When you drive from Kumamoto City to Mt.Aso on Route 57 (Bungo Road), you'll find "Asoji" on your left, just after JR Ichinokawa Station. Here is the place where people in the know come for takana meshi. a traditional rice dish with pickled vegetables. It's crowded even during weekdays for lunch. Aso is famous as a takana (mustard leaf) producer and Aso's pickled takana is very popular in Japan, so you should try it here. There is a la carte menu, but the set menus are good value, as it includes small side dishes and goriru. The serving is big, so I recommend you come with an empty stomach. It's also good we don't have to wait long for the meals after ordering.
- 1 min read
Asoji
Try their famous takana meshi
Community writer
Join the discussion
Bonson Lam
10 years ago
Wow, this is a really good find off the beaten track. The takana meshi (pickled vegetables) and rice sound healthy too. Maybe this is part of the reason why people here live such wholesome lives.
I should have told you earlier, Mandy. I have heard of the restaurant, but it was first time for me to drop in.
Mandy Bartok
10 years ago
We've driven past this many times, but never realized what it was known for. Thanks for sharing, Yui!
3 comments in total
Book your trip
Find a nearby hotel
Explore some of the best nearby hotels and deals for the perfect place to stay in Japan.
Top Articles
-
1Discover Hakodate: A Vibrant Port City in Hokkaido
Hokkaido - Sponsored -
2Miyoko Schinner: Japan Vegan Tour 2026
Food -
3I’m Donut?: Japan’s Viral Donut Sensation
Culture -
4Golden Route to West Japan: Hiroshima & Fukuoka
Hiroshima - Sponsored -
5Japan Pottery Tour: Hands-On Workshops & Artisan Encounters
Culture -
6A Journey Through an Edo Castle Town From Art Hotel Narita
Chiba - Sponsored -
7Ultimate Japan Car Culture Journey - From Auto Salon 2026 to the Open Road
Chiba -
8A Taste of Shiga at COCOSHIGA
Tokyo - Sponsored -
9Photogenic Miyazaki: Relaxation and Discovery
Miyazaki - Sponsored -
10Discover Shiga Prefecture: Events at COCOSHIGA in Tokyo
Tokyo - Sponsored
-
1Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
2The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo
Shopping -
3Tokyo Christmas Market
Tokyo -
4Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
5Yodogawa Fireworks Festival
Osaka -
6Japanese Urban Legends
Culture -
7Tokyo Auto Salon
Chiba -
8Nabana no Sato Illumination
Mie -
9November Grand Sumo Tournament (Fukuoka)
Fukuoka -
10Tori-no-Ichi
Tokyo