Aso City: Features, Popular Tourist Attractions, Gourmet
Aso City in Kumamoto Prefecture is a tourist destination at the foot of Mount Aso, featuring one of the world’s largest calderas, where majestic nature and rich history come together. The Aso Caldera, formed by volcanic activity that began approximately 270,000 years ago, stretches about 25km from north to south and 18km from east to west, making it one of the largest in the world. Its magnificent scale overwhelms all who visit.
Kusasenri is Aso’s most iconic scenic spot, a vast grassland of approximately 785,000 square meters spreading across a highland at an elevation of about 1,100 meters. The pastoral scenery of horses leisurely grazing on the grass, contrasted against the backdrop of Mount Nakadake with its rising volcanic smoke, creates a breathtaking view unique to Aso that captivates countless tourists.
Daikanbo, located at the highest peak of the northern outer rim mountains, is renowned as a natural observation deck at 936 meters elevation, offering panoramic views of the Aso Five Peaks. The silhouette of the Aso Five Peaks, which resembles a reclining Buddha, and the mystical scenery shrouded in a sea of clouds are particularly popular among photography enthusiasts.
Aso Shrine boasts approximately 2,300 years of history as the Ichinomiya (highest-ranking shrine) of Higo Province, enshrining 12 deities including Takeiwatatsu-no-Mikoto, the grandson of Emperor Jimmu. The Romon gate, counted among Japan’s Three Great Tower Gates, is designated as a national Important Cultural Property. Though it collapsed in the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake, restoration was completed in 2023, restoring its former grandeur. In front of the shrine, a charming shopping street dotted with natural spring water spots offers opportunities for leisurely strolling and food sampling.
When it comes to Aso cuisine, Akaushi beef is a must-try. This Japanese Brown cattle breed, raised on the vast grasslands of Aso and fed on quality pasture grass, features lean meat that is healthy yet offers the perfect balance of tenderness and concentrated umami flavor. You can savor Akaushi beef bowl and steak at various locations throughout the city, including the renowned local restaurant Imakin Shokudo. ASO MILK, which earned three stars from the International Taste Institute, and the local specialty Takana-meshi (rice with pickled mustard greens) are also popular Aso delicacies.
Uchinomaki Onsen is Aso’s premier hot spring town with over 100 years of history, a celebrated destination that has welcomed many literary figures including Natsume Soseki and the poet couple Yosano Tekkan and Akiko. With over 130 natural hot spring sources, each inn and public bathhouse maintains its own private source, making it a luxurious hot spring destination that continues to attract both hot spring therapy seekers and tourists alike.
Aso City is accessible by car in about 50 minutes from Kumamoto Airport, with local buses connecting major tourist spots from JR Aso Station. With its magnificent volcanic scenery, historic shrines, quality hot springs, and rich food culture, Aso City is a captivating destination at the heart of Kumamoto tourism.
