Hello, fellow travelers!
This is Saamama, a writer for Sarukuma.

Today I’m excited to introduce you to
“Chakura Cafe Aso”,
a charming cafe nestled in Kurahara, Aso City, Kumamoto Prefecture.

We took the northern recovery route on a weekday, which meant no traffic and a smooth, scenic drive into the heart of Aso. The perfect day trip!

Inside, you’ll find a stylish, welcoming space featuring table seating and cozy sofa seats, all set on a slightly raised platform that gives the cafe a warm, inviting atmosphere.

There are also counter seats with breathtaking, panoramic views of Aso’s magnificent natural landscape — perfect for soaking in the scenery.

And for families with little ones, there’s even a traditional tatami room (zashiki) — a wonderful touch for a relaxed, kid-friendly meal!

Recommended Menu

The menu features the Akaushi Beef Lunch, Pasta Lunch,

and a tempting selection of cake sets and sweets too! (*^^*)

The drink menu is impressively varied, and what’s especially nice is that the complimentary lunch drink can be selected from this very menu — a generous touch you’ll appreciate!

Lunch began with a vibrant, generously portioned colorful salad,

followed by a warming soup,

and then the star of the show: the Higo Akaushi Japanese Ragù (1,800 yen).

Beautifully plated with colorful vegetables, the slowly simmered beef was so tender it practically melted in your mouth — absolute heaven!

We also tried the Higo Akaushi Steak Rice Bowl with Fresh Pickled Takana and Onsen Egg (2,000 yen), limited to just 10 servings per day.

The Higo Akaushi sirloin is grilled over charcoal, and pairs beautifully with the silky onsen egg — a truly memorable bite!

For drinks, we enjoyed the Premium Chocolate Tea and the Aroma Almond Cafe Latte.

The Halloween presentation was just adorable!

There’s truly nothing quite like a leisurely lunch with sweeping views of Aso’s grand nature — pure bliss!

Right at the entrance, there’s a tablet where you can sign up for the waiting list.

Reservations are accepted from 11:30 AM. Even on a weekday, the cafe was packed with a steady wait, so it’s clearly a popular spot. We highly recommend booking ahead to enjoy a smooth, stress-free meal!

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Frequently Asked Questions

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