Aso Caldera and Farm Experience Tour
Description
This private tour starts off with you and your English-speaking guide heading to the highest point of the north caldera wall. Here we enjoy the jaw-dropping sight of the five peaks of Mt. Aso and the huge volcanic caldera. After getting a feel for the landscape of Aso we head to one of the small communities that exist in the vicinity of this huge volcano. Here we will explore the true Japanese countryside and meet some of the locals who live here. With their help, we will learn about life and culture in rural Japan, harvest vegetables, cook food, and enjoy a lunch together made from locally sourced ingredients! A true hands-on Japanese farm-to-table experience! This is a half-day tour that gives you the best of two worlds! The amazing scenery of Japan's largest active volcano, but also interaction with local culture! Come and enjoy some of the most beautiful landscapes and heartwarming hospitality that Japan has to offer!
Tour Options
Itinerary
First, we will enjoy Aso's number one view from the Daikanbo observatory. Here we will walk surrounded by grasslands on one side, and the vast and majestic volcanic caldera on the other side. Enjoy taking breathtaking pictures and learn about the history of the volcano that has shaped these lands.
At Tateiwa Suigen Park (or similar location), you will experience a true Japanese farm to table experience. Apart from exploring the beautiful rural landscapes, together with locals, we will harvest seasonal vegetables, prepare local cuisine and enjoy a genuine Japanese lunch together. A unique and exciting chance to get up close and personal with life and people in rural Japan.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
We can pick up travelers from the following destinations: 1. Kurokawa Onsen tourist information center 2. Kurokawa Onsen bus station 3. Minamioguni-machi Yakuba bus station 4. Other hotel or ryokan in Minamioguni area
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Service animals allowed
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Reviews(6)
Max met me at Kurokawa Onsen at my accommodation. We proceeded to visit a local shitake farm where I learned much about the traditional method of growing shitake on oak wood, and very much enjoyed the shitake grilled over charcoal fire. My apologies for not remembering the name of the farmer, but his family has farmed shitake for three generations. Max then took me to a lookout and showed me an amazing view of the Aso Caldera. I had not realised how immense it was and that a whole city was actually inside the caldera. Lunch was at another amazing place, where food is grilled over a charcoal fire. I highly recommend the tofu and the delicious miso paste. We finished the day at Aso Shrine, which was interesting not only for its history but also for the effort taken to reconstruct the main gate and auxiliary buildings after the great earthquake more than 10 years ago. Thank you, Max for a wonderful day.
Wonderful morning with Max. Exactly what we wanted: authenticity, a special moment with local people — in short, a really great experience. A big thank you, Max, we’ll keep amazing memories of it!
Hello! Thank you for the lovely comment. I had a great time with all of you as well! Such a wonderful family! Enjoy the rest of your time in Japan!
My husband and I had the best day touring with Max! He was a wonderful companion, is extremely knowledgeable about the region, yet warm and easy to be with. I can’t say enough good things about Max and our day with him! Max picked us up at our ryokan, and we explored the gorgeous Aso Caldera, stopping at several viewpoints to see the crater and enjoy the spectacular scenery. We visited the Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu shrine, an old and atmospheric shrine, a place filled with mystery and mythical legend. We walked up a long set of moss-covered steps as the sun’s rays created a magical atmosphere through the trees - a wonderful site. Finally, we had a great lunch at, Takamori Dengaku, a traditional barbecue restaurant where we grilled our food in a fire pit while we sat around it! I had initially booked the farm visit tour but, unfortunately, that tour wasn’t available but Max was willing to accommodate us and together we designed a custom tour taking in our interests. If you’re looking for a guide for Kyushu, Max is the best!
Sorry about the late reply! For some reason I missed your wonderful review! And thank you for all the nice words. I really enjoyed my time with you as well! Best regards and lots of love from Aso. Max
There are so many highlights of this experience! For one, travelling to the outskirts and enjoying the scenic views was amazing. The food prepared by Nuroko and Hiroko san was simple yet amazing, and it was fun harvesting yam! Max was such a lovely soul, accommodating to our needs (especially when it was raining) and was so willing to share nuggets of information about his life, how it is like in Aso and more. It was a rounded experience that I would highly recommended many to go for!
Hello! Thank you very much for the nice review! It is really appreciated. I'm so happy to hear that you enjoyed your time and that it became a memorable part of your journey. I hope that you will come back again to see the caldera in better weather as well! :) Sincerely, Max
Max and Quynh took us for a farm visit and Aso lookout. The farm had 2 really cute ponies and we had great fun harvesting yam and daikon with Noriko and preparing our farm to table lunch with the family. Weather was good and we had a great view at the lookout.
Hello Sarah! Thank you for the great review! Both me and Quynh really enjoyed our time together! Thank you for a wonderful day. Enjoy the rest of your time in Japan! Max
Max picked us up from the Ryokan we were staying at and drove us to a local village. A lovely couple then welcomed us into their home. We started off by getting the rice cooking on the stove, then we walked to a field and dug up some potatoes and then picked some spinach. They then helped us prepare the potatoes, spinach, and some mushrooms for lunch. We then sat down to eat the meal together. Lunch also included homemade tofu and miso soup, among many other small dishes. It was heartwarming to be able to talk to the Japanese couple with Max interpreting for us. It was the best food we have eaten in Japan. Max then drove us to a lookout point so we could see the Aso Caldera, and we got some lovely photos. I couldn't recommend this experience more
Stephen and Rachel! Thank you so much for the wonderful review! I had a great time meeting the both of you and I'm so happy that you enjoyed your time here! Once again, thanks again for taking the time to write a review and I hope to see you again! And good luck in July! 😉 Best regards, Max
