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    We drove to Aso and planned a break at Michi-no-Eki Aso along the way. I didn't expect there to be so much to browse here! Besides being a rest stop, the roadside station sells plenty of local Aso produce, souvenirs, and specialty foods, making it a great place to stock up during a trip.

    The simplest thing I picked up this time was a bottle of Aso milk 🥛! Of course, when visiting Aso, you have to try the local milk. It had a rich, milky flavor, went down smoothly, and was especially refreshing cold. It was just right for the drive.

    I really like the feel of these roadside stations in Japan. They're not just places to park and rest—you can also browse local products and get a sense of everyday life in the area. The natural scenery around Aso is especially beautiful, and stopping to recharge along the way really adds to the travel experience.

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    Located right next to Aso Station, Michi-no-Eki Aso is a treasure trove for discovering local products. Since I was staying at a hotel by the station, I had time to leisurely browse the specialties before closing.

    Inside, there was a wide selection of local fruits and vegetables, from rich and flavorful Aso milk and silky pudding to farm-fresh produce and popular soft-serve ice cream. The best part was arriving during the evening discount period and getting a Wagyu bento at a surprisingly low price. The meat was tender, with wonderfully flavorful marbling. I took it back to my hotel and enjoyed it, and the taste was unforgettable. Whether you’re passing the time while waiting for a train or making a special trip, it’s well worth a visit.

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    Before leaving Aso by train, I used the time before departure to browse the roadside station next door. It feels like a farmers' market, with a wide variety of local agricultural specialties on display. Unlike the usual tourist shopping streets with a strong commercial feel, the displays here are very simple, and they sell many authentic ingredients and handmade snacks that are hard to find elsewhere, making it a good place to hunt for unique finds. Even the precious and extremely popular "Aso Milk," which is usually hard to find elsewhere, is well stocked here, neatly filling the refrigerated cases. A must-buy!

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    Aso Shrine was wonderful and beautiful. I’ll come again next year.

Hokkaido Tohoku Kanto Chubu Hokuriku Kansai Chugoku Shikoku Kyushu Okinawa