Aso Cycling and Farming Private Tour

About this experience

Jump straight into the life of the people living in the countryside surrounding Mt. Aso, the largest active volcano in Japan. At a small bicycle shop located 900 m above sea level, we will gear up for our adventures. We head out into the wide symbolic grass fields of Aso, a legacy of the areas deep culture. Through the tour, we will experience how the landscapes changes from fields to forests and small mountain villages. The bicycle lets us freely explore this amazing landscape. We will make one 3 hour stop during the trip to visit a local farmer. Only for this tour, they allow us to follow them into their fields where we harvest vegetables and learn about their organic farming. Together we make classic Japanese home cooking that utilizes locally produced food and ingredients of the season. Join us for a tour that allows for free exploration and interacting with locals and their culture. Be prepared for a day of new experiences in a part of Japan you have never seen before!

What to expect

1. Stop 1 · 30min

   We start off the day by mounting our bikes before we set out from the wide open grasslands of Senomoto Kogen on top of the north rim of Aso's volcanic caldera.

2. Stop 2 · 3h

   We will cycle downhill through the varied landscape of Minamioguni town until we reach Gonbei Mura, an atmospheric bed & breakfast run by a lovely elderly couple. Here we will have a break and enjoy making lunch together with vegetables from their farm.

3. Stop 3 · 40min

   We continue cycling down through the small mountain villages. Along the way we stop by places such as Mangan-ji Onsen, one of the oldest settlements in the area where people live by utilising the local hot spring.

4. Stop 4 · 1h

   We will pass through Akababa, which is the center of Minamioguni town, as we head towards Shimojo Kinoko-En in Nakabaru area. This is a family run Shiitake mushroom farm where we will get a glimpse into the life of a young farmer.

5. Stop 5 · 30min

   Finally we will arrive at the town's farmers' market where the tour will end. Enjoy an ice cream, a coffee, or just a toilet break before heading towards your next adventure! Thank you for participating!

Tour & ticket options

Options may have different inclusions and meeting points. Choose your option when booking on Viator.

Meeting & pickup

• San Ai Resthouse can be found at the Se no Moto crossing along Yamanami highway (Prefectural road route 11).

End point

• The tour ends at the local farmers market, Kiyora Kaasa (Walking distance from the major bus station. If you have arrived by car, a free shuttle service can be arranged to return you to the starting point of the tour.

Before you go

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.