Aso Farm Land Area
Wellness and Nature at Mt. Aso's Foothills
Aso Farm Land opened in 1995 as an innovative wellness resort concept that harmonizes with the dramatic volcanic landscape surrounding Mt. Aso, one of the world's largest active calderas. The development aimed to create a health-focused destination utilizing the region's natural resources: pure spring water, geothermal hot springs, clean air, and rich volcanic soil producing abundant agricultural products.
The resort's iconic dome-shaped buildings were designed to minimize environmental impact while maximizing energy efficiency using passive solar and geothermal principles. This innovative architecture created a distinctive skyline that has become synonymous with the Aso Farm Land experience. The dome village accommodations offer a unique lodging experience that blends modern comfort with connection to nature.
Beyond tourism, Aso Farm Land has contributed to the local economy by showcasing Kumamoto Prefecture's agricultural products and promoting wellness tourism. The facility emphasizes the health benefits of Mt. Aso's natural environment - from outdoor activities to farm-fresh cuisine. Following the 2016 earthquakes, the facility underwent repairs and has continued serving as an important destination highlighting the resilience and attractions of the Aso region.
Key Highlights
- Unique dome-shaped accommodations
- Natural hot spring bathing facilities
- Farm experiences and animal interactions
- Wellness activities and outdoor recreation
- Mt. Aso volcanic landscape views
- Local agricultural products showcase
Access Information
Location
4-1589-1 Kawayo, Minami-Aso, Aso District, Kumamoto 869-1404, Japan
Nearest Stations
- • Aso Station (JR Hohi Line) - 20 min by bus or taxi
- • Kumamoto Airport - 40 min by bus or car
Opening Hours
Facilities vary: typically 10:00-17:00 for attractions, hot springs until 23:00
Admission Fee
Entry ¥1,000-1,500, individual facilities extra. Accommodation packages available
How to Get There
From Kumamoto City
JR Hohi Line to Aso Station, then shuttle bus or taxi
90 minutes
From Kumamoto Airport
Direct shuttle bus or rental car
40 minutes
From Beppu
Bus or car via Yamanami Highway
2.5 hours
Tips & Visiting Guide
Make the most of your visit with these helpful tips and guidelines.
Plan Your Visit
Day visits require 4-6 hours to enjoy main attractions. Overnight stays in dome accommodations highly recommended for full experience. Book dome stays well in advance, especially weekends and holidays. Some facilities have seasonal hours or closures.
Dome Accommodations
Over 400 dome-shaped guest rooms create a unique village atmosphere. Each dome is self-contained with amenities. Book directly through official website. Popular with families and couples. Prices vary by season and dome type. Unique Instagram-worthy experience.
Hot Spring Facilities
Multiple bathing options including large communal baths, private family baths, and outdoor pools. Natural hot springs from volcanic Mt. Aso region. Separate fees from accommodation (¥1,500-3,000). Bring towels or rent on-site. Relaxing after outdoor activities.
Farm Experiences
Animal petting zoo, vegetable harvesting (seasonal), milking experiences, and hands-on agricultural activities. Popular with children. Schedule varies seasonally. Some activities require advance reservation. Learn about Kumamoto's agricultural heritage.
Dining Options
Multiple restaurants featuring local Kumamoto ingredients and Aso specialties. Buffet-style meals emphasize farm-fresh vegetables and local meats. Reservation recommended for dinner. Dome guests can arrange meal packages. Emphasizes healthy, locally-sourced cuisine.
Transportation
Car rental recommended for flexibility exploring wider Aso region. Free shuttle bus from Aso Station (limited schedule - check in advance). Facility offers bicycle rentals. Public transportation limited. Taxi from Aso Station about ¥3,000.
Wellness Activities
Health-focused activities include metabolism measurement, health consultations, outdoor fitness equipment, nature walks, and wellness programs. Emphasis on natural healing and relaxation. Perfect for stress relief and family bonding.
Explore Surrounding Area
Convenient base for exploring Mt. Aso caldera, Kusasenri grasslands, Nakadake crater, and surrounding onsen towns. Rent a car to maximize sightseeing. Spring and autumn offer best weather. Combine wellness resort with outdoor adventure.
FAQ
What is Aso Farm Land and what can I do there?
Aso Farm Land is a comprehensive resort and health theme park at the foot of Mount Aso. It features unique dome-shaped accommodations, hot spring facilities, a petting zoo, adventure activities, restaurants serving local cuisine, health and wellness programs, and extensive gardens. It's designed for families and offers both day-visit activities and overnight stays.
How long should I spend at Aso Farm Land?
Day visitors typically spend 3-6 hours enjoying the facilities, animal encounters, and health activities. However, many visitors choose to stay overnight in the unique dome houses to fully experience the hot springs, wellness programs, and countryside atmosphere. An overnight stay allows you to explore at a relaxed pace.
What are the dome accommodations like?
The resort features over 400 unique dome-shaped houses built into hillsides, ranging from 2-person to family-sized units. Each dome has beds, bathroom facilities, and air conditioning. The distinctive design provides good insulation and a unique glamping-style experience. Guests have access to communal hot spring facilities and can use resort amenities.
How much does it cost to visit Aso Farm Land?
Day-visit admission varies by season but is typically around 1,300-1,500 yen for adults and 700-800 yen for children (4-12 years). This includes access to most facilities. Some activities like animal feeding, craft workshops, and special wellness programs require additional fees. Overnight packages including accommodation, meals, and activities start from around 15,000 yen per person.
How do I get to Aso Farm Land from Kumamoto?
By car, it's about 50 minutes from Kumamoto city center via Route 57. By public transport, take the JR Hohi Line from Kumamoto to Aso Station (about 1 hour), then take a taxi (15 minutes, approximately 2,000 yen) or the infrequent local bus. A rental car provides the most flexibility for exploring the wider Aso area.
Is Aso Farm Land suitable for young children?
Absolutely! Aso Farm Land is exceptionally family-friendly with activities specifically designed for children. The petting zoo with sheep, goats, and rabbits, playground areas, hands-on farming experiences, and gentle health-oriented activities are perfect for kids. The dome houses feel like an adventure for children while being comfortable for parents.
What animals can we see and interact with?
The petting zoo area features sheep, goats, rabbits, guinea pigs, and sometimes chickens. Visitors can feed and pet many of the animals under staff supervision. There are also occasional alpacas and ponies. Animal feeding experiences are available at set times throughout the day for an additional fee of around 300-500 yen.
What are the health and wellness programs offered?
Aso Farm Land emphasizes health through various programs including the Genki-no-mori (Health Forest) walking course with exercise stations, metabolic measurement services, professional health consultations, dome-shaped saunas, hot spring bathing, and yoga or stretching classes. Many programs focus on natural healing and preventive health in the clean mountain air.
What dining options are available?
Multiple restaurants serve meals featuring local Kumamoto and Aso ingredients. The buffet restaurant offers Japanese and Western dishes with many vegetables and healthy options. BBQ facilities are available for overnight guests. There's also a bakery, cafe, and shops selling local products. Some restaurants focus on health-conscious cuisine using farm-fresh ingredients.
What is the best season to visit Aso Farm Land?
Each season offers different charms. Spring and summer (April-August) are ideal for outdoor activities and viewing fresh greenery, though summer can be hot. Autumn (September-November) brings pleasant weather and beautiful foliage. Winter (December-February) is quieter and perfect for hot spring bathing, though some outdoor activities may be limited. Spring and autumn are most popular.
Are the hot springs natural or artificial?
Aso Farm Land uses natural hot spring water from the volcanic Aso region. The mineral-rich water is known for its healing properties. Several bath facilities are available including indoor and outdoor baths, dome-shaped private saunas, and specialized health baths. Day visitors can also use the hot springs for an additional fee.
Can we visit Aso Farm Land and Mount Aso in one day?
Yes, this is possible with a car. Mount Aso's crater is about 30 minutes from Aso Farm Land. A recommended itinerary would be visiting Mount Aso in the morning (checking volcanic activity restrictions), having lunch at Aso Farm Land, then spending the afternoon enjoying the facilities. However, this makes for a full day, and you might feel rushed.
What should we bring for a day visit?
Bring comfortable walking shoes for outdoor areas, sun protection in warmer months, towels if you plan to use the hot springs (though rentals are available), cash for additional activities and food purchases, and a camera for the unique dome architecture and scenic views. If visiting with children, bring any necessary items as shops are limited.
Is English spoken at Aso Farm Land?
English support is limited. Some signage has English translations, and staff at the front desk may have basic English ability. The facility is straightforward to navigate, and pictorial guides are available. Using a translation app would be helpful. Most activities are self-explanatory or have visual instructions.
What makes the dome houses unique?
The dome architecture was chosen for its eco-friendly properties and harmony with the natural landscape. Built into hillsides, they maintain comfortable temperatures year-round with minimal heating and cooling. The curved walls and circular design create a cozy, womb-like atmosphere. Their unique appearance creates a memorable, Instagram-worthy experience unlike conventional hotels.
Are there any shopping opportunities?
Yes, several shops sell local Kumamoto and Aso specialties including fresh vegetables, dairy products, sweets, crafts, and health-oriented products. The marketplace area offers regional souvenirs, and there's a bakery selling freshly made bread. Prices are generally reasonable, and products make good gifts showcasing the local agricultural abundance.
Is Aso Farm Land accessible for elderly or disabled visitors?
The facility is largely accessible with paved pathways connecting main areas. However, some dome accommodations are on hillsides requiring uphill walking. Golf carts and wheelchairs are available. The hot springs have accessible bathing areas. It's advisable to contact the facility in advance to discuss specific accessibility needs and request appropriate accommodation locations.
What is the weather like at Aso Farm Land?
Located at the foot of Mount Aso at moderate elevation, temperatures are generally cooler than Kumamoto city. Summers are warm but comfortable (25-30°C/77-86°F), while winters can be cold with occasional snow (0-10°C/32-50°F). The area can be windy. Spring and autumn have pleasant, mild weather perfect for outdoor activities.
Can we cancel our reservation if Mount Aso erupts?
Mount Aso is an active volcano, and while Aso Farm Land is at a safe distance from the crater, volcanic activity can affect the region. The facility has cancellation policies for volcanic emergencies, though terms vary by reservation type. Always check Mount Aso's volcanic activity status before traveling and review cancellation policies when booking.
What else can we see in the Aso area?
The wider Aso region offers Mount Aso's crater, Kusasenri grasslands, Aso Shrine, Kurokawa Onsen hot spring village (45 minutes north), Takachiho Gorge (1 hour east), and numerous farms offering fresh dairy products. The area is known for scenic drives, rural landscapes, and outdoor activities like horseback riding and paragliding.
Nearby Attractions
Explore more wonderful destinations in the same prefecture.
Amakusa Gokyo Bridges
A scenic chain of five bridges connecting islands in the Amakusa archipelago, offering spectacular ocean views and access to historic Christian heritage sites and beautiful coastal scenery.
Aso Onsen Area
A collection of hot spring villages surrounding Mt. Aso, offering therapeutic volcanic waters with stunning caldera views and diverse onsen experiences.
Kumamoto City Center
The vibrant heart of Kumamoto featuring historic castle grounds, modern shopping districts, traditional covered arcades, and diverse dining options showcasing the region's renowned cuisine and culture
Kurokawa Onsen
A picturesque hot spring village nestled in a mountain valley of Kyushu, featuring traditional ryokan and rustic outdoor baths along a scenic river. Known for its authentic atmosphere and commitment to traditional aesthetics.
Mount Aso
One of the world's largest active volcanic calderas, featuring the smoking Nakadake crater, vast grasslands, and spectacular mountain scenery. The caldera is so large it contains towns, farms, and over 50,000 residents.
Shirakawa Water Source
A pristine natural spring producing 60 tons of crystal-clear water per minute, located in the foothills of Mt. Aso and designated one of Japan's top 100 water sources.
Suizenji Jojuen Garden
A meticulously designed Edo-period landscape garden featuring miniature representations of the 53 stations of the Tokaido highway, centered around a spring-fed pond with crystal-clear water from Mt. Aso