Roadside Station Asobo no Sato Kugini

For a view that stretches out with a bang.
Both people and pets can be healed noisily.

You will want to take your time and play on the deck corner overlooking the five Aso peaks, the expansive lawn area of approximately 3,000 tsubo, the free dog run, and the park golf course. In addition, a soba noodle-making dojo will be relocated to the site in the spring of 2019. The Ajiawaikan produce center offers a wide variety of vegetables from Minami Aso, homemade tofu, deep-fried tofu, konnyaku, miso, and other specialty products from the Aso area, as well as Kumamoto's specialty products and souvenirs. The Ajiwai-kan restaurant serves not only red beef dishes, but also salads, simmered dishes, fried dishes, and other small dishes. You can also eat on the deck corner. For steaks and grilled beef, visit the "Akagyu no Yakata" next to the product center.

Map of Roadside Station Asobo no Sato Kugino

Roadside Station Asobo no Sato Kugino Gourmet Information

Local product: Kugi rice

The Aso region is rich in agricultural products. Tomatoes grown in Minamiaso are especially famous, but the pride of the roadside station is "Kugi no mai," or water wheel rice, which is slowly pounded in a water wheel on the premises. The variety is Koshihikari. The rice grown by the rich and limpid subterranean water of Aso is fluffy and sweet. The new rice in autumn is especially good. Rice-flour bread baked with this rice is also sold at the product center.

The best place to eat: Red Beef AKV Burger.

Not to be outdone by the roadside station's location is the original "Akagyu AKV Burger" sold inside the product center. This burger is huge. AKV stands for "A" for Akagyu, "K" for rice flour, and "V" for vegetable. The hamburger is, of course, 100% AKAGYU. It is suitable to eat it with a big, bold mouth. The burger is available in limited quantities, so be sure to order early. 680 yen (including tax), 730 yen (including tax) for the cheeseburger.

Roadside Station Asomogono-sato Kugino Area

Minamiaso Railway Trolley Train

If you want to have fun in the area

In July 2023, the Minamiaso Railway line was fully restored from the damage caused by the Kumamoto earthquake. Prior to the restoration, Takamori Station was renovated in the same year, giving it a modern appearance. The trolley train "Yusuge-go" is now in full operation between Takamori and Tateno Stations, instead of partial operation between Takamori and Nakamatsu Stations. It operates from mid-March to the end of November on Saturdays, Sundays, national holidays, spring break, GW, and summer vacation periods. The one-way trip takes 55 minutes, with two round trips per day. On fine days, the magnificent mountains of Aso can be viewed from the open-air train. The train runs slowly through places such as the Shirakawa River water source, and you can listen to a guide along the route.