Sep 27, 2015 - 1 min read

Michino Eki Aso

Fresh local produce on the way to Kurokawa Hot Springs

By Yui Yamaguchi

Community writer

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I picked up the smell of sulfur from Mount Aso's volcanic activity as soon as we pulled our car and opened the door.

A line up of locally produced vegetables. Clean, fresh and inexpensive.

Aso's famous pickled takana (mustard leaves) is a must try!

A line up of various ice creams made with milk from Aso's dairies.

Found Kumamoto's famous sweet - ikinari dago, a combination of red bean and sweet potato in a steamed dumpling

You can't miss the ice cream from the shop at the entrance of the building. You will love the rich milk flavor and freshness of the ice cream.

Mt. Aso, the world's biggest caldera, is preparing to join as a member of UNESCO Geo Park Network.

One of the most enjoyable things when I'm on a road trip is dropping in at a Michino Eki or roadside station. There are many Michino Eki in Japan, but it's fun to discover their local special products. I'm often attracted by the aroma from food stalls selling grilled yakitori, takoyaki and steamed buns and can't help buying and eating them!

Michino Eki Aso is on the way to Kurokawa Hot Springs. As soon as as we open the cars's door, there is a smell of sulfur even here. Mt. Aso was active (as of May 2015).

You can purchase Aso's special produce such as its rich dairy products, takana (mustard leaves) and fresh vegetables. There is an ice cream shop with a long queue which pulled me in with its rich milk flavor and refreshing sweetness. Bento lunch set boxes were sold as well, some people were enjoying them at the tables outside.