Family-Friendly Hotels in Aso: Play Inside a Giant Caldera

Aso sits in the northeast of Kumamoto Prefecture, held within one of the largest calderas in the world. The five peaks of Mt. Aso and the wide grasslands around them make up one of Kyushu's signature landscapes. Driving between viewpoints such as Kusasenrigahama and Daikanbo is a big, memorable nature experience for kids. Aso is also known for its hot springs, with plenty of inns where the whole family can soak and unwind.

What makes Aso such a good choice for families is not only the scenery. Many of its hotels offer places where children can run around and play, including animal encounters, playground equipment, and pools. The weather in the mountains can change quickly, but if you choose a hotel with indoor facilities, rainy days are no problem.

In Minami-Aso, Aso Farmland Asohealth no Mori offers a group of dome-shaped hotels in the overnight area of a health-and-relaxation theme park. The day-visit area in the same park has the "Genki no Mori" activity facility and the Fureai Animal Kingdom, where kids can meet and touch animals. Hotel guests get a special rate at Genki no Mori, and some plans include tickets for these attractions. Together with the Aso Volcanic Hot Spring and its many kinds of baths, you can easily fill a whole day inside the park. In Aso City, Kamenoi Hotel Aso gives guests free use of "ASONIWA," a hands-on kids' park with play equipment inspired by grasslands and wildlife, and its Kids Terrace rooms have a forest-outdoors theme. Kamenoi Hotel Aso Park Resort is a large resort with an indoor heated pool and an indoor kids' park that can be enjoyed all year, plus an observation hot spring with views of the five peaks of Aso and private baths. It also has themed rooms such as the Ninja Family Room and offers generous support for families with babies, including baby food and free loans of baby gear.

The most convenient way to get here is by car from central Kumamoto or Aso Kumamoto Airport, and the JR Hohi Main Line is also an option. From spring through autumn, the grasslands are beautifully green, and driving and playing outdoors in the clear air feels wonderful.

If you are looking for a hotel with a family bath (private bath) in Aso, keep in mind that whether one is available, whether it is free or paid, and whether it must be reserved all vary by property, both on the Aso City side, home to Uchinomaki Onsen, and in Minami-Aso. Of the 9 properties we list in the Aso area, 3 have a private bath, and 1 of those can be used for free. It is a good idea to check the conditions on the hotel's official website or a booking site before you reserve.