Listening to the Whispers of Ancient Woods and Clear Springs ~ Aso Shrine.

Time flows quietly through the spring waters of Miyaji. With a vigil spanning two thousand years, Aso Shrine has become the gentlest sanctuary of faith in Northern Kyushu. Overcoming the shattering of the earthquake and a long period of silence, the once-collapsed double-roofed Romon gate has finally risen again by the skilled hands of craftsmen. Seventy percent of its ancient timber has been tenderly preserved, radiating a subtle scent of Hinoki cypress on June 20th, a day of fierce winds and pouring rain during my journey. Scooping a ladle of the Divine Spring, mingling with the refreshing rain, the water glides over my fingertips. Beneath the massive shimenawa rope, I press my hands together tracing the wood grain, praying for protection and the banishment of misfortune.