Takana is a traditional vegetable grown in the cold climate and volcanic ash soil of Aso, and it is unique in that it is harvested by hand rather than machine. Pickling Aso Takana with salt and red chili peppers results in Aso Takana pickles. The lush new pickles are also popular, but “takanameshi” is made by fermenting old pickles with lactic acid for half a year. It is then finely chopped, stir-fried in oil, and mixed with rice, and is widely enjoyed at home and in local restaurants.
Specializing in Aso grassland-raised and grass-fed red meat, Akagyu beef is served over a hearth along with seasonal vegetables from the area like taro and tofu that has been fried in rich spring water. It is grilled over charcoal before served. To fully experience the life and food of Aso’s farmers, finish your meal with mustard greens rice, traditional pickles like red pickled vegetables, and a soup called “dagojiru” filled with plenty of local vegetables.
Imakin Shokudo is a popular restaurant in Aso City, Uchinomaki’s hot spring town, where people queue every day. The ”Akagyu Don” is a popular menu item there. Beef thighs are grilled in a sweet and spicy soy sauce and served in a rice bowl with a hot spring egg in the center. You can combine it with eggs or make your own flavor by mixing it with the popular, special red beef miso and wasabi.
– Nakadake crater Generally speaking, Mt. Aso is well-known for its own Nakadake crater. This is where you can experience the force of nature’s breath as the earth trembles and plumes of smoke violently spew out. The crater wall’s stunning striped pattern is complemented by the exposed lava rock surface. – Kusasenri Kusasenri, a representation of a lovely grassland, is the remnants of Senrigahama Volcano, an active side volcano of Mount Eboshi. Unlike Sunasenri, which is located south of the Nakadake crater, this crater is known as Kusasenri or Kusasenrigahama because of its lovely green grass. – Yonezuka It is said to have been formed by an eruption about 3,300 years ago, and it is about 80m high, shaped like an upside-down bowl, and offers a beautiful grassy landscape.
A popular scenic spot in Aso, along with Aso Gogaku (crater tour). Tokutomi Soho, a Meiji period literary giant, was its godfather. It provides the best view of the Five Aso Mountains, whose shape has been compared to a reclining Buddha statue, and provides a panoramic view of the Aso Valley, which stretches out over the countryside and from the caldera’s east wall to the west wall. When you look at the Five Mountains of Aso from here, it looks like a reclining Buddha, so it is called the “Reclining Buddha Statue”. It is also famous as a sea of clouds spot from early summer, and from autumn to winter. Because it is situated along the well-known “Milk Road” driving route, it is a well-loved rest area for both drivers and cyclists. You can see the grassland scenery unfold in front of your eyes and gain an understanding of the Aso people’s distinctive way of life and culture.
Aso Shrine is dedicated to 12 gods, including Aso’s founder, Takeiwa Tatsu no Mikoto. Since ancient times, this area has been blessed with abundant spring water, which the locals have revered as a ”God’s blessing.” This water is currently served to passers-by at the Mizuki water drawing station. Furthermore, Monzenmachi serves dishes and sweets made with spring water, so it is recommended that you sample them all while strolling around.
This activity involves riding an electric-assist mountain bike through grasslands that are normally off-limits unless special permission is obtained. You can thoroughly enjoy the various charms of Aso, such as a slalom ride from Aso Station to the top of Mt. Aso with an altitude difference of about 900 meters, or the so-called “Jabinomichi Ride” that climbs up the Ogi Valley from Uchimaki Onsen to Mt. Kita Somma, depending on your physical strength or schedule.
This is a full-fledged horseback riding experience in which you ride your own horse through a vast grassland the size of 55 Tokyo Domes on the mountains’ northern rim. Riding time can range from 30 minutes to several hours, and you can select a course based on your experience and schedule. Under the careful supervision of an instructor, even beginners can enjoy the spectacular views of Aso’s grasslands with confidence.
The Aso Somma’s two-person paragliding experience allows you to see the majestic scenery of Aso from a bird’s eye perspective and hear the voices of the sky, which you would never see in your daily life. A professionally licensed instructor will assist you in having an extraordinary experience. Even complete beginners can enjoy a peaceful flight.
Oysters are Ondo’s specialty. Ondo’s clean waters are ideal for oyster farming, and the island continues to produce the most shucked oysters in Japan. The rice dish ”Kakimeshi” is made with large oysters and vegetables. It was once a side dish for oyster farmers, but it is now a traditional local dish.
