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Explore the rural culture that has evolved in Kumamoto Prefecture around one of Japan’s largest active volcanoes
SMO Minamioguni (Satoyama Journey)
Welcome to Minamioguni, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Kyushu. This tranquil town sits in the shadow of the majestic Mt. Aso, an active volcano that has sculpted the landscape and left an everlasting mark on the local culture.
Satoyama Journey offers guided tours that provide a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the rural “satoyama” culture of Japan. You’ll embark on a captivating journey through volcanic terrain, cycling amidst breathtaking scenery and connecting with local residents who hold their time-honored traditions close to heart.
Among the tour’s highlights are the expansive grasslands that cover the outer rim of Mt. Aso’s vast volcanic caldera. For over a millennium, these lands have been tended by generations of locals, weaving a rich tapestry of Japanese history that you’ll witness firsthand.
But it’s not just about sightseeing; it’s also about meaningful encounters. You’ll visit local farmers, engage in a farm-to-table lunch experience, and bridge language barriers by working the soil together. You’ll also prepare an authentic Japanese meal that reflects the soul of this region.
Our knowledgeable English-speaking guides and the warm interactions you’ll have with the proud residents of this unique community aim to give you an immersive experience of rural life on the slopes of one of Japan’s largest active volcanoes.
How to get there
By air: Fly to Kumamoto Airport or Fukuoka Airport. From the airport, take a bus to Minamioguni Town Hall (1 hour 50 minutes from Kumamoto Airport, 2 hours 5 minutes from Fukuoka Airport).
By train: Take the JR Shinkansen bullet train to Kumamoto Station or Hakata Station (Fukuoka). From the station, take a bus to Minamioguni Town Hall (2 hours 40 minutes from Kumamoto Station, 2 hours 25 minutes from Hakata Bus Terminal in Fukuoka).
1789-1 Akababa, Minamioguni-machi, Aso-gun, Kumamoto-ken
