Discover the Heart of Aso from a Panoramic Vista
Aso Nozomi no Sato Kugi no, nestled along the main route connecting Kumamoto City and Takamori Town, offers an unforgettable stop amid the breathtaking grandeur of Aso’s five majestic peaks. Perched in the serene countryside of Minamiaso Village, this roadside station blends natural beauty with cultural richness, making it a true destination for travelers seeking both relaxation and discovery.
At its core is the "Ajiwai Dining Hall," where panoramic views of the Aso caldera unfold from every window. Visitors can savor local specialties like Akaushi beef at the dedicated Akaushi Pavilion, stroll through the expansive Shiba Park and free dog park, or explore the historic Kashiwa Valley Ruins Park. The station’s waterwheel mill, powered by the ancient spring known as "Kodai no Izumi," adds a touch of living history, while seasonal markets showcase farm-fresh produce and artisan goods. With facilities including EV charging, free Wi-Fi, and a 24-hour information corner, Aso Nozomi no Sato Kugi no is designed for comfort, connection, and adventure.
Why Visit
Perched along the scenic Kumamoto-Kōmori Line, Aso Nozomi no Sato Kugi no offers an unparalleled view of the Aso Five Peaks, framed by the towering volcanic landscape. The standout experience is savoring authentic Aso Akagyu beef at the dedicated "Akagyu no Kan," where visitors can sample rare, locally raised beef dishes only available here. Equally unique is the historic waterwheel mill, where traditional rice milling and flour grinding are still performed using water from the pristine ancient spring, a rare living link to regional heritage.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor local flavors with panoramic views of Aso's five peaks at Aso Nozomi no Sato Kugi no's dining hall.
Ajiwai Hall
食事処あじわい館
Specialty
Local cuisine with panoramic views of Aso Five Peaks
A dining hall offering traditional regional dishes with a stunning view of the Aso Five Peaks. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, perfect for families and groups seeking a relaxing meal surrounded by nature.
Shopping Highlights
Discover regional crafts and fresh produce at the roadside station's vibrant market and specialty shops.
Akaushi Hall
あか牛の館
Specialty shop dedicated to Aso beef, offering fresh cuts and ready-to-cook products.
Products
Must-Try Item
Aso Beef Steak
Agricultural Processing Center
農産加工所
A facility that processes and sells locally grown agricultural products.
Products
Must-Try Item
Aso Mountain Fruit Jam
Waterwheel Mill
水車小屋
A traditional mill powered by the ancient spring water, producing rice flour and other grain products.
Products
Must-Try Item
Ancient Spring Rice Flour
Souvenir Market
物産館
A market selling regional souvenirs and local crafts.
Products
Must-Try Item
Aso Mountain Ceramic Mug
Featured Products
Taste the essence of the region with signature items like Aso beef and handcrafted mountain-grown delicacies.
Aso Beef Jerky
阿蘇牛せんべい
Dried, savory beef jerky made from premium Aso beef, perfect for hiking or travel.
Aso Mountain Fruit Jam
阿蘇山フルーツジャム
Handcrafted jam made from wild fruits harvested in the Aso mountains, rich in natural flavor.
Ancient Spring Rice Flour
古代の泉米粉
Organic rice flour milled using water from the ancient spring, known for its smooth texture and natural taste.
Aso Mountain Ceramic Mug
阿蘇山陶器マグカップ
Handmade ceramic mug crafted by local artisans, inspired by the natural beauty of Aso.
Aso Wild Herb Tea
阿蘇山のハーブティー
A blend of wild herbs collected from the Aso region, offering a refreshing and aromatic experience.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy spacious rest areas, clean restrooms, free Wi-Fi, and EV charging at this well-equipped roadside station.
Parking
The roadside station has a parking area available for visitors.
Located at the roadside station premises
Restroom
Restrooms are available for public use at the roadside station.
Located at the roadside station premises
Wireless LAN
Free wireless LAN is available for visitors. There is one information terminal providing internet access.
Available throughout the facility, accessible via information terminal
Information Corner
The information corner provides 24-hour access and offers road information, nearby roadside station details, tourism information, medical information, and weather and disaster alerts via staff, terminals, and flyers.
Located at the roadside station premises
Play Area
A play area is available for children, located within the large grounds of the station.
Located in the large grounds of the station
EV Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging stations are available for use.
Located at the roadside station premises
Nursing Room
A dedicated nursing room is available for mothers with infants.
Located at the roadside station premises
Activities & Experiences
Explore seasonal events, hands-on workshops, and outdoor adventures in a scenic mountain setting.
Panoramic View of Aso Five Peaks
阿蘇の大パノラマを背景に
Enjoy a panoramic view of the Aso Five Peaks from the roadside station, offering a breathtaking vista of the surrounding natural landscape.
Duration
60 min
Best viewed on clear days for optimal visibility.
Akaushi Cattle Museum
あか牛の館
Explore the history and culture of Akaushi cattle, including exhibits on breeding, local agriculture, and regional products.
Duration
45 min
Mill Wheel Watermill
水車小屋
Observe the traditional waterwheel in operation and learn how it is used to grind rice and flour using natural water power.
Duration
30 min
Park Golf Course
柏木谷遺跡公園の中のパークゴルフ場
Rent golf equipment and enjoy a round of park golf on a scenic course located within the Kashiwaya Ruins Park.
Duration
60 min
Equipment rental available regardless of weather; outdoor play may be affected by rain.
Free Dog Park
無料ドッグラン
Let your dog enjoy a safe, open space to run and play in the free dog park area.
Duration
60 min
Open in all weather conditions; please supervise pets at all times.
Ancient Spring Water Source
水源「古代の泉」
Visit the ancient spring water source and learn about its natural origin and significance to the local community.
Duration
20 min
Soba Festival
新そばまつり
Participate in the annual Soba Festival featuring fresh handmade soba noodles, local food stalls, and cultural performances.
Duration
180 min
Outdoor event; may be postponed or moved indoors in case of heavy rain.
Aso Minami Autumn Festival
あそのみなみのあきまつり
Join the autumn festival celebrating local culture with traditional music, dance, food, and crafts from the region.
Duration
240 min
Festival activities may be adjusted due to weather conditions.
Nagano Iwato Kagura Autumn Grand Festival
長野岩戸神楽秋の大祭
Experience traditional Nagano Iwato Kagura, a unique form of Japanese folk dance and music performed during the autumn festival.
Duration
120 min
Performances may be held indoors if weather is unfavorable.
South Aso Village Art Museum
南阿蘇村谷人たちの美術館
Explore the art and cultural heritage of the local valley people through exhibitions and displays of traditional crafts and artwork.
Duration
60 min
South Aso Refreshing Walk
南阿蘇さわやかウォーク
Join a guided walking tour through the scenic trails of South Aso, enjoying fresh air and natural beauty.
Duration
90 min
Recommended to wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water; event may be canceled in case of rain.
Community Center & Outdoor Activities Hub
みなみあそコミュニティーセンター
Engage in community events, outdoor information sessions, and interactive programs hosted by the Montbell brand and local organizations.
Duration
120 min
Indoor activities available regardless of weather.
Insider Tips
Visit early to avoid crowds and check seasonal events for unique local experiences.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00–10:00 AM on weekends to secure a seat at the Ajiwai Kan restaurant before the lunch rush, as the local Akaushi beef dishes are fully reserved by 11:30 AM during peak season.
- Hidden Gems: At the Minami Aso Community Center, stop by the Monsanto pop-up space between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM on weekdays to explore curated outdoor gear and receive free brochures on hiking trails in the Aso Five Peaks region.
- Weekend Special: On Sundays in October, visit the Aso Farm Land area during the Aso Minami Autumn Festival to sample free Akaushi beef skewers and participate in a guided farm tour that begins at 1:00 PM.
- Best Photo Spot: Position yourself at the ancient spring area just before sunset (around 5:45 PM) to capture the reflection of the Aso Five Peaks in the water, especially on clear days when visibility is optimal.
- Foodie Tip: Purchase the Akaushi beef bento box at the Akaushi no Kan store before 12:30 PM, as it sells out daily by 1:00 PM and is only available during regular business hours.
- Family-Friendly Hack: Use the free dog run and playground simultaneously by bringing your dog to the Shibu Park area from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM, when the playground is least crowded and dogs are allowed to run freely under supervision.
- Information Shortcut: Access real-time road and weather updates by using the information terminal in the information corner, which is available 24 hours and provides current traffic alerts for the Kumamoto-Ko-mori Line and nearby Aso Bridge closure notifications.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Fresh bamboo shoots available at the market; peak season for viewing the Aso Five Peaks.
Summer (June–August): Hosts the Nanko Asa Yaka Walk in June; cool mountain air ideal for hiking.
Autumn (September–November): Features the Aso Minami Autumn Festival in October and the New Soba Festival in November.
Winter (December–February): Quiet season with scenic views of snow-dusted Aso peaks; open for viewing and rest.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Offers a large play area, stroller-friendly paths, and a free dog park. Features a baby care room, family dining options, and interactive elements like the waterwheel mill and historical site, enhancing child engagement.
Food Lover Review
Features diverse dining options including the specialty 'Akagyu' beef restaurant and local produce market. Offers high-quality regional foods, fresh farm products, and artisanal items with strong local authenticity.
Car Camping Review
Provides restrooms, parking, and 24-hour information access, but lacks dedicated camping facilities. Overnight parking is not clearly permitted, and the site is not quiet enough for extended stays.
Scenic Beauty Review
Offers panoramic views of Aso Five Peaks, excellent photo spots, and seasonal beauty from lush greenery to autumn foliage. The natural setting and well-maintained grounds create a serene, visually appealing atmosphere.