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.