nearest station
- JR Aso Station (Hōhi Main Line)
Usual hours — confirm with the official site for holidays + seasonal closures.
Today
Open 24 hoursFreeStored weekly hours
Daily Open 24 hours
Note
- A roadside riverbed shrine with no gate, freely visitable in daylight.
How to get there
~10 min by car from JR Aso Station; no direct bus, roadside parking available.
Tags
shrinefolk religion
Location
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