3. Aso: Monzenmachi Walking Tour with Spring Water and Herb Tea
The water walk in Aso city:
Aso, just as Kumamoto prefecture, is often dubbed "Land of Fire".
The mount Aso volcano, the caldera's Spring controlled burning, traditional fire based festivals and celebrations with fireworks...
Reasons are plenty to illustrate this nickname.
Nature balances itself very well. From its origins, the Aso volcano has kept many many hot water springs in the area active.
Hot water thus, to balance the fire of the land.
But besides the well-known Japanese hot spring powered bathing houses, Aso may pride herself with a huge amount of cold mineral water springs in and around the city.
Onsen, or the natural hot springs bathing will cure your body: soften your hair, soothe your skin and clear your mind.
Here in Aso, you'll also be able to drink from the fresh waters to clear your body and relax during this escape from the every day hustle.
The tour's flow:
Here we are then, at the Monzenmachi street, right next to Aso Jinja, the main shrine in Aso.
Get ready to discover the origins of the waters that surround us and to learn the different ways waters surface in Aso and all of their particularities.
Your guide will introduce you to five different springs, any of which you may sample to get an idea of the different tastes and minerals contained in the water.
A totally renewed tea house (modern Japanese style) awaits you with their samples. Here you may look around, taste, smell and even enjoy the touch of the Aso's Yakusou-en brand.
Their herbs are completely locally grown and you deserve to taste the best of it.
Lastly, we will join the Kyūjogakkō area, where besides the splendid water springs you'll enjoy a pause at Aso's beautiful retro styled café. In the relaxed atmosphere, you may choose to enjoy lunch or tea-time depending on the tour's timing.
Lastly, our guide will escort you to the starting point again and unless you need any directions, taxi reservations, or other help, this will close your tour.
There you may visit the Aso shrine and surroundings, walk back to Miyaji station or get on the bus to Aso station.
The tour's participants:
Our tour is aimed at as many people as possible, as we want everybody to discover Aso, and the wild nature and waters we enjoy every day. From young to old, with family or with friends, and completely private tours: you are welcome. Our guide will pace the tour accordingly and can accommodate information to suit our youngest participants too.
In short:
Our water walk will bring you in the old Monzenmachi area of Aso city.
There, several traditional shops are surrounded by spring waters.
Our selection lets you experience the fresh waters of Aso, herbal teas
and enjoy some relaxing time in the most beautiful café in Aso.
If you want to know Aso inside out, this will be the tour to add even more value to your trip!