5 Winter Activities in Aso, Kumamoto Recommended by a Local
Winter in Aso doesn’t usually see heavy snowfall, but the cold weather makes it the perfect time to enjoy the hot springs. There’s so much to experience in Aso during the winter months, so it’s a great time to visit! Just keep in mind, while snow is rare, it can still accumulate, so it’s a good idea to have snow tires for peace of mind.
Hello, I’m Morinaga, former editor-in-chief of Orutokumamoto (おるとくまもと), the Japanese language version of this website.
When you think of winter in Aso, what comes to mind? Perhaps snow or icy roads? Many people imagine a blanket of snow, especially since the media often mentions snowfall atop Mount Aso. However, this image isn’t entirely accurate.
Aso Mountain (Takadake) stands at 1,592 meters (remember this as “Hi-Go-Ku-Ni”), while other areas of Aso, like the popular Iinokami Onsen, are at much lower elevations (around 500-700 meters). Even the scenic Daikanbo is only 936 meters high. It only snows heavily about five times a year in these lower areas, and snowfalls typically look like this:
While it’s cold, winter in Aso offers peaceful moments and hot springs—an excellent way to relax. Let me share five things to enjoy in winter Aso!
Essential Gear for Winter in Aso
Despite the lack of snow, it’s true that winter in Aso can be quite cold, so here’s a list of things you’ll want to bring:
- Warm clothing (Prioritize warmth over fashion!)
- Comfortable shoes (Avoid heels)
- A large scarf or blanket
- A knit hat (Make sure it covers your ears)
- A camera (A tripod is a plus)
Personally, I layer HeatTech, a light sweater, a shirt, and a down jacket for winter. On particularly cold days, I even double up on HeatTech!
1. Winter Magic: Bamboo Lanterns at Kurokawa Onsen
While Christmas lights in the city are nice, nothing beats the gentle glow of bamboo lanterns in an onsen town. After a delicious dinner and a stroll, enjoy a soothing soak in the hot springs—this is the ultimate winter luxury.
The annual “yuakari” (湯あかり) in Kurokawa Onsen lights up the town with bamboo lanterns, creating a magical atmosphere perfect for Instagram photos. Last year, poet Shiho, from the book “Places to See Before You Die,” visited and shared some stunning images on Instagram. During the event, there’s even a “Yuakari Bar” where you can enjoy warm drinks by the lanterns.
I even helped make the lanterns! It was a team effort to cut bamboo, drill holes, and weave the lanterns. It’s harder than it looks, but the final result is worth it.
Kurokawa Onsen “Yuakari ” (黒川温泉 湯あかり)
Event Dates: Late December to March 31 (Dusk to 10:00 PM)
Location: Kurokawa Onsen, Minamioguni, Kumamoto (熊本県阿蘇郡南小国町黒川)
Contact: Kurokawa Onsen Tourist Information Center
Phone: 0967-44-0076
More info: Kurokawa Onsen Website
2. Enjoy the Steam Cooking Experience at Waita Onsen
At Waita Onsen, steam rises from the ground, creating a unique environment for steaming food. The “Mushiba” (steaming area) allows visitors to steam vegetables and other ingredients using the natural hot spring steam. This experience is free for onsen guests.
You can steam vegetables like bok choy, spinach, or even eggs, which come out much more flavorful than when boiled! If you bring some salt, you’ll be a hero in the eyes of your fellow visitors! The steamed vegetables are quick to prepare, taking just a minute or two for leafy greens.
Nearby, Shirachi Shoten offers whole steamed chicken, served with a homemade yuzu pepper sauce and vinegary soy sauce—both are incredibly delicious.
For those not keen on steaming their food outdoors, the “Yukemuri Chaya” restaurant offers a great alternative with “Jigoku Kago-mushi” (steamed food basket) packed with over 15 different local vegetables.
And of course you can also warm up to your core by using the hot springs on-site!
Shirachi Shoten (Steamed Chicken Shop):
Address: Kumamoto Prefecture, Aso-gun, Oguni Town, Nishizato 2798-2 (熊本県阿蘇郡小国町西里２７９８−２)
Phone: 0967-46-4533
Hours: 8:00 AM–6:30 PM
More info: Shirachi Shoten Website
Yukemuri Chaya:
Address: 2816 Takenoyu, Nishizato, Oguni Town, Aso-gun, Kumamoto Prefecture
Phone: 0967-46-5750
Hours: Restaurant 11:00 AM–6:00 PM, Onsen 10:00 AM–9:00 PM
Closed: Thursdays
Onsen Fee: Adults ¥500, Children ¥250
3. Strawberry Picking in Aso
Winter in Aso also means strawberry picking! Protected from the cold in greenhouses, you can enjoy picking strawberries without worrying about the chill.
My top recommendation is Nakayama Fruits Sancturary in Aso City, where you can pick strawberries while standing, making for a comfortable experience. The farm allows you to visit without reservations, so you can drop by on a whim when you have free time.
Don’t miss their strawberry soft serve or limited-edition desserts like strawberry sushi and tarts (by reservation only)!
Nakayama Fruits Sanctuary (果実の国カップルズ)
Address: Kumamoto Prefecture, Aso City, Nishimachi 1003-3 (熊本県阿蘇市西町1003－3)
Phone: 0967-34-0100
Hours: Mon–Fri 10:30 AM–3:00 PM, Sat 10:30 AM–4:00 PM, Sun/Holidays 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
Closed: Unscheduled (Closed during farming season)
More info: https://nakayama.shopselect.net/
4. Warm up Around the Hearth: Takamori Dengaku
Winter is the perfect season to enjoy “Dengaku”, a local speciality of various skewered ingredients slowly roasted on a charcoal hearth). The warmth of the fire makes the food taste even better, perfect for a leisurely winter meal. The standard “Takamori Dengaku Set” includes various local ingredients, such as tofu, konnyaku, and wild vegetables.
You can also try Aso’s famous Akaushi (red beef), wild boar hot pot and basashi (horse sashimi) a-la-carte.
Takamori Dengaku Village (高森田楽村)
Address: 814-2 Kamishikimi, Takamori Town, Aso-gun, Kumamoto Prefecture (熊本県阿蘇郡高森町上色見814-2)
Phone: 0967-62-1327
Hours: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM (Reservation required after 5:00 PM)
More info: http://dengakumura.com/
5. Don’t Forget the Onsen!
Kurokawa Onsen is particularly recommended, with 30 ryokan (inns) offering the “Nyuyoku Tegata” onsen-hopping pass, whichcou lets you visit three different open-air baths for ¥1,500. Aso is known for having eight different types of mineral springs, so you can enjoy a variety of bathing experiences while exploring the area.
Types of Hot Springs and Their Associated Ryokans in Kurokawa:
- Weakly Acidic Hot Springs: OkunoYu, Noshi Yu, Yamamizuki, Ikoi Ryokan, Hozantei, Nishimura, Wakaba, Sanga (Indoor Bath)
- Weakly Alkaline Hot Springs: Konoyu, Senomoto Kogen Hotel, Fumoto Ryokan
- Sulphur Hot Springs: Misato, Ichinoi, Kiyashiki, Waraku
- Bicarbonate Hot Springs: Kurokawaso, Yamabiko Ryokan, Sanga (Outdoor Bath), Shinmeikan, Yama no Yu
- Sulphate Hot Springs: Yumerindo, Yusai, Kurokawaso, Sanga (Outdoor Bath), Yamabiko Ryokan, Shinmeikan, Yama no Yu
- Ferrous Hot Springs: Okyakuya, Yumotoso
- Acidic Hot Springs: Okyakuya
Each onsen has its unique charm. In the central part of the town, the onsens are intimate and thoughtfully designed, while further from the center, you can find more expansive, open-air baths.
Some options include the Open-Air baths at Yamamizuki. Alongside the river, you’ll find a vast open-air bath.
There is also an open-air bath at Noshiyu, which despite its central location in the Kurokawa Onsen area, gives a feeling of seclusion and immersion in nature.
The bathing pass not only offers access to various onsens but also provides benefits at about 30 local eateries and souvenir shops. It’s definitely worth purchasing if you’re visiting Kurokawa Onsen.
Kurokawa Onsen Ryokan Association Information Center
Address: Kurokawa Sakura-dori, Minamioguni Town, Aso District, Kumamoto Prefecture (熊本県阿蘇郡南小国町黒川さくら通り)
Phone: 0967-44-0076
Website: https://www.kurokawaonsen.or.jp/eng_new/
Okuaso no Yado Yamanami
The pH level of the water here is an astonishing 9.2, nearly the same as soap water, which is around pH 9.5. As a result it makes your skin feel incredibly silky and smooth as soon as you step in. Even the litmus paper changes color slightly!
Okuaso no Yado Yamanami (奥阿蘇の宿やまなみ)
Address: 254-3, Tajiri, Ubuyama-mura, Aso District, Kumamoto Prefecture (熊本県阿蘇郡産山村田尻254-3) [Google Maps]
Phone Number: 0967-25-2414
Public Bath: 500 yen for adults (10:30 – 21:00)
Private Bath: 2,000 yen per hour (10:30 – 21:00)
Website: http://www.aso-yamanami.com/
Uchinomaki Onsen
The Aso Uchinomaki Onsen area is home to many wonderful hot springs. Including public baths, there are about 19 hot springs available for a dip in the onsen during the day even if you are not staying overnight. A highly recommended spot is Sozankyo. Despite the earthquake damage which once broke the hot spring pipes, they have been re-drilled, bringing back the same high-quality waters.
This hot spring inn offers a charming and slightly exclusive atmosphere, which may make it feel a bit intimidating to enter at first. However, it’s perfectly okay for a brief visit just to use the public baths, with towels conveniently provided.
Though not directly related to the onsen experience, the rooftop bar is a lovely spot for enjoying a drink with a view. If you’re in Aso and looking for a stylish place to sip a cocktail, this is the place to go.
During the winter months, a warm dome tent is set up for guests to enjoy the stunning starry skies while sipping hot wine—perfect for the chilly evenings.
Aso Uchinomaki Onsen
Address: 145-1 Uchinomaki, Aso City, Kumamoto Prefecture (熊本県阿蘇市内牧１４５−１)
Phone: 0967-32-0515
Website: https://sozankyo.com/
Green Pia Minamiaso
Green Pia Minamiaso offers an open-air bath with a breathtaking view of the Aso mountains right before your eyes. The experience becomes even more refreshing after 3 PM when the sauna becomes available.
Hotel Green Pia Minamiaso (ホテルグリーンピア南阿蘇)
Address: 4411-9 Hisaishi, Minamiaso Village, Aso District, Kumamoto Prefecture (熊本県阿蘇郡南阿蘇村久石4411-9) [Google Maps]
Phone: 0967-67-2131
Admission: Adults 600 yen (Open from 12:30 PM to 7:00 PM)
Greenpia Minami Aso Website
6. Winter Stargazing
Winter in Aso means clear, crisp skies, making it an ideal time to stargaze. The star-filled sky in Aso is one of the season’s best features, and despite the cold, it’s definitely worth stepping outside to enjoy.
If you’re looking for a more structured experience, Minamiaso Village offers a Premium Night Tour, where you can explore the winter sky in greater detail with the help of a local guide.
Premium Night Trekking
Website: Premium Night Trekking Tour
7. Final Thoughts
While many people associate snow with Aso in winter, the reality is that it doesn’t snow much. It’s actually a hidden gem during the colder months, offering peaceful experiences in nature and unique local activities. I encourage you to visit Aso this winter and enjoy all that it has to offer!
The above was translated and adapted from an article on our Japanese-language sister website ALT Kumamoto. For the original content, see the article below!
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