地域観光資源の 多言語解説文データベース

Yakuinbaru Fountains

The Aso caldera area is filled with fountains that flow with fresh natural spring water. This is due to the area’s artesian aquifer, a permeable geologic layer positioned between layers of impermeable rock. The intense pressure exerted on the water in the aquifer causes it to spout out, creating natural fountains. Local residents have been drinking this clean, delicious water for centuries, as well as using it to irrigate their agricultural land.

Hitaki Shinji Fire Ritual

Shimo Jinja Shrine is known for the practice of hitaki shinji, an ancient fire ritual. The ritual, which takes place from August 19 to October 16, is performed to appease a vengeful spirit named Kihachi, who would bring frost to the rice fields and damage the crops if left without a warming fire. Traditionally, a young girl was chosen to remain in the shrine hall and keep the fire lit for 59 days while offering prayers to the spirit. The tradition continues to the present day, though local residents now take turns keeping the fire lit.

役犬原之湧泉

在阿蘇破火山口地區，新鮮的天然湧泉舉目可見。由於這一地區的透水性地層被夾在不透水性岩層（也稱受壓含水層）中，含水層內的水體受到劇大的壓力後由地表噴湧而出，進而形成湧泉。數世紀以來，當地居民一直飲用這種清澈可口的水，並將其用於農業灌溉。

焚火敬神儀式

自古以來，霜神社便以「焚火敬神儀式」而聞名。每年8至10月舉行的這一儀式，據說是為了安撫一隻名為「鬼八」的怨靈。若不焚火取暖，水田便會受其影響而結霜，稻作欠收。依照傳統，每一年，被選為「焚火少女」的當地女孩需在神社駐守59日，守護焚火，向鬼八祈禱。焚火習俗一直延續至今，不過已改由當地民眾輪流進行。

役犬原之涌泉

在阿苏破火山口地区，新鲜的天然涌泉比比皆是。由于这一地区的透水性地层被夹在不透水性岩层（也称受压含水层）中，含水层内的水体受到强大的压力后喷出地表，从而形成涌泉。数世纪以来，当地居民一直饮用这种澄澈美味的水，并将其用于农业灌溉。

焚火敬神仪式

自古以来，霜神社便以“焚火敬神仪式”而广为人知。每年8月至10月左右举行的这一仪式，据说是为了安抚一只名为“鬼八”的怨灵。若不焚火取暖，水田便将受其影响而结霜，稻米欠收。按照传统，这一年被选为“焚火少女”的当地女孩需在神社驻守59日，持续焚火，向鬼八祈祷。焚火习俗一直延续至今，不过已改由当地民众轮流进行。