Must-Try Near Mt. Aso: Akaushi Beef! 🥩

If you're visiting Mt. Aso in Kumamoto, you absolutely have to try the local Akaushi beef (Red Wagyu). Most places serve it as 'Akaushidon'—a bowl of fragrant grilled beef over rice, topped with a soft-boiled onsen egg and a savory sauce. The meat isn't the 'melt-in-your-mouth' kind, but it has a perfect medium tenderness and a rich, beefy aroma that is incredibly satisfying to chew. I personally recommend this spot: Aso Hanabishi 阿蘇はなびし Located right next to Aso Shrine, this place is just as delicious as the famous Imakin but without the crazy long queues. What sets this restaurant apart from your standard beef bowl is their breaded and fried version, which gives it a crispy exterior before it's grilled again for that extra smoky aroma. I highly recommend ordering the Akaushi Gyu Katsu Don! Plus, their homemade pickles are incredibly tasty and come with unlimited refills. They have a great flavor that pairs perfectly with the rice—you won't be able to stop eating them! Other menu highlights include beautifully marbled Teppanyaki steaks and Kumamoto’s famous Horse Sashimi, which are also worth a try. There might be a small queue around noon, but the wait is usually under 30 minutes. If you arrive after 1:00 PM, you can likely walk right in. If you're driving, you can ask for a discount coupon for the parking lot next to the shrine. If you're in Aso town, don't forget to stop by! Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/cWWRDw6idwzB7MCp8