Hello, I’m Shenny, an intern in Aso!
Most people think of volcanoes and Akaushi beef when they hear “Aso,” but did you know this land of volcanoes and pure spring water also produces world-class local products—milk, cheese, jam, craft beer, and even award-winning baumkuchen?
We visited the Aso Milk Factory, where we got to experience firsthand what it means to “taste the land.” It’s just a 15-minute drive from Michi-no-Eki Aso, and if you have extra time, you can also head up to Daikanbo for breathtaking panoramic views.
If you’re planning a trip to Aso, this is the perfect spot to eat, shop, and learn. With certified milk and cheese, culturally inspired beers, and local sweets, it’s a flavorful way to connect with the region.
🕒 Opening hours: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM, open year-round.
🍽️ What to Do at Aso Milk Factory|Restaurant, Factory Tour & Local Souvenirs
Aso Milk Factory isn’t just a place that makes cheese and milk—it’s an all-in-one destination that includes:
🍴 Restaurant
- Lunch: 11:00–15:00 (last order: 14:30), open daily
- Dinner: 18:00–21:30 (last order: 21:00), closed on Sundays and Mondays
🧀 Cheese Factory Tour
🛍️ Local Product & Gift Shop
🌹 Rose Garden
- Blooming season: Late April–Early June & Mid–Late October
🍦 Café & Sweets Corner
- Offering ASOMILK soft serve, Italian gelato, and drinks.
Whether you want a full lunch, a tasting experience, or a shopping stop, this place fits perfectly into any Aso itinerary.
🧀 Cheese Tasting Platter|Award-Winning & Full of Flavor
We ordered the cheese tasting platter (¥1,000), which allowed us to explore different types and find our favorite. One of the cheeses even won Silver at the 2022 Japan Cheese Awards (Washed-Rind / Soft Cheese Category). Smooth and mellow, it paired perfectly with honey or crackers.
We highly recommend enjoying it by the window overlooking the rose garden—this is what living in Aso feels like.
🥛 Aso Milk|A 3-Star Taste from iTQi Belgium
This isn’t just local milk—it’s internationally acclaimed. Aso Milk received the highest 3-star rating from the International Taste & Quality Institute (iTQi) in Belgium. The flavor is rich yet smooth, and you can taste the freshness of the highlands and spring water.
🍰 Baumkuchen & Local Jam|Perfect for Sweet Tooth Travelers
The factory’s signature baumkuchen (layered cake) won one-star and two-star awards from the 2023 International Superior Taste Awards. Combined with their jams made from local fruits, these make excellent gifts or personal treats.
🍺 Aso Craft Beer|Volcanic Spring Water in Every Sip
A hidden gem here is their local craft beer, brewed with Shirakawa Spring Water, one of Japan’s top 100 natural waters.
- Aso Red IPA: A rich, bitter beer inspired by the Aso Shrine Fire Ritual and volcanic flames. The red hue comes from local red rice and beet sugar. Best enjoyed at 8–10°C to fully experience its floral hop aroma.
- Aso Golden ALE: A balanced, crisp ale that reflects the golden pre-eruption peaks of Mt. Aso. Brewed with Cascade hops, it features a grapefruit-like aroma and mild bitterness.
Both beers pair excellently with cheese, roasted chicken, and savory snacks—truly a taste of the land.
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