Aso Milk Road

Aso Milk Road is the popular name for a road running from Aso City, Kumamoto Prefecture, to Ozu Town in Kikuchi District. Its official name is Kumamoto Prefectural Route 339 (Kita-Gairinzan Ozu Line), but locals call it Aso Milk Road—and “Milk Road” has become the better-known name. This is a single ridge-line road running along the top of the Aso area, with truly breathtaking scenery continuing the whole way. Visitors come from all over Japan to drive, ride motorcycles, or cycle, as feeling the air while traveling reveals another side of the landscape. With gentle curves, it’s the kind of drive where you can lose track of time. Along the way are sightseeing spots such as Kabuto Iwa Observatory and Aso Ranch. With horse riding and restaurants available, it’s a place you’d want to spend a full day exploring at a relaxed pace. Enjoy the unchanging panorama of endless pastureland said to have remained the same for 1,000 years. Access: from the Oita Expressway Hita IC, go via Route 212 toward Oguni for about 1 hour. The Milk Road is about 46 km long.