穿戸岩

Ugetoiwa

Useful Information

Location:	2619 Kamishikimi, Takamori, Aso District, Kumamoto 869-1601. (32.8532335, 131.1580666)
Open:	no restrictions. [2025]
Fee:	free. [2025]
Classification:	Natural Bridge
Light:	n/a
Dimension:	L=10 m, W=10 m.
Guided tours:	self guided
Photography:	allowed
Accessibility:	no
Bibliography:
Address:	Ugetoiwa, 2619 Kamishikimi, Takamori, Aso District, Kumamoto 869-1601, Tel: +81-967-62-2913.
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then. Please check rates and details directly with the companies in question if you need more recent info.

History

1722	current shrine erected after previous building was destroyed by fire.

Description

穿戸岩 (Ugetoiwa, Wind Hole) is located at the Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine in the Aso-Kuju National Park. The shrine is quite spectacular with a long stone staircase leading up to the shrine, and it is frequented by many visitors. But the actual sight is located further up the hill, and there is a trail from the shrine leading there. It is a huge natural bridge on top of the ridge.

According to local lore, the hole was kicked into the rock by Takeiwatatsu no Mikoto’s follower, Kihachihoshi. That’s the reason why it is considered a symbol of the ability to achieve any goal, no matter how difficult. Crossing it is said to bring good luck.

Tateiwatatsu no mikoto is the main deity of Aso. He is a mix of the grandson of the first emperor, the founding father of the Aso region, and the spirit of the Aso volcano itself. According to local legends suggest he had quite a fiery temper. One day he was sitting on one of the peaks of Mount Aso practising his archery. Again and again he aimed and shot his single arrow at Matoishi rock on the far side of the northern caldera edge. Each time, his servant Kihachi ran across the caldera and returned the arrow to his master. However, by the hundredth time, Kihachi was exhausted and instead of picking up the arrow and taking it back politely, he kicked it violently. At this insult, Tateiwatatsu no mikoto erupted in anger like a volcano and chased Kihachi around the caldera. Kihachi, who had turned into a demon, made a hole in the rim of the caldera by kicked at it in an attempt to get out of the caldera. This huge hole through Mount Tsukigata is called Ugetsuiwa, the wind hole. When he tried to escape through this hole, he was caught by Tateiwatatsu no mikoto. He dragged him back inside and ripped him into eight pieces.