Hello there! I’m Ayu-mama, a writer for “SaruKuma.”Today I’m taking you to a hidden gem in Otohime, Aso City:
“Kosugi Resort: Aso Buffet Otohime no Mori”
It’s a natural food buffet restaurant surrounded by stunning Aso scenery!

Heading toward Aso City along Route 57,
you’ll spot signs along the road pointing the way.
The parking lot is wonderfully spacious,
and the surrounding mountains set against the blue sky make for a breathtaking sight!
Now let’s step inside!

Sign your name at the reception desk and wait to be seated.
We had a reservation, so we were shown to our table right away.
Booking ahead is highly recommended — it guarantees you a seat and makes everything smoother.
Although it’s a buffet,
COVID-19 safety measures are taken very seriously here.
Disposable plastic gloves are provided to every guest.
You wear the gloves when serving yourself,
then take them off to eat, and put them back on when you go for seconds. It does take a bit of getting used to,
but everyone follows the rules carefully,
so we felt completely at ease enjoying our meal!

Here’s the inside of the restaurant!
We visited on a holiday, so it was packed with guests,
and it was tricky to snap photos of the seating area or the spread of dishes…

The menu has a different theme each month,
and this month’s theme was “Boosting Immunity.”
Building a body that can fight back against COVID!
The dishes are designed with immune system support in mind!

My son’s picks!
Kid favorites like pasta, fries, and karaage (Japanese fried chicken) are all on offer.

My son tucked in with total focus!
And here’s my plate!

I went straight for the immunity-boosting dishes.
Mackerel, leba-nira (liver and chive stir-fry), white mapo tofu and more —
all packed with the kind of energy you need to power through Japan’s hot summer!
True to Kumamoto, takana-meshi (mustard greens rice) and dago-jiru (a hearty local dumpling soup) were also on the menu.

Round two!

I went for the curry!
Am I the only one who can’t resist picking up curry at a buffet?
That tempting aroma always pulls me in, doesn’t it?
The curry is mild, so it’s perfect for kids too!

Round three!

Dessert time!

I thought I was eating a delicious cheesecake, but it turned out to be
the famous “Shiroi Kifujin” (White Lady) from the renowned Kiyomasa Seika confectionery!!!

We feasted on fresh seasonal vegetables grown in Aso and homemade sweets,
all while gazing out at the lush Aso forest. Pure bliss.

And outside, there’s even a foot bath (ashiyu)!
Of course, I had to soak my feet in the warm onsen water — pure relaxation!

Towels are even provided — they truly think of everything!

Recommended Menu Highlights

What I love most is just how many fun options there are for kids!
First up — the soft-serve ice cream machine!
You make it yourself and add your own toppings,
so even adults can have a blast!
The variety of ice cream flavors is incredible!
It feels just like a famous ice cream shop — you can roll your own with the toppings of your choice!
And there’s even a popcorn machine!
Freshly popped, hot popcorn made right on the spot!
A heaping pile!
My son went back for seconds — twice! Haha.
As we left, we even got a complimentary candy as a parting gift —
full bellies and full hearts!

A buffet that delights both kids and adults alike!

Frequently Asked Questions

※Information accurate at the time of reporting. Prices and hours are subject to change. Please confirm before your visit.