• ・ This spot offers a panoramic view of the Aso caldera and is said to have been named by the literary giant Tokutomi Soho. Because the view of the Five Peaks of Aso from here resembles the reclining figure of the Buddha, it is called "Nirvana Statue"; it is also famous as a spot for viewing sea-of-clouds in early summer, autumn, and winter.
• ・ It is located along the road and is a popular rest stop for motorcyclists and drivers. Visitors can enjoy the expansive grassland scenery before them and experience the unique lifestyle and culture of Aso, which has developed within the caldera.

• ・ This is a place of striking natural beauty, where a vast 785,000-square-meter (circa 194 acre) grassland contrasts with a pond said to have formed from rainwater.
• ・ It offers an idyllic scene of grazing cattle and horses against the backdrop of Nakadake Mountain, which belches plumes of smoke. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll while taking in the view. Horseback rides that circle the grassland are also popular.
• ・ In summer, the greenery shines vibrantly, while in winter, the area is enveloped in a magical, silvery-white world. The charm of this place lies in the different faces it shows with each season, making it a beloved destination for many people throughout the year.

South Aso has many small, atmospheric hot springs where visitors can relax while enjoying views of the mountains.

• ・ Kawayu Onsen
• ・ Takamori Onsen
• ・ Local ryokans with open-air baths

The combination of fresh air, spring water, and quiet surroundings is a highlight for many travellers.

• ・ The Milk Road is one of the most beautiful driving routes in Japan.
• ・ It runs along the outer rim of the Aso caldera, offering wide-open views of grasslands, mountains, and the dramatic volcanic landscape.
• ・ The road passes through vast green fields where cows and horses graze freely.
• ・ This peaceful, open scenery is what gives the road its nickname — it feels like driving through a "pastoral countryside".
• ・ The status of the Milk Road can change frequently due to weather, volcanic activity, or road damage. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please check the official Kumamoto Prefecture road information website.

• ・ Aso Shrine is over 2,000 years old, making it one of the oldest and most historically important Shinto shrines in Japan. It has long been the spiritual center of the Aso region.
• ・ Aso Shrine is famous for its impressive two-storey gate (Romon) and elegant wooden structures. Although damaged in the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake, restoration efforts are ongoing, symbolizing the resilience of the community.
• ・ The shrine hosts traditional festivals throughout the year, including: Fire festivals / Horse-related rituals / Seasonal celebrations. These events offer visitors a chance to experience authentic Japanese culture.

• ・ At Meihodo, surrounded by the natural beauty of Aso, explore martial arts such as Kyudo, Karate, Kendo, and Iaido, along with traditional culture including Taiko drumming, tea ceremony, bonseki, ikebana, seated meditation, and waterfall training.
• ・ You can also try the "Samurai Experience Course" wearing martial arts attire, popular for creating memories during family trips or for couples.

• ・ Kumamoto Castle is one of Japan's most famous samurai castles, known for its powerful black-and-white design and massive stone walls.
• ・ Built in the early 1600s by the renowned castle architect Kato Kiyomasa, it was designed to be exceptionally strong.
• ・ Although it was damaged in the 2016 earthquake, restoration work is ongoing, and the castle now stands as a symbol of resilience and hope.

• ・ Reigando (meaning "Spirit Rock Cave") is a historic cave located on the outskirts of Kumamoto City. It is best known as the place where the legendary samurai Miyamoto Musashi spent his final years in seclusion.
• ・ Inside this quiet cave, Musashi wrote The Book of Five Rings, his famous work on strategy and martial philosophy.
• ・ Surrounded by forest and stone statues of Buddhist figures, the site offers a peaceful atmosphere and a deep sense of Japanese spiritual culture.

• ・ Akaushi (Red Wagyu) is a specialty beef from Kumamoto, known for its rich flavor, tender texture, and healthier balance of fat compared to typical Wagyu.
• ・ Unlike heavily marbled beef, Akaushi has a lighter, cleaner taste while still offering deep umami.
• ・ Raised in the natural grasslands around Mount Aso, the cattle grow in a stress-free environment, which contributes to the meat's quality and purity.
• ・ It's a must-try local delicacy, enjoyed as steak, yakiniku, or shabu-shabu.

• ・ Karashi Renkon is a traditional specialty of Kumamoto made by filling lotus root with a spicy mustard paste and coating it with a thin layer of batter before lightly frying it.
• ・ The dish has a unique combination of textures: the crispy lotus root, the creamy mustard filling, and a mild crunch on the outside.
• ・ Originally created as a nutritious food for the Hosokawa samurai clan, it is now one of Kumamoto's most iconic local dishes.

Kumamoto has clean water and fertile land, both of which enable to make the food exceptionally flavorful.