Travel / Tourism Spots in Aso Area

  • Aso Shrine
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    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 VOLCANO MUSEUM
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    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
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    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
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    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。

  • 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.
  • Ikeyama Suigen (Spring Source)
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    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...

  • Oshitoishi
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    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
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    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
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    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...

  • Roadside Station Namino (Kaguraen)
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    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。

  • 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.
  • Tawarayama Koryukan Moe no Sato
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    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...

  • Hogihogi Shrine
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    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
  • Kabutoiwa Observatory
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    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。

  • Nabegataki Falls
    Travel / Tourism
    Kumamoto Pref. Asogunogunimachi Kurobuchi
    This is a waterfall which is said to have been made by an eruption which occurred about 90,000 years ago, which also created Aso’s caldera lake. This is a small waterfall with a height of about 10 meters and a width of about 20 meters, but the appearance of sunlight shining through the curtain-like broadly cascading water is extremely beautiful. “Urami no taki” which is enjoying the waterfall by going around to the other side of the fall is also popular. An event is also held in the springtime in which the far side of the waterfall is illuminated.
  • Yoh Shomei Art Museum
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    4.5
    33 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Kumamoto Pref. Asogunminamiasomura Kawayou 5988-20
    "An art museum which displays around 40 original drawings and other works of art by picture book creator Shomei Yoh. Situated on a lush, green hill, the museum has a walking course on the hill's vast grass-covered plain called ""Picture Book Lane."" Inside, visitors are greeted by Jake, a dog appearing in Yoh's books; as well as Blue Bee, the blue bee who brings happiness. Visitors are encouraged to enjoy a wonderful tea time in the museum's cafe. The museum also holds original drawing exhibitions. The museum's shop sells a variety of items perfect for gifts and souvenirs, including stuffed animals, picture books, framed pictures, and prints."

    ちょうど行ったときブルービーが来ていました。小さくて動きがあるので素人にはいい写真は難しかった。でもこんな蜂がいるなんて知らなかったしとてもきれい。

  • Kitazato Shibasaburo Memorial Museum
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    4.5
    17 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Kumamoto Aso-gun Ogunimachi Kitazato 3199
    "This memorial museum is located in the birthplace of Kitazato Shibasaburo, a medical scientist who is world famous for his research on the bacteria which causes tetanus. The museum operates out of the remodeled Kitazato Bunko, a library which was erected in 1916 thanks to the investment of over 10 thousand yen in funds. The museum displays videos, photographs, and personal affects which convey the life and achievements of the doctor. At the time it was built, the Kitazato Bunko was the second largest library in the prefecture after the Kumamoto Prefectural Library. According to records, the library's collection consisted of 1,511 volumes. The Kihinkan, a facility built to serve as a reception hall for honored guests born in the prefecture and other, also stands on the grounds, and from the structure visitors can get a commanding view of beautiful Mt. Waita, known as the ""Fuji of Oguni."""

    熊本県の北端、小国町にあります。このあたりは温泉の多いところで、温泉めぐりの途中で立ち寄り。鉄道も廃線になって、昔ながらの風景が残るところ。この場所から世界的権威が生まれ育ったということに驚きを感じます。北里柴三郎が建てた文庫や迎賓施設、生家が残っており、その生涯を知ることができます。

  • Yamanami Highway
    Travel / Tourism
    Oita Pref. Kusugunkokonoemachi Tano
    This is a one-hour drive course that connects Yufuin in the north and Kumamoto Prefecture’s Aso-gun Minami Oguni-machi Town in the south, selected as one of Japan’s greatest 100 mountain range roads. There are spots where one can enjoy views of the Kuju Mountain Range, hot springs, and Kogen gourmet food. There are many spots where one can feel close to the mountains such as the Tadewara Wetlands which formed from springs at the base of mountains in the Kyushu volcanic group and Yamanami Farm. Coming from the direction of Fukuoka/Oita, get off the Oita Expressway at “Yufuin IC” and take National Road 210, then enter the Yamanami Highway.
  • Kazenoya (Kurokawa Onsen Ryokan Association)
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    4.0
    19 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Kumamoto Aso-gun Minamiogunimachi Manganji 6594-3
    This large information center is situated in the almost exact center of Kurokawa Onsen, a hot spring district near the border with Oita Prefecture. The center provides tourist information on Kurokawa Onsen and information on various ryokan inns, etc. The Nyuto Tegata hot spring pass sold here is an essential item for fully enjoying the many atmospheric outdoor hot spring baths found in Kurokawa Onsen. The 30 inns in Kurokawa Onsen and the surrounding woodland scenery are all thought of as one great big ryokan inn, and with this pass you can enjoy visiting the various hot spring baths while saving money. Nyuto Tegata passes are also sold at the various inns in the district.

    黒川温泉の湯巡りで利用。まずはこちらの駐車場に車をとめ、湯巡り手形を購入。1300円で3箇所つかえます。温泉街の地図を見ながら、湯巡りする旅館を確認してから徒歩で湯巡り。終わったあとはこちらで牛乳を購入してひと休みです。

Kumamoto Areas

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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.

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