[Fukuoka and Kumamoto Road Trip] Discover the Nostalgic Charm of Ukiha and the Majestic Views of Aso! A 2-Night, 3-Day Model Course

Your first stop is “Onigiri-ya COMECO,” run by a rice shop established in the Meiji era. Their handmade rice balls, made with Ukiha-grown rice featuring a delightfully chewy texture, are a local favorite.
The recommended dish is the “Lunch Plate,” which centers on a hamburger patty. You can choose your rice balls from those lined up in the shop—ranging from the simple “Salt Rice Ball” to more unusual varieties like “Grilled Onigiri with Cheese.”
It also comes with a fluffy and light “Rice Flour Yogurt Soufflé Cake” for dessert, offering a full taste of just how delicious rice can be.
Since their rice balls can be taken to go, they make a perfect snack for your drive.

Ichinose-yaki pottery boasts 400 years of history. Different kilns each have their own style, but the works by Mr. Tanaka of “Tanaka Pottery” are known for their soft, soothing colors.
The glazes are made from natural materials like wood and straw, formulas inherited from his ancestors and still blended by hand today.
Recently, unglazed yakishime pottery has also become popular. Whether glazed or unglazed, Mr. Tanaka’s main priority is creating pieces people can use every day with peace of mind. From the shape of the cup to the thickness of the rim, each detail is designed for durability and ease of use. Why not brighten your daily life with such carefully crafted pieces?

In the Yoshii-machi area, you can still find traditional white-walled buildings said to have been constructed around the Taisho period (1912–1926).
There are Japanese-style houses you can tour free of charge, along with a quietly flowing waterway that lends an air of nostalgia to the old streets.
The more you walk, the more hidden charms you’ll uncover. Renovated old houses turned into cafés or bookstores, as well as galleries and other distinctive shops, line the streets.
Even a small sign you happen to notice can tempt you inside.
Stroll around to discover the best of both old and new, and perhaps find a personal favorite along the way.

This spiritual spot, revered for blessings in business, abundant crops, sake brewing, good health, longevity, and academic success, also offers a stunning view.
Ninety-two bright red torii gates stand in a row up the mountainside staircase, creating a striking contrast with the blue sky.
Below lies the Chikugo River, and if you time it right, you may see red or yellow trains traveling across the Chikugo Plain.

“Fairfield by Marriott: Michi-no-Eki Project” currently operates hotels at 29 locations throughout Japan, each situated near a roadside station to serve as a perfect base for exploring the area.
This time, you’ll be staying at Fairfield by Marriott Fukuoka Ukiha. Adjoining “Michi-no-Eki Ukiha,” the hotel lets you feel close to your travel destination.
Unwind in a guestroom that is both simple and functional, and enjoy a comfortable break during your journey.

Think the freshest seafood is always best? The seafood rice bowl at “Sashiminba” may change your mind.
Every day they purchase fish at the Nagahama Fish Market—the kitchen of Kyushu—and then let each type of fish ripen until it reaches peak flavor.
In the “Ukiha no Minato Seafood Set,” you can enjoy 12 varieties of carefully aged seafood.
The buri (yellowtail) has a pleasant bite, and the toro (fatty tuna) is rich yet melts in your mouth.
You can also choose from three types of fried seafood, each with a crisp, light coating that seals in the flavor. It’s a dish that fully showcases the depth of taste only perfectly matured seafood can provide.

Start your morning with a breakfast box (advance reservation required) created in collaboration between Fairfield by Marriott Fukuoka Ukiha and local shops.
It’s packed with fresh local ingredients, sure to leave you satisfied from early on.
Enjoy it with coffee or miso soup, available as free drinks in the self-service kitchen area.
Spend the beginning of your day wherever you like—the lobby lounge or the terrace, for instance.

Ukiha is known as the “Fruit Kingdom,” offering a wide array of fruits throughout the year, such as strawberries, peaches, grapes, and persimmons.
Michi-no-Eki Ukiha is filled with seasonal produce and specialties, many of which make perfect souvenirs. The prepared foods and bento boxes, both Japanese- and Western-style, use locally grown vegetables.
Most of the fruit is picked fresh that morning, so be sure to stop by right when the doors open and taste the difference in freshness.

At “Yokamon Ichigo,” a reservation-only strawberry farm, you can enjoy picking from a total of twelve strawberry varieties.
Once you step inside the greenhouse, you’ll be surrounded by the sweet aroma of strawberries.
A must-try experience here is making your very own strawberry milk—one of a kind in the world.

Fill a special cup with strawberries, then customize everything from the amount of milk to the type of special strawberry syrup and level of fruit chunks.
Treat yourself to freshly picked strawberries in the most lavish way.

Kifune is a shop in a more-than-150-year-old house that has been renovated, where they grind their own buckwheat flour on-site.
The smooth, slippery noodles pair perfectly with a slightly sweet dipping broth unique to Kyushu. Alongside them, you can enjoy “Seasonal Fruit Tempura.”
Lightly fried fruit that’s served warm becomes even sweeter and juicier, offering a surprising texture.
The appetizers also feature locally grown fruits and vegetables from Ukiha, making for a playful and satisfying meal.
You can try your hand at soba-making under the guidance of the master, who has 40 years of experience.

Drive from Ukiha to Aso City in Kumamoto and once you arrive, head out to experience Aso’s grand natural surroundings.
Right in front of JR Aso Station is Michi-no-Eki Aso, where you can find local specialties and gather a wealth of sightseeing information.
Here, you can enjoy a “Bokuya Ride.” Bokuya refers to the grassy plains that spread over the mountainsides, an iconic sight of Aso. You’ll cycle through areas normally off-limits, accompanied by a dedicated Bokuya guide.
Electric-assist E-bikes are available, and support in English and Chinese is provided via an app, so even beginners can feel at ease.
By booking in advance, you can hire an interpreter for an additional fee.
The course and duration can be arranged to suit your preferences, giving your ride a private feel. Set out to discover your own unique views of Aso.

Situated at an altitude of 1,100 meters, this popular viewpoint offers a serene landscape where majestic mountains and grazing horses coexist.

In summer, a lush green expanse covers the grasslands, and between late February and March each year, controlled burning helps maintain the fields, dramatically changing the mountain’s appearance.
After this burning, the blackened earth reveals a stark beauty reminiscent of ink painting. Come spring, fresh green shoots emerge once again, offering vivid views in a cycle that continues year after year.

On your second night, stay at Fairfield by Marriott Kumamoto Aso, located right by Michi-no-Eki Aso.
Each hotel in the Fairfield by Marriott Michi-no-Eki Hotel lineup features the same interior design across all regions, something you’ll fully appreciate on this second night.
The moment you open the door, you’ll be greeted by the same setup you experienced at Fairfield by Marriott Fukuoka Ukiha, almost as if you’ve come home.
At the same time, the view of Aso’s mountains through the window reminds you that you’re still traveling. It’s a space that combines the fun of exploring Japan with the comfort of familiarity.

Aso is famous for its wagyu beef known as Akaushi.
The “Caldera Plate” featuring this special beef is a favorite at Makanaiya MATSU. Slices of Akaushi steak are laid over rice shaped to resemble the Aso caldera, with no space to spare.
First, try it without any sauce to savor its smooth texture, tenderness, and direct beef flavor.
The homemade hayashi sauce (Hashed beef) on the side is packed with locally grown Aso tomatoes.
Its mild richness and gentle tanginess create a flavor that lingers pleasantly on the palate.

The hamburger made from a mix of Akaushi beef and locally raised pork is another highlight, bursting with juicy goodness.

The Marketplace on the first floor offers drinks, alcoholic beverages, and light meals.
Unwind while sampling local flavors and reminiscing about the day’s adventures.

Aso Mountain boasts numerous observation points. If you depart in time for sunrise, you can watch the views transform with each passing moment.
If you’re lucky, you might encounter an endless sea of clouds unfolding before your eyes.
When the early sun illuminates the sea of clouds, it’s nothing short of divine.
Since the landscape varies by altitude and angle, drive around to find your own favorite viewpoint.

The breakfast box at Fairfield by Marriott Kumamoto Aso is filled with a variety of breads and salads.
The pretzel sandwich features tender jambon blanc from Aso’s premium pork, a perfect match with fresh vegetables. There are three kinds of bread total, each one blended with Kumamoto flour for a fragrant aroma.
You can reheat them in the toaster in the kitchen space to enjoy them as if freshly baked.
The box also includes a popular sweet from a local chocolate shop, making it a sumptuous start to the day.
It even comes with a bag so you can take home anything you don’t finish—perfect if you’d like to save a treat for the drive back to Fukuoka Airport.