Flavors & Wheels: Satoyama Food and Cycling Tour

Experience sustainable tourism in Minamioguni, a town heavily influenced by the incredible Mt. Aso

Minamioguni is a quaint town off the beaten path in Kumamoto Prefecture. The town is included in the Aso area, named after Mt. Aso, one of the largest active volcanoes in Japan. This proximity to Mt. Aso has shaped both the landscape and the culture of this quaint town. Residents here believe that simple living is quality living and are dedicated to upholding many of their traditional ways of life. 

Satoyama Journey offers a variety of sustainability-focused cycling, walking, and hiking tours in the nearby Aso-Kuju National Park, so you can choose the best excursion to match your interests and fitness level. Explore the Aso caldera while you gaze upon breathtaking natural scenery, and get a closer look at farming life in rural Japan. Cycle through the open plains of the Senomoto Highlands, or explore the fragrant beauty of ancient Japanese cedar forests. Adventurers may even climb Mt. Aso, but note that access is limited when the volcano shows high levels of activity.

An English-speaking guide will be present during the excursions. They also feature interactions with proud residents eager to share their way of life. Join us and enjoy a close-up experience of life in the rural area around one of Japan's largest active volcanoes.

Access: From Hakata Station, take the Hita Bus for the Minamioguni Yakuba-mae stop (about two hours 25 minutes), then walk about five minutes to the destination.
 

Rural Gourmet Cycling Tour (Satoyama Journey)