Aso, a tranquil rural town nestled within the caldera of Mount Aso in Kumamoto Prefecture, is known for its stunning volcanic landscapes and rich agricultural heritage, which are deeply reflected in its local cuisine. The town lacks a defined central area, with dining options scattered along the roads surrounding Mount Aso. Given the limited number of restaurants within walking distance from accommodations, it’s recommended to book a dinner-inclusive plan at your lodging to ensure a leisurely and satisfying dining experience.
A highlight of Aso’s culinary offerings is Akaushi Beef (あか牛), a premium wagyu breed native to the region, prized for its lean yet tender meat with a rich, robust flavor. This exceptional beef is often enjoyed as steak, yakiniku, or in traditional Japanese dishes, showcasing the region’s agricultural excellence. Another local specialty is Takamori Dengaku (高森田楽), a traditional dish where vegetables, tofu, and sometimes fish are skewered, coated in a sweet miso paste, and grilled over an open flame. These dishes embody the essence of Aso’s culinary culture, offering visitors a taste of the region’s natural bounty and traditional cooking methods.
[Dinner Restaurants]Aso-阿蘇 - Google マイマップ
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1. Iwasaki-あか牛丼いわさき
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https://maps.app.goo.gl/tdCakeLSWWypnn3b6 - Parking MAPCODE
256 635 736*82 - Description
Iwasaki offers a unique dining experience with its focus on Akaushi beef, a rare and highly recommended delicacy. Located conveniently along a highway and marked by a cow sign, this restaurant provides a family-friendly atmosphere where robots assist with service, though some elements, like self-service drinks, may surprise first-time visitors. The Akaushi beef is lean, flavorful, and cooked to perfection, making dishes like the red Gyudon (beef bowl) a must-try. Despite the smaller portion sizes and slightly higher prices, the quality of the meat and the overall dining experience make it worthwhile. The restaurant is popular, especially among travelers exploring the Aso region, and is known for its quick turnover, ensuring that even with a queue, the wait is manageable. Customers particularly appreciate the harmonious blend of flavors in the dishes, enhanced by toppings like wasabi and onsen eggs. While the service is efficient, it might feel impersonal due to the automated elements. Overall, Iwasaki is a great spot to enjoy Akaushi beef in a relaxed setting, offering a memorable taste of this regional specialty.
2. MESHI NO YAMAICHI-めしのやまいち
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https://maps.app.goo.gl/nEUxG8r9nNygt3x87 - Parking MAPCODE
256 785 452*44 - Description
MESHI NO YAMAICHI, located near the famous Iimakin Shokudo in Aso, offers an exceptional Akaushi steak bowl experience. The restaurant, popular for its Akaushi dishes, draws visitors with its expertly grilled lean beef, which is tender and flavorful. The restaurant also serves as a pickles shop, offering an all-you-can-eat selection of pickles, a delightful bonus for diners. Despite the limited parking, the dining experience makes up for it, with the steak bowl perfectly complemented by a garlic soy sauce that enhances the meat’s taste. The menu also includes other dishes like Akaushi beef curry and Akaushi beef stew. The restaurant’s thoughtful touches, such as providing a comfortable waiting area at a nearby pickles shop, make it a pleasant experience even during busy hours. The warm and friendly service adds to the overall satisfaction, making MESHI NO YAMAICHI a must-visit for anyone exploring the Aso region.
3. Takamori Dengaku no Sato-高森田楽の里
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https://maps.app.goo.gl/a6FS12yaA5FASvYR6 - Parking MAPCODE
256 286 857*51 - Description
Takamori Dengaku no Sato offers a unique dining experience in a traditional setting where you can enjoy a variety of dishes cooked over an irori, a traditional Japanese sunken hearth. The restaurant, housed in a historic 200-year-old thatched-roof building, immerses you in a nostalgic atmosphere. The meal revolves around the art of grilling ingredients like tofu, yamame (mountain trout), and local vegetables, accompanied by a selection of homemade miso sauces that enhance the natural flavors. The set meals, such as the Akaushi and Jidori (local chicken) options, are hearty and satisfying, with highlights including the tender beef skewers and flavorful daigo soup, a local specialty. Despite the summer heat from the grill, the attentive service, complete with personal fans and cold towels, adds a thoughtful touch that showcases the warm hospitality of southern Kyushu. With its rustic charm, delicious food, and memorable atmosphere, this restaurant is a must-visit for anyone exploring the Aso region.
4. Kojirou buchi-小次郎渕
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https://maps.app.goo.gl/KR4KzHqqWrZJcj237 - Parking MAPCODE
256 670 270*63 - Description
Kojirou Buchi offers a delightful dining experience in the heart of Aso, perfect for those who enjoy the rustic charm of traditional Japanese barbecue. Nestled away from the hustle and bustle, this cozy restaurant features an inviting atmosphere with irori (sunken hearth) tables where diners can grill their own selection of meats. The menu showcases local delicacies, including Akaushi beef and free-range chicken, both of which are cooked to perfection over charcoal, bringing out the rich flavors and enhancing the dining experience. The grilled meats, especially the chicken, are a standout, offering a satisfying bite that pairs well with a cold beer or highball. The meal concludes with a hearty kamameshi (rice cooked in an iron pot), which is as comforting as it is flavorful. The ambiance, combined with the quality of the food, makes Kojirou Buchi a must-visit for those exploring the Aso area, offering an authentic taste of the region’s culinary heritage.
5. Ubu An – Miyaji/Soba-志賀食品 産庵
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256 677 296*76 - Description
Ubu An in Miyaji offers a delightful experience for soba enthusiasts, with its serene setting and attention to detail. Located near Aso Shrine, this restaurant is known for its two main attractions: freshly made soba and a variety of house-made pickles, reflecting the owner’s background as a pickle maker. The star of the menu is the kurumi soba, which pairs perfectly with the rich, nutty flavor of the walnut dipping sauce, offering a unique twist on traditional soba. The tempura, served crispy and hot, complements the soba well, especially the plump shrimp that adds a satisfying crunch. Diners can also enjoy an array of pickles, available for sampling while waiting for their meal, adding a touch of local flavor to the experience. The high ceilings and rustic interior enhance the ambiance, making it a pleasant spot for a leisurely lunch. The overall experience is one of enjoying carefully crafted food in a setting that beautifully showcases the culinary traditions of the Aso region.