From Yamanami Highway to Aso & Ubuyama Village! A Scenic Drive Through Lush Greenery and Pure Springs

If you’re planning a road trip through Kyushu with your dog, the Yamanami Highway—the iconic route connecting Oita and Kumamoto—is an absolute must. Today, I’ll share a drive-and-stroll itinerary centered around this breathtaking road, featuring quiet springs, spiritual power spots, and vast grasslands that both you and your pup will love.

Our Driving Route:

1. The Drive: Yamanami Highway (Scenic cruising with mini-strolls)
   
2. The Stroll: Noike Park (A healing spot with ancient cedars and spring water)
   
3. Shrine & Lunch: Aso Shrine (The restored gate and delicious Aka-ushi beef burgers)
   
4. The View: Shiroyama Rest House (A panoramic view of the Aso Five Peaks)
   
5. The Chill: Ikeyama Spring (Cool shade and crystal-clear water)
   
6. The Finale: Higotai Park Camp Village (Endless grassland panoramas)

Roll down the windows, feel the breeze, and let’s head out on a refreshing journey with your best friend!

Cruising the Yamanami Highway: A Scenic Masterpiece

The journey begins on the Yamanami Highway, the “holy land” of Kyushu driving that stretches from Beppu City, Oita, to Aso City, Kumamoto. Driving through endless greenery with the grand silhouette of the Kuju Mountain Range in the background is an instant mood booster. With the windows wide open, the soft, cool highland breeze fills the car—Elmo always loves sticking his head out to catch the scents.

For dog owners, the beauty of this road lies in the many “mini-stroll” spots along the way. Pulling over at a scenic lookout to let your dog walk on a long lead with the Kuju peaks as a backdrop is an experience like no other.

Noike Park: A Quiet Sanctuary of Ancient Cedars

While driving the Yamanami Highway, it’s worth taking a short detour to Noike Park in Takeda City. This is a true hidden gem, tucked away from the typical tourist crowds.

The moment you step into the park, you’re enveloped in silence and surrounded by massive cedar trees, some said to be a thousand years old. The ground is well-maintained and easy for dogs to walk on, allowing you to enjoy the “luxury of doing nothing” in a solemn, historic atmosphere. The spring water here is incredibly transparent—it’s so clear it almost looks invisible! In the shallow areas, your dog can dip their paws in to cool off, making it the perfect pit stop to refresh mid-drive.

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The Restored Aso Shrine & Gourmet Aka-ushi Burgers

Next, we head to the symbol of the region, Aso Shrine. The “Black Romon Gate,” which has been fully restored following the earthquake, is an impressive sight. Its sturdy, dignified presence is truly overwhelming. Don’t miss the giant shimenawa (sacred straw rope) at the offering hall; standing beneath it, you can really feel the spiritual energy. The grounds can get quite sunny, so I recommend a slow stroll with your dog while sticking to the shade.

★ Walk-and-Eat Gourmet: Aka-ushi Burger

After visiting the shrine, head to the nearby shop-lined street (Monzen-machi). The burgers made with Aka-ushi (Aso’s famous Wagyu brown beef) are a local favorite. Many shops offer terrace seating or nearby benches, so you can enjoy a juicy local burger while soaking in the Aso breeze with your pup.

Shiroyama Rest House: A Panorama of the Aso Five Peaks

After refueling at Aso Shrine, stop by Shiroyama Rest House along the Yamanami Highway. From this vantage point, you can see the “Nirvana Statue”—the Aso Five Peaks which look like a reclining Buddha—and the pastoral landscape of the valley below. This panoramic view is the quintessential “Aso” experience. Even without fancy attractions, just standing there with your dog and feeling the wind makes the stop completely worth it.

Cooling Down at Ikeyama Spring

Moving from Aso City toward Ubuyama Village, we reach Ikeyama Spring. Because it’s surrounded by large trees, the air stays crisp and cool even in the height of summer. A comfortable walking path leads from the parking lot to the spring source, making it ideal for a leisurely walk. The water temperature here stays constant year-round and is bracingly cold to the touch. If you have an empty bottle, you can take some water home—the ultimate fresh souvenir for your dog’s hydration!

Closing the Trip in Nature: Higotai Park

We end our drive in the Higotai Park area, also in Ubuyama Village. This spot offers a stunning grand panorama of both the Aso Five Peaks and the Kuju Range. On a clear day, the visibility is incredible, providing an unmatched sense of freedom. The well-maintained trails allow you to walk through the grasslands with your dog in peace. While the rare “Higotai” flowers bloom from August to September, the location is a perfect place to reflect on your journey amidst vast nature in any season.

Summary

This route from Oita through Aso to Ubuyama Village is a luxurious journey that lets you and your dog experience the highland breeze, pure waters, and majestic mountains with all your senses. For your next day off, why not put your furry friend in the passenger seat and head out to this stunning landscape?