Top 20 Experiences in Aso
Private guided tour around Mt. Aso volcano, grassland, Aso Shrine
After a special visit to the historic Aso Shrine, which has a history of more than 2000 years, we recommend visiting the quaint town of Monzenmachi, where many stores are lined up, and visiting the water fountains and eating Aso sweets. Finally, we will visit the top of Mount Aso, where you can feel the breath of the earth. After making a special visit to the main shrine of Aso Shrine at the foot of the mountain, you will feel very grateful when you go to the top of Aso and look at the crater, which is the sacred body of the mountain.
Private E-MTB guided cycling around Mt. Aso volcano & grasslands
13:05 Meet at the main entrance of JR Aso Station (there is only one location, so you won't get lost) * You will not be late even if you arrive at Aso Station at 13:02 by the limited express train. The tour begins with an explanation of the characteristics of the active volcano Mt. Aso and "Millennium Grassland". 13:15-17:00 Aso Nakadake “Millennium Grassland” Cycling by E-MTB (Electric Bicycle) If you've never used an electric bicycle before, don't worry, we'll practice how to operate it in the safety of our premises. From the bottom of the caldera at Aso Station (about 500m above sea level) to the Aso Nakadake crater (about 1,300m above sea level), there is an elevation difference of 800m. 17:05 Disband at the main entrance of JR Aso Station * You will be in time for the limited express train leaving Aso Station at 17:14. *We can also guide you to a private hot spring nearby after the tour.
Aso Caldera and Farm Experience Tour
This private tour starts off with you and your English-speaking guide heading to the highest point of the north caldera wall. Here we enjoy the jaw-dropping sight of the five peaks of Mt. Aso and the huge volcanic caldera. After getting a feel for the landscape of Aso we head to one of the small communities that exist in the vicinity of this huge volcano. Here we will explore the true Japanese countryside and meet some of the locals who live here. With their help, we will learn about life and culture in rural Japan, harvest vegetables, cook food, and enjoy a lunch together made from locally sourced ingredients! A true hands-on Japanese farm-to-table experience! This is a half-day tour that gives you the best of two worlds! The amazing scenery of Japan's largest active volcano, but also interaction with local culture! Come and enjoy some of the most beautiful landscapes and heartwarming hospitality that Japan has to offer!
Walking through the Aso Caldera, Historical Walk along the "Bungo Kaido"
Aso's knowledgeable guides will take you on an easy-to-understand and enjoyable tour of the Aso Caldera from its birth to the present, from the perspectives of volcanoes, geology, history, culture, and beliefs. By walking down the stone-folded path that descends the northern outer rim of the mountain and entering the caldera on your own, you can really feel the size of the caldera, one of the largest in the world. You can also enjoy spots related to the history, culture, and beliefs of Aso, where people have lived in the caldera for over 2,000 years. On the way, we will have a tea time with yogurt and sweets grown in the grasslands of Aso.
Enjoy a walk, lunch, and tea time at the 2000 years old Teno Farm Village.
We took a leisurely stroll through the village of Teno, which has a nostalgic, original Japanese landscape. After visiting Kokuzo Shrine, one of the oldest shrines in Kumamoto Prefecture and known as a power spot, you will be amazed at the size of the natural monument, the "Great Cedar of Teno. Then we will have a delicious lunch with a farmer. You never knew vegetables could taste so good! The farmers' food and smiles are truly a healing experience.
Experience a Starry Sky and Drinks in Millennium Grassland
On this tour, with special permission, we will take you to a special outdoor bar in the "Millennium Grassland" with no artificial light. Transportation to and from your hotel or guesthouse in Aso City is also included, so you don't have to worry about transportation. Depending on the weather, you can enjoy a starry sky at the Millennium Grassland. Our guide, who is knowledgeable about the starry skies of Japan's four seasons, will quietly introduce you to the constellations. Of course, quiet time is also available. While looking at the starlight that was emitted hundreds of thousands of years ago, before the Aso Caldera was formed, please think about the eternal past. We also offer local craft beer, wine, and hot drinks to make your Aso night the best it can be. (Up to one drink per person is included in the price. Additional charges apply.) After gazing at the starry sky, depending on the season, enjoy a digital detox around a bonfire and enjoy the night in the grasslands of Aso.
3-Days experience to feel the nature of Aso
In the field of Aso, one of the world's largest calderas and a national park, you will participate in a variety of activities for three days to refresh your mind and body. Travel by car is kept to a minimum. We will use low-environmental-impact E-MTBs, horses, and your own feet to give you a solid feel for the nature and lifestyle of the Aso caldera. You can also enjoy wellness time with activities such as yoga and zazen. In addition, you will cleanse your body from the inside out by taking a bath in the free-flowing hot springs and eating healthy meals, mainly made with fresh vegetables.
"Aka beef barbecue" to enjoy in the superb view of Aso
● Enjoy the "Aka Beef BBQ" exquisite by Aka beef farmers ● Let's enjoy the blessings of nature raised in Aso in the open, magnificent view of Aso. ・You can enjoy the Aka beef barbecue, which is a special product of Aso, at the superb view spot of Aso, which is normally off-limits. ・A red beef farmer who manages this ranch and breeds red beef selects and cooks the meat. (*Cooking, if the schedule fits) ・The proceeds of the product will be used for activities such as field burning to protect the grasslands of Aso. ・You can also enjoy gorgeous aerial walks of Aso seen from the drone operated by the farmer wearing goggles.
Experience Zen meditation or sutra copying, and enjoy vegetarian food with monk
Gokuraku Zenji is one of the seven temples that protect the Aso Shrine, and has a history of over 450 years. You will spend a luxurious time to purify your mind and body with zazen meditation, where you empty your mind and just sit and look at yourself, and with healthy vegetarian food made with seasonal ingredients and care for the people who eat it. Although this is a famous temple with a long history, the monk will guide you very carefully, so even those who are not good at sitting on the floor or who have never experienced Zen meditation before can participate with ease. In addition, the vegetarian food, made with plenty of local ingredients, is a gem in appearance, taste, and volume. If sitting on the floor is not for you, you can also sit on a chair.
View the sunrise and sea of clouds over the Aso Caldera
Enjoy the sunrise and sea of clouds over the Aso Caldera while sipping a hot drink with special permission from the Millennium Grassland Observatory. Why not spend some time in Aso until breakfast at a special place only known to those in the know? On this tour, with special permission, we will take you to a special observation point in the "Millenium Grassland" that is normally inaccessible. Transportation to and from hotels and guesthouses in Aso City is also included, so you don't have to worry about transportation. Depending on the weather, you can enjoy a sea of clouds filling Aso Caldera in the "Millennium Grasslands". Beyond the sea of clouds, the Five Peaks of Mt.Aso lie as a reclining statue, a divine sight in Japan. Our baristas will guide you through the sunrise and the sea of clouds while offering you coffee, tea, and local tea brewed with spring water.
Valley of the Wind Experience Hiking with Lunch
This is a unique experience that gives you insight in both the natural and cultural history of the region. Apart from seeing the beauty of the scenery with your own eyes, you will also get to interact with locals and learn about the traditions and how they have lived in harmony with the environment. If you have a few extra hours to spend in the area and are looking for a deep and memorable experience in the outdoors, this is perfect for you.