Shiroyama Rest House (Aso Tenku Terrace) | Stunning Views of the Five Peaks of Aso with My Dog!

The Yamanami Highway runs right through the heart of Aso’s grand nature. Driving this road with my family and my dog, Elmo, is one of our favorite things to do, and on our latest trip, we found a spot with a truly spectacular view.

That spot is Shiroyama Rest House in Aso City, Kumamoto Prefecture. Here is a report on the incredible scenery and atmosphere that made me so glad we decided to pull over.

This is Aso! The “Reclining Buddha” and Panoramic Pastoral Vistas

The primary reason to visit this spot is, without a doubt, the breathtaking view from the observatory!

The moment you step out of the car and onto the lookout deck, the Five Peaks of Aso (Aso Gogaku) stretch out right before your eyes. These peaks are famously called “Nehanzo” (The Reclining Buddha) because their silhouette resembles the Buddha lying on his back, and from this vantage point, the sight is truly divine. Spread out at the foot of the mountains is the Aso Valley (Asodani), with its beautiful, patchwork-like pastoral fields. I couldn’t help but let out a gasp of awe.

Elmo also seemed to be in heaven, soaking up the refreshing Aso breeze with his whole body. While there aren’t any flashy attractions here, the sheer scale of the scenery and the sense of openness are absolutely top-tier.

Is Elmo Mesmerized by the Scent of Aka-ushi? The Temptation of Local Gourmet

After taking in the view, we went for a little “sniff-walk” around the rest house. There are stall-like shops outside the building, and an incredible aroma was wafting through the air. The source? Aso’s famous Aka-ushi steak.

This was too much for a food-lover like Elmo to ignore! He marched up to the front of the shop, his nose twitching enthusiastically as if to say, “I know this is the good stuff, right?”

Actually, since we had just filled up on Aka-ushi burgers at Aso Shrine right before this, we had to pass this time. I made a promise to Elmo: “Next time we come, we’re definitely having the Aka-ushi steak on the terrace!”

The Ultimate Rest Stop to Feel the Aso Breeze

Shiroyama Rest House is a place where you can enjoy a meal or shop for souvenirs, but more than that, it’s a place that makes you think, “I’m so glad I came to Aso,” just by standing there and gazing at the horizon.

For dog owners, spots like this—where you can enjoy world-class views while feeling the fresh outdoor air—are truly precious. They have terrace seating available, so next time I plan to visit on an empty stomach to fully enjoy the Aka-ushi with Elmo!

If you’re driving through Aso, make sure to stop by and experience this panoramic view for yourself.