Grass stretching for miles turns into snow for miles?! A day trip to Mount Aso in winter 🌋

Kumamoto x Mount Aso x Minami-Aso Village: A Day Trip to Train Views and Snowy Wonders This trip departs from Kumamoto City, connecting the classic Aso Boy train with its dog theme, the magnificent Mount Aso, the snow-covered Kusasenri, and the historic Aso Shrine. Explore Kyushu's natural beauty and cultural charm in one day, with surprises in every photo opportunity and delicious meal! The most recommended destination is Kusasenri in winter, where the grasslands transform into a snow-covered landscape. Combined with the local limited-edition beef bowl, the contrast between winter and winter is truly unforgettable! 🛤️ Aso Boy Train: Kumamoto to Aso Station, a dog-themed train The first stop on your journey will be the adorable dog theme of the Aso Boy train. Boarding at Kumamoto Station, the carriages are not only cute photo spots but also filled with dog-themed elements. Seats are highly sought after, so advance booking is essential. We recommend the "panoramic view seat at the front"—offering stunning views of fields and distant mountains. Along the way, you can take photos at other train cars and collect commemorative cards printed with the ASO BOY logo – a truly special experience! 📍Aso Boy Train Address: Kumamoto-Miyaji Opening Hours: January 26, 2026 – February 24, 2026, 09:57 – 17:08 🚌 Aso Crater: The Magnificent Power of Nature Under Winter Snow Upon arriving at Aso Station, you can buy a one-day tour ticket at the adjacent bus stop. The bus will pass by several popular attractions. This time, we first visited the Nakadake Crater of Mount Aso. Walking up from the station, you can personally experience the breathtaking sight of the surrounding grasslands completely transformed into snow. Although the mountain was closed and we couldn't approach the crater, the vast and magnificent snowfield, combined with the cold air mixed with the volcanic atmosphere, made it absolutely worth stopping for. 📍Mount Aso Address: Takawara, Kumamoto Prefecture 869-2223, Japan Opening Hours: December 1st – March 19th, 09:00–17:00 ⛄ Kusasenri (Kusasenri no Hama): Baba Snowfield x Local Red Beef Donburi The next bus stop is Kusasenri. What was originally a green meadow transforms into an endless snowfield in winter. Locals enjoy sledding and building snowmen here, creating a truly wintery atmosphere! Besides outdoor photo opportunities, nearby restaurants are also worth trying. The recommended dish is the Wagyu Donburi—made with Aso red beef, the beef has a perfect balance of fat and flavor, making it incredibly satisfying. 📍Kusasenri (草千里之滨) Address: 〒869-1505 Kumamoto, Aso, Kusasenri-gahama, Japan Opening Hours: Open all year round ⛩️ Aso Shrine & Souvenir Street: A Journey Through History and Snacks After lunch, take a bus to the area around Aso Shrine. This shrine has a history of 2500 years. Not only can you experience its solemn atmosphere, but you can also buy various amulets. The souvenir street next door offers a variety of wagashi (Japanese sweets) and snacks. I tried the grilled mochi (rice cake), which was chewy and delicious. I was too full from the beef bowl at lunch, otherwise I would have definitely tried more local snacks; each shop has its own unique flavor. 🎒 Useful Tips 1. Train seats are very popular, so remember to reserve in advance. I recommend the panoramic seats at the front of the train. 2. The one-day bus pass is very convenient; purchase it at the ticket office next to Aso Station. 3. Be careful to dress warmly in winter when visiting Kusasenri. The ground is slippery, so wear non-slip shoes. 4. If the Aso crater is closed, please pay attention to official announcements and do not attempt to enter. 5. There are many food stalls near the shrine, so it's recommended to allow extra room. 🍽️ Food Recommendations - Kusasenri Restaurant: The Wagyu Donburi is a must-try, made with Aso Akagaku beef, and there are limited-time set meals. 🚄 Transportation Guide - Kumamoto Station → Aso Station (Aso Boy Train): Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes. - Purchase a one-day sightseeing pass at the bus stop next to Aso Station. It covers multiple stops including the crater, Kusasenri, and the shrine, and the route is smooth. Aso's winter volcanic snowscape combined with the dog-themed train offers a combination of healing and grandeur, perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation; the itinerary is concise yet packed with sights, highly recommended! #KumamotoTravel #AsoVolcano #KusasenriSnowfield #AsoBoyTravel #JapanWinterTravel #JanuaryDestinations2026