Aso: Imakinkudou and Monzencho Water Spring Tour - Red Beef and Spring Water Sweets Journey

A gourmet course through the gateway town of Aso Shrine (阿蘇神社), the principal shrine of Higo, with snacks enjoyed along the way. Pay your respects at the grand two-tiered gate counted among Japan's three most magnificent, then grab freshly fried horse meat croquettes at the butcher shop Aso Tori-miya (阿蘇とり宮). Stroll through the gateway town shopping street with pudding or dumplings in hand, passing the "mizuki" (水基)—fountains where Aso's groundwater springs gently flow. At midday, join the crowds at the long-established Imakinkudou for their signature rare red beef bowl, where the savory lean meat unfolds gloriously with a slightly sweet sauce—the king of Aso cuisine. Cap off your day at Michi-no-Eki Aso (道の駅阿蘇) next to Aso Station with rich ASO MILK soft-serve ice cream and souvenirs. Spend a day at Aso filled with spring water sounds and the aroma of red beef—a perfect journey for food lovers.