Spots in Aso Area

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Kumamoto
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Category

Aso Shrine

4.0

354 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kumamoto Aso-shi Ichinomiyamachi Miyaji 3083-1

Records state this Shinto shrine was founded in 282 BCE. The head shrine of the 500-some Aso shrines across the country, the shrine is dedicated to Takeiwatatsu-no-Mikoto and eleven other related deities. This ancient shrine combines Shinto with a mountain faith which worships the caldera of Mt. Aso as a sacred object, and is revered as the most important shrine in what was Higo Province (now Kumamoto Prefecture). Six of the shrines structures, such as its main shrine building and two-storied gate have been designated National Important Cultural Properties. In particular, its two-storied gate is one of the largest in Kyushu and is counted as one of the three greatest two-storied shrine gates in all of Japan. Some of the shrine's many other highlights include a stone which is said to grant wishes, and a pine tree which is said to grant luck in finding love and marriage.

Travelling to Miyaji on a JR Hohi Line Limited Express, my primarly motivation for the journey was to sample JRs attractive Kawasemi Yamasemi scenic train for the return journey to Kumamoto. With...
Aso Cuddly Dominion

4.0

185 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Kumamoto Pref. Asoshi Kurokawa 2163

Located on a sprawling plot of land at the foot of Mt. Aso, this zoo boasts nearly 500 specimens from approximately 100 species, including about 200 bears. It is famous for the chimpanzee Pan-kun, his daughter Purin-chan, and the dog James (currently James II), all of whom have appeared on television programs. It offers visitors many opportunities to get close and personal with the animals, including an exhibit where they can experience feeding the bears as well as a dog and cat petting facility.

Overcrowding and unnatural forced interactions for the animals. It’s all under the guise of being cute, and one probably wouldn’t recognize the problems unless familiar with signs of distress in...
Kurokawa Onsen Okunoyu

4.0

136 Reviews

Accommodations / Hot Spring

Kumamoto Pref. Asogunminamiogunimachi Manganji Kurokawa 6567

This is the 26-room Kurokawa hot spring traditional Japanese inn. It sits on an extensive site of 6,600 meters squared; you can enjoy a variety of hot springs 24 hours a day depending on your personal taste such as the open-air bath, the cave bath or the family bath which can be reserved. The handcrafted river bath is popular, which commands a view of the spectacular waterfall at the front. There is also Kurokawa’s only heated hot spring pool, so you can even visit with children and have peace of mind.

I had high expectations of this place from the reviews and how it’s a lot more expensive than most Onsens. The good It’s a lovely setting. Next to the river it’s very pretty. The dinner was great...
ASO VOLCANO MUSEUM

3.5

144 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Kumamoto Pref. Asoshi Akamizu 1930-1

This three-story museum in Aso City is dedicated to Mt. Aso, an active volcano. The second floor's permanent exhibit features panel displays of the area's geology and the current conditions of the volcano. The third floor has video facilities showcasing Aso's natural environment and the area's folk culture. The museum lets visitors view the craters in real time, helpful when access is restricted due to bad weather or volcanic activity. Head to the first floor for the gift shop and a restaurant serving light fare.

I visited this after the snow storm. The view is really amazing both along the way to this and around this place FB:กินเที่ยวไม่ซ้ำ จำที่ไม่ได้ Google map:กินเที่ยวไม่ซ้ำ จำที่ไม่ได้
Roadside Station Oguni

3.5

110 Reviews

Transportation

Kumamoto Pref. Asogunogunimachi Miyabaru 1754-17

"This roadside station is in Oguni Town, Aso County. It's also known locally as ""Yu Station."" Completely covered in mirror glass and made with local Oguni cedar, it's Japan's first wooden-space truss building. The first floor has a gift shop selling specialty products, and the second floor is a tourist information center providing all you need to know about the region. It's on the site of what was once the Japanese National Railway's Higo-Oguni Station."

As my title suggest , nothing much at this place. First floor sell souvenirs and snacks while the 2nd floor is a small exhibition of photo taken of various part of japan.
Aso Roadside Station

4.0

28 Reviews

Transportation

Kumamoto Pref. Asoshi Kurokawa 1440-1

An excellently situated roadside station which offers superb views of Mt. Aso to the south and the outer rim of a volcanic greater standing beyond agricultural land to the north. There is an information booth inside the facility staffed by guides who will be happy to tell you about local tourist attractions and recommend special local products. The facility stands at a key crossing point between the Aso Tozan Road, National Route 57, and National Route 212.

熊本特産品がたくさん並び、バラエティーに富んだボリューム満点の手作り弁当も飛ぶように売れていました。観光客はもちろん、地元の方々も大勢利用されていました。わざわざでも立ち寄る価値があると思います。
Takamorimachi Yusui Tunnel Park

4.0

108 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Kumamoto Pref. Asoguntakamorimachi Takamori 1034-2

Walk 10 minutes south from Takamori Station. After construction work to connect the Takamori Line and Takachiho Line of the former national railway was stopped, 550 meters of the tunnel entrance were given over to become a park. There is a walking path set up inside the tunnel, which features all manner of attractions including the “Water Pearl” fountain where one can watch the wonderful movement of water droplets, and projection mapping. Seasonal events include the summer “Star Festival” and winter “Christmas Fantasy.”

高森湧水トンネル公園（たかもりゆうすいとんねるこうえん）は、熊本県阿蘇郡高森町高森（くまもとけんあそぐんたかもりまちたかもり）にある公園だ。1975年、旧国鉄の高森線と高千穂線を結ぶ工事中に、採掘中のトンネルから出水。敷設計画が中止となったため、そのまま公園として整備されている。高森湧水トンネル公園熊本県阿蘇郡高森町高森１０５７−１４ 0967-62-3331 2022年4月12日、この日は...
Ikeyama Suigen (Spring Source)

4.5

82 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kumamoto Pref. Asogunubuyamamura Tajiri 14-1

This spring water was selected as one of Japan’s top 100 waters. With the Mt. Juku range at its source, each minute it pumps out 30 tons of water and many people come to draw from it. The water temperature remains around 13 degrees throughout the year. It is water representative of the Aso area, with a mild taste.

We walked from the other side of hills on a very sunny day...we finished about 1 gallon of water when we finally got there... We passed several herds of cows gazing and it was scary because they...
Mt. Daikanbo

Travel / Tourism

Kumamoto Pref. Asoshi Yamada

A 936 meter high mountain located on the highest peak of the outer rim of the north crater of Mt. Aso. In ancient times, it was called Tomigahana (the nose looking into the distance), but the great author Tokutomi Soho dubbed it Daikanbo (great overviewing mountain) after being moved by the magnificent view. The mountain offers a sweeping view of the five peaks of Mt. Aso, the Kuju Mountain Range, and the Aso Caldera. The controlled burns conducted in spring are held on an impressive scale.
Oshitoishi

4.0

67 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kumamoto Pref. Asogunminamiogunimachi Nakabaru 511

This is a stone culture ruin dotted with huge megaliths named sun stones, and Cuneiform script-engraved mirror stones. If one borrows a compass from the management center and takes a walk around, the strong magnetic field means the needle which should by all rights be pointing North begins to swing creating quite an unsettling experience! It’s a spot where one can enjoy the beauty of nature including views of Mt. Kuju and Mt. Aso.

広大な台地が広がる丘の上に、幾つかの大きな石が転がっているところです。シュメール文字？が刻まれている鏡石、祭壇石、磁気を発する押戸石、はさみ石など。周りを360度見渡せて、周りに広がる広大な大地がきれいです。遠くには阿蘇の山々が見られます。環境整備費として一人200円必要ですが、とても眺めの良いところです。進撃の巨人のロケ地となったそうです。
Shiroyama Observation Deck

4.0

53 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kumamoto Pref. Asoshi Ichinomiyamachisanno 2351

This viewpoint is located 748 meters above sea level. Located at the start of the Yamanami Highway that leads to Beppu, it's a nice spot for a break while driving. It has a magnificent view of Aso Gogaku, the five peaks of Mt. Aso-with the farmland of the Aso Valley stretching below. On autumn early mornings when conditions are right, you might see the phenomenon known as unkai, a sea of clouds.

We were heading back to Fukuoka and this lookout is on the way and we made a quick stop. The view is very beautiful looking back down the flat valley at Aso station and surrounding mountains...
Roadside Station Tsujunkyo

3.5

45 Reviews

Transportation

Kumamoto Pref. Kamimashikigunyamatochou Shimoichi 184-1

This roadside station is on National Route 218. Their shop handles local specialties such as Yabecha tea and citron products. There's also a restaurant and a rest area. Lots of travelers visit for the nearby Tsujunkyo Bridge, a National Important Cultural Property, as well as the beautiful natural surroundings that include Gorogataki Waterfall. You can learn more about the bridge at the facility's Tsujunkyo Bridge Museum.

普通、道の駅は国道などの主要道路沿いにありますが、こちらの道の駅通潤橋は、国道を離れ、町の中心部も離れた場所にあるんです。道の駅の駐車場からも見渡すことができるんですが、有名な石橋、通潤橋がすぐ近くにありました。ですから、道の駅というよりも、通潤橋のための観光施設と言ってもよいでしょう。館内には、山都町の特産品が並んでいましたし、すぐ隣には通潤橋史料館があり、その奥には、並行三棟づくりの建物...
Hinoyama Onsen Dondokoyu

3.5

59 Reviews

Accommodations / Hot Spring

Kumamoto Pref. Asogunminamiasomura Shimono 135-1

Approximately a 40 minute drive from the Kumamoto Interchange off of the Kyushu Expressway, this facility boasts the largest acreage in West Japan for a hot springs spa resort, and adjoins the Arden Hotel Aso. In total, the waters for all of the 13 baths, for women and men, are direct flowing sulfate spring waters said to be beneficial for hardening of the arteries, and external cuts. The pride of the resort is its luxurious outdoor garden bath rustically designed with natural trees, and large lava boulders. The restaurant, coin massage corner, and free relaxation lounge are recommended. The shop selling the local Aso vegetables and farm products are also a treat. Lodging guests of the Arden Hotel Aso may bathe as many times as they wish for free.

立ち寄り湯で行きました。スーパー銭湯のような感覚です。しかし泉質はいいと感じました。他の方も書いていますが、ロッカーの百円は戻ってきませんでした。道そばで寄りやすいので、使い勝手がいいと思います。
Roadside Station Namino (Kaguraen)

4.0

34 Reviews

Transportation

Kumamoto Pref. Asoshi Naminoshouchino 1602

This roadside station is on National Route 57 which connects Kumamoto and Oita. Its ample facilities include an eatery, a shop selling local specialties, and an event area. They also provide information on local kagura, an ancient form of ritual music and dance. You can also view performances. They hold workshops for making tasty soba noodles by hand too.

阿蘇山から祖母山登山口への移動の途中で、遅めのランチ、閉店間際にもつ煮定食を頂きました。平日の16:00過ぎはお客も無くほぼ貸切、閉店までのんびり過ごさせて頂きました。もつ煮のお皿が少し小さくかも。
Tawarayama Koryukan Moe no Sato

4.0

40 Reviews

Shopping

Kumamoto Pref. Asogunnishiharamura Komori 2115-3

This community center is in Nishihara Village, Aso County. They have a produce stand selling local vegetables as well as prepared products like original shochu liquor made from local sweet potatoes, confections, and pickled vegetables. They display the work of the Kumamoto born calligrapher Soun Takeda too.

南阿蘇村から県道２８号線を熊本市内方面へと向かっていました。阿蘇の外輪山である俵山を過ぎると長い下りが続いていて、しばらく下ると、道の左手に「俵山交流館...
Kusasenrigahama Beach

Travel / Tourism

Kusumoto-ken, Aso City, Kusaki-igahama

A prairie located in the remains of a caldera at the foot of Mt. Eboshi, one of the five peaks of Mt. Aso. The location is known for its picturesque and idyllic scenery—horses and cows freely graze in the area against the backdrop of the mountain’s smoking middle peak. Considered one of the most representative sights in the Aso area, many people come here to enjoy the atmosphere.
Kabutoiwa Observatory

4.0

24 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kumamoto Pref. Asoshi Nishikozono

This is an observatory deck on the prefectural road Route 339 (Milk Road). Here one can see the five peaks of Mt. Aso and its outer crater rim, and a sea of clouds in the early morning. It’s recommended for a drive break, or to use the shop or 24-hour toilet facilities.

訪問は１２月の２０日過ぎ、地震によって元々あった展望所が壊れたようで、まだ重機で整地？していた。杭の内側までは行けるのでギリギリまで行って景色を堪能。曇り空ではあったが、噴煙もバッチリ！大観峰より噴煙は見やすいかも。
Hogihogi Shrine

3.5

28 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kumamoto Pref. Asogunminamiasomura Kain 2909-2

This unusual Shinto shrine is located in Minamiaso village, Aso County. It was founded to pray for hitting the lottery, and it honors a boulder that was dug up during construction work in 2004. Lots of visitors come to pray for big winnings. People from around the country leave old wallets and purses at a memorial altar.

南阿蘇の観光名所である「宝来宝来神社」に立ち寄る事に。一部の方にはパワースポットという認識が有られるが、私はパワーがどうだのこうだのではなく、こういう施設をお金をかけてコツコツ増設しながら作り上げているのに、入場料を一切徴収せず何も買わなければ一切無料で済む施設という点が素晴らしいと感心する場所。真っ赤な建物が印象的な神社で、久しぶりに来たが以前より施設が増設されていました。宝来宝来堂の隣には...
Daikanbo Observation Deck

Travel / Tourism

Kumamoto Aso-shi Yamada 2090-8
Kokuzo Shrine

4.5

20 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kumamoto Pref. Asoshi Ichinomiyamachiteno 2110

"This Shinto shrine is one of the oldest in Kumamoto Prefecture. One of the 12 shrines of Aso, this shrine is dedicated to Hayamikatama-no-Mikoto and three other gods. The shrine is a famous for being a mystical ""power spot"" destination said to improve one's economic fortunes. Legend has it that the grove of cedars encompassing the grounds were personally planted by Hayamikatama-no-Mikoto and, although they were damaged by a major typhoon in 1991, trees more than 2,000 years old still stand straight and proud here. The shrine history-rich events throughout the year, including a field festival to pray for large harvests, a spring festival, traditional ritual to banish a sleep-inducing demon, and a rice harvesting festival."

癒しとパワーを感じる神社です。特に何があるとかではなく、マイナスイオンを感じてなんとなく居心地の良さのある神社です。

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Kumamoto Areas

Kumamoto lies in the center of Kyushu, a calm prefecture perfect for easy strolls around the historic center and lazy evenings in the natural hot springs at Kurokawa Onsen. For a slightly more strenuous activity, head to Mount Aso, whose surrounding hills offer hiking opportunities aplenty with views over the active volcano.