Aso City, Kumamoto Prefecture
Exploring Aso Road (Milk Road) From the grassland curves to a sweeping view of Aso
In early April, I headed to the Milk Road as late-afternoon light fell across the grass. From the shop's car park, a well-maintained path leads to Kabuto-iwa Observatory. Here's the story of the day I took in Aso's views and enjoyed an akaushi beef bowl.
This is the story of the time I spent taking in the spring grassland road and walking to Kabuto-iwa Observatory.
SpringLate afternoon in early April
From the grassland curves to a sweeping view of Aso
I got out of the car to look back at the bend I'd just driven. It was early April on the Milk Road. The road climbed between the grasslands, then curved gently away in the distance. Behind the wheel, I'd kept my eyes on the road; once I'd parked and stepped out, I could take my time and really see the shape of it. I was glad I'd stopped here.
I came in a gingham top, white shorts and a light cardigan. The breeze moved through the grass and caught my sleeves and hair. Late-afternoon light fell across the slope, and I wanted to see where the road went as it curved out of sight. Today, rather than driving on and on, I wanted to spend some time enjoying the view of the road I'd already driven. I stood for a while beside the wooden fence along the path.
Kabuto-iwa Observatory sits along Prefectural Route 339, also known as the Milk Road. I left the car in the shop's car park and followed the well-maintained path on foot. After taking in the curves, I wanted to see more of Aso's wide-open scenery. It made me smile a little to be walking toward the next view when I'd been driving just moments before.
From the lookout, I could see the Aso Five Peaks and the outer rim mountains all at once. I'd just been looking at the grassland road, and here was this vast view beyond it. Making time both to drive and to walk meant I'd remember not just the road, but the sheer scale of Aso, too. Once I'd caught my breath, I looked out into the distance again.
I also had an akaushi beef bowl in Uchinomaki for lunch that day. Imakin Shokudo's version is piled high with grilled akaushi beef, and you can enjoy it with an onsen egg, too. The beef's flavor lingered after the first bite, and I wanted the next bite with rice. I was looking forward to the afternoon drive, but I ended up taking my time over lunch, too.
When I came back from the lookout, I could see the grassland road again. Lunch, the bends I'd driven, and the sweep of Aso I'd seen on foot had all become part of the same day's memories. When I got back to the car, I could face forward and follow the road again. After giving myself time to take in the view, I could head back without rushing and look forward to the next bend.
The story sections are fiction inspired by this location. For accurate information, please consult official tourism and information websites.
Local specialty
Akaushi beef bowl
Imakin Shokudo in Uchinomaki, Aso City, serves an akaushi beef bowl piled high with grilled beef. You can enjoy it with an onsen egg, too. I savored it one bite at a time before my afternoon drive.
Highlights
Grassland bends to take in on foot
At Kabuto-iwa Observatory along the Milk Road, you can leave the car behind and enjoy a walk. The bends threading through the grasslands stayed with me, too.
Panoramic views of the Aso Five Peaks and outer rim mountains
From Kabuto-iwa Observatory, you can see the Aso Five Peaks and the outer rim mountains all at once. Seeing that sweep of Aso after taking in the shape of the road made me feel I'd truly taken in the region.
Road details
Prefectural Route 339 (Milk Road)
This road runs alongside Kabuto-iwa Observatory. I parked and walked, taking in the bends that cut through the grasslands.
After driving the route, park in the shop's car park and walk to the lookout, too. I loved being able to enjoy a view I couldn't get from behind the wheel.
More Spot Guides
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