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Sarukuma Travel > Activities & Tips > Michi-no-Eki Aso-Bo-no-Sato Kugino: More Than a Roadside Station β€” It’s a Theme Park! (Minamiaso, Aso District)

Michi-no-Eki Aso-Bo-no-Sato Kugino: More Than a Roadside Station β€” It’s a Theme Park! (Minamiaso, Aso District)

Outing Spots

2020.08.17

πŸ“Œ What you’ll learn from this article
A SaruKuma writer visits Michi-no-Eki Aso-Bo-no-Sato Kugino in Minamiaso, Aso District, and shares a hands-on report. We’ve also rounded up family-friendly tips, access info, and opening hours.
Hello there!
This is Ayu-Mama, writer for “SaruKuma”!
Today I’m introducing
located in Hisaishi, Minamiaso Village, Aso District,
Michi-no-Eki “Aso-Bo-no-Sato Kugino” β€” a fantastic roadside station.
Located in southern Aso, Kumamoto Prefecture,
right along Prefectural Route 28, which connects Kumamoto City and Takamori Town.
As you’d expect from a roadside station, the parking lot is enormous!
Take a look at this β€” the sweeping panorama of Mount Aso!
Just gazing at it feels amazing!
Plenty of dining options too! Starting with “Ajiwai-kan Food Court,”
“Soba Dojo” (handmade soba noodle workshop),
“Akaushi-no-Yakata” (famous for Aso’s red wagyu beef), and even a park golf course,
a wide-open “Lawn Plaza,”
a “Free Dog Run,”
and a charming “Water Wheel Hut” powered by water from
the “Kodai-no-Izumi” (Ancient Spring) source.
Beneath the water wheel, koi carp swim peacefully β€”
my son loves watching them every time we visit!
In summer, kids can splash and play
in the little stream that flows from the water wheel!
Please note that pets are not allowed in the stream.
There’s also an outdoor goods shop β€” the popular Japanese brand “Mont-bell” β€”
plus shops selling fresh local produce and souvenirs
grown in the rich nature of southern Aso.
Bicycle rentals are available too,
and at the tourist information center,
you can grab plenty of brochures for nearby sightseeing spots!
Of course, restrooms and facilities are top-notch!
There’s a diaper changing station, a sink, and a chair for nursing.
You can even cool down baby formula at the sink β€”
such a lifesaver during a road trip with little ones!
A place where families and groups can spend the whole day having fun.

Highlights & Recommendations

My top recommendation is the traditional “Saru-mawashi” (Monkey Performance)!
The monkey shows aren’t held every day β€”
they happen on weekends and long holidays at irregular intervals.
And get this β€” admission is FREE!
Watching a professional monkey performance for free? What an incredible deal!
It was scorching hot the day we went,
so the monkey performed under a shady tent β€”
sorry the photos aren’t the best!
The clever exchanges between the trainer and monkey had my son cracking up the entire time!
Catching a monkey show during a road-trip break β€” could it get any better?
Although the show is technically free,
a small tipping moment is offered at the end of the performance.
As a thank-you, you’ll receive an adorable monkey card.
So cute!!!!
Please consider tipping the hard-working monkey performer!

Facility Information

Parking Yes Restrooms Yes
Vending machines Yes Diaper changing table Yes
Hand-washing area Yes Suitable age 0 years and up
Children’s play equipment Yes Recommended play items Balls, etc.
Shaded areas Yes Change of clothes needed Only for water play
Water play Allowed Eating on premises Allowed
Hazardous areas None Nursing space Yes

Michi-no-Eki Aso-Bo-no-Sato Kugino β€” Store Information

  • Address

    Hisaishi, Minamiaso Village, Aso District (along Prefectural Route 28)

  • Parking

    Available

  • No

    Tatami seating

  • No

    Private rooms

  • No

    Children’s tableware

  • No

    Children’s chairs

  • No

    Diaper changing table

  • No

    Stroller-friendly entry

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s a recommended family-friendly spot in Minamiaso, Aso District?

Michi-no-Eki Aso-Bo-no-Sato Kugino is family-friendly and a popular spot in Minamiaso, Aso District. See this article for full details.

What are the hours and closing days for Michi-no-Eki Aso-Bo-no-Sato Kugino?

Opening hours and closing days may change. Please check the official website or call before visiting.

β€»Information is based on the time of visit. Prices and hours may change. Please confirm before visiting.

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Article Writer

Sarukuma Editorial is a small team of locals based in Kumamoto, Japan, sharing the hidden gems, hometown flavors, and seasonal experiences that make our region special. We write the kind of guide we wish we had when showing friends around β€” honest, practical, and made by people who actually live here.

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