After the sad recent departure of our part time staff member Min Min in order to continue her studies at Okayama University, I felt it was a good time to start visiting the south area of Aso where she had lived for the past few years.
Although not being one of the easiest places to get around, if you have access to a car during your time in Aso, it is only around 30-40 minutes away from Michi No Eki Aso.
I started off the day with a visit to Italiasso, near Akamizu station to purchase one of their amazing sandwich plates for a picnic at my first destination. The food from Italiasso is outstanding and I highly recommend a try sometime.
The first stop was to the Kannon Sakura tree and the surrounding park to enjoy the recently blooming Cherry Blossoms. Whilst it was a little busy, I managed to find a parking space and enough room to sit and eat lunch enjoying the beautiful scenery.
Even though it was a cloudy day, the temperature was very pleasant and there was only a light breeze in the air. It was great to sit under the cherry blossom trees and enjoy a peaceful and relaxing lunch, it reminded me of the many years of Hanami parties I attended while living in Osaka.
Once lunch was finished I made my way to Hogi Hogi shrine closeby. I had seen the shrine in our Michi no Eki Aso maps many times and always thought the name sounded funny.
The red colour of the buildings I had seen from the photos made for a somewhat unique experience and great photos.
The shrine was unlike any other I have visited and there was a very odd black room that you can walk through in total darkness with decorations and sounds. Although quite scary inside, it added a unique twist to what you normally expect when visiting a shrine in Japan.
Whilst walking around the shrine I also managed to make friends with two cats that seemed to be very at home in the shrine area, maybe they lived there?
Before leaving and making my way to a nearby hot spring, I made some wishes and paid my respects at the numerous locations of worship throughout the shrine as well as walking under the numbered Torii gates in order.
Finally it was off to one of my favourite hot springs in the nearby area, Iyashi no Sato for a relaxing soak in one of their private hot spring rooms. The water in each private hot spring is renewed after every guest but beware at first the water temperature is extremely hot. Probably the hottest hot spring I have ever visited.
Feeling quite sleepy after the relaxing hour in the tub, I thought it was time to make my way back home but not without a quick stop to my favourite soft serve ice cream place, Sizenha Sofuto.
Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoy your time in Aso and if you get the chance to visit Minami Aso, there are many other great spots we can recommend so please pop in to see us at Michi No Eki Aso tourist information.
Oliver
