By ando 
In Minami Aso Village, Aso District, Kumamoto Prefecture, in a spot overlooking the magnificent Aso Gogaku mountains, stands a mysterious jinja that continuously draws visitors from all over Japan dreaming of “getting rich quick.” Its name is Hora Horai Jinja. We will uncover the true nature of this shrine, with its unforgettable name and incredibly powerful stories of good fortune.
Did it Start with a Broken Heavy Machine? The Surprising Story of its Founding
The founding of Hora Horai Jinja is based not on ancient tradition, but on a “miracle” that occurred in modern times.
In 2004, a worker was developing a resort area here and attempted to break up a large rock. Suddenly, the heavy machinery malfunctioned and stopped working. Even after repairs, it broke down again, making it impossible to move the rock.
That night, the rock appeared in the worker’s dream and reportedly said, “Do not break me, but enshrine me. If you do, I will help you win the lottery.”
Skeptical yet hopeful, the worker enshrined the rock and bought a lottery ticket, and remarkably, truly won a significant prize. This story spread by word of mouth, and a portion of the winnings was donated to establish what is now Hora Horai Jinja.
The Unique Worship Method of Chanting “Hogi Hogi”
The most distinctive feature of this jinja is its unique style of worship.
The custom is to face the sacred object, known as the “Tosen Iwa” (Winning Ticket Rock), clap your hands together, and chant “Hogi Hogi, Hogi Hogi” silently in your heart as you pray.
The word “Hogi,” which is derived from the phonetic reading of “Horai,” carries the meaning of “treasure coming.” Signs with “Hogi Hogi” dance throughout the shrine grounds, and the unique rhythm combined with rows of bright red torii gates creates a mysterious atmosphere, as if you’ve wandered into another world.
The Shrine Grounds are a “Theme Park of Good Fortune”
Hora Horai Jinja is not merely a shrine for financial luck. Within its grounds, unique kami (deities) are enshrined, believed to grant various wishes.
The Black Cat Kami: Here, a lucky black cat (not the typical maneki-neko) is enshrined, drawing visitors who pray for pet health and good relationships.
Kami for Cutting and Tying Relationships: There are also spots dedicated to severing bad ties and inviting good ones, attracting many visitors who seek not only financial luck but also turning points in their lives.
Pokkuri Tengu: This popular spot for the elderly is where people pray for long, healthy lives and a peaceful passing without suffering.
“Insider Tips” for Lottery Fans
In fact, because this jinja receives a continuous stream of winning reports, numerous “thank-you letters from winners” are displayed on the grounds. Some of these reports are for hundreds of millions of yen, and these real numbers heighten the expectations of visitors.
Furthermore, there’s a rumor that wrapping and storing your lottery tickets in a “yellow handkerchief” obtained from the jinja increases your chances of winning, leading many fans to seek out this handkerchief.
Basic Information
Location: Kawain 2909-2, Minami Aso-mura, Aso-gun, Kumamoto Prefecture
Access: Approximately 1 hour by car from Kumamoto City. About 10 minutes by taxi from “Aso Shimoda-jo Station” on the Minami Aso Railway.
Visiting Hours: Open 24 hours (the shrine is sometimes lit up at night, offering an even more magical atmosphere).
Parking: Available (free).
Suddenly appearing amidst the beautiful nature of Minami Aso is an energetic space of red and yellow. Whether you believe it or not is up to you, but step inside, and you will undoubtedly be overwhelmed by its immense “positive power.” When visiting Aso, why not go and chant “Hogi Hogi” as a way to test your luck?
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