About asoha

Hello, travelers!
This is “Gussan,” a writer for Sarukuma.

Today we’re introducing asoha — a private villa located in Kawakage, Minamiaso Village.
“I don’t want to leave…” I caught myself muttering like a kid — that’s how amazing this place was. So let me share it with you with plenty of photos!
asoha had its grand opening on November 1, 2023, and is a one-group-per-day vacation rental that feels like staying at your own private second home in the mountains.

This time we visited with another family, and the place is so wonderfully equipped that everything feels effortless — making it a perfect treat for moms (or anyone!) who deserve a real break from daily routines.
Here’s the exterior of asoha.
Four free parking spaces are right at the entrance, so unloading your luggage couldn’t be easier.
Perched on a hilltop a little way up the mountain, asoha already wows you with the view from outside — but stepping inside takes it to a whole new level!
The living room features a stunning floor-to-ceiling glass wall that frames a sweeping view of the Aso Five Peaks!
“Wow!!!”
The kids couldn’t contain their excitement at the breathtaking landscape.
From left to right across the living room, you can take in the entire mountain range of Aso. Honestly, I couldn’t hide my excitement either!
Check-in starts at 3:00 PM, and trust me — you don’t want to arrive after dark and miss the scenery!
Arrive early so you can soak in the golden glow of Aso at sunset and watch the mountains slowly fade into night. It’s the kind of view that stays in your kids’ memories for years.
A large wall-mounted TV plus stylish, carefully chosen tables and sofas add an extra layer of luxury to your stay.
The terrace connects directly to the living room, putting Aso’s grand panorama right at your feet.
What a luxurious space!
The spacious terrace is also BBQ-ready!
A gas-type BBQ grill is provided free of charge, along with gas canisters, tongs, and tableware. Just bring your ingredients!
I’ve stayed at log cabins where prep and cleanup were exhausting, so this is a real game-changer.
A jacuzzi!!!
The ultimate symbol of a celebrity getaway.

We used it as a foot bath this time, but in summer you can fill it as a kiddie pool — sure to delight the little ones!
It’s also right next to the BBQ terrace, so you can keep an eye on the kids while grilling.
And from the living room, an outdoor staircase leads upward to…
A rooftop deck!!!
From up here, the panoramic Aso scenery is all yours.
At night, it’s perfect for stargazing with the kids!

The asoha Kitchen

Next, let’s tour the all-purpose kitchen — fully stocked yet beautifully designed.
Everything in here is free to use — and here’s the best part: you don’t have to wash anything!
The owners want guests to truly relax, so used dishes and utensils can simply be left as they are.
For someone like me who finds even a single dirty plate exhausting, this thoughtful touch is heaven-sent!
And the kitchen is amazingly well-equipped — there are even hot pots and a takoyaki maker, plus your pick of ceramic plates, plastic dishes, or paper plates!
Forks and spoons are provided too, so no need to bring kids’ utensils.
Aluminum foil, plastic wrap, zipper bags, and even paper towels are all on hand.
Salt, sugar, and salt-and-pepper too!
Note: there’s no yakiniku sauce or ponzu, so bring any specific seasonings you’d like.
asoha also stocks high-quality kitchen appliances — microwave, rice cooker, coffee maker,
a toaster, and even an electric kettle.
Sipping coffee while gazing out at Aso’s vast nature? Highly recommended.
By the way, we made a Japanese hot pot (nabe) for dinner. Since you only need to bring the ingredients, packing was light — and not having to wash up afterward was simply the best!

Bathroom & Restrooms at asoha

Now for the bathroom.
The spacious changing room opens directly to the jacuzzi (open-air bath), which is super convenient — kids can splash in the water and head straight to the bathroom afterward.
Towels and toothbrushes are provided for everyone, of course.
Kids even get cute “Musasabi-kun” (flying squirrel) toothbrushes!
Another wonderful detail: the amenities are seriously thoughtful.
Shampoos and conditioners are carefully selected, and children’s toiletries are all organic. Even the hand soap is organic — a real comfort for anyone traveling with babies. There’s also makeup remover and facial cleanser, which moms will love.
There are two restrooms — one near the living room, one near the bathroom.
Both, of course, are spotlessly clean.

The Bedrooms at asoha

There’s one Western-style bedroom and
two traditional Japanese-style (washitsu) tatami rooms.
Unlike Western hotels with high beds (where you worry about kids rolling off!), the Japanese rooms with futons let everyone sleep peacefully. The calming atmosphere helped our kids sleep deeply through the night.

Family-Friendly Highlights at asoha

asoha is already overflowing with family perks, but here are even more reasons it’s perfect for traveling with kids.
The living room comes with a Nintendo Switch (free Wi-Fi included!), and
a great selection of board and table games — Othello (Reversi), playing cards, Pop-Up Pirate, and more.
We got fired up over a family game of Daifugo (Japanese card game).
There’s even an astronomical telescope, perfect for nights of stargazing with the kids — only at asoha.
You can stream YouTube and Netflix on the big-screen TV — perfect for movie nights!
And outside the front door, there’s an electric-assist bicycle. If your child can ride an adult-sized bike, you can explore the Aso area together — what a fantastic way to soak up the scenery firsthand!

Pricing

Here’s a look at the rates.

• Each additional guest: ¥6,000 per person.
• For groups of 5 or more, children ages 6 to 15 receive a 50% discount. “Toddlers” (age 5 and under), selected at booking, stay free of charge — but please note that no futons or bedding are provided for them.
For full booking details, please check the reservation site.

asoha is luxuriously equipped from top to bottom and offers a true resort-style escape. With total privacy and no neighbors to worry about, it’s perfect for families or two-family getaways.
Be sure to check out the official website and Instagram.

By the way, the morning after our stay, we drove just 5 minutes to “Michi-no-Eki Aso Bo no Sato Kugino,” a roadside station where the kids could run around freely. It’s a fantastic spot to shop for Aso specialty products and grab a light meal — highly recommended!

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Frequently Asked Questions

※ Information is current as of the time of reporting. Prices and operating hours may change. Please confirm before your visit.