This was a special train journey from Kumamoto to Aso aboard the playful Aso Boy! train. Along the way, the scenery outside the windows changed from city streets to magnificent mountains. After arriving at Aso Station, a bus takes you to Aso Shrine, which has a history spanning more than a thousand years.
Although the shrine was severely damaged in the 2016 Kumamoto earthquakes and is still undergoing a long and meticulous reconstruction process, none of its sacredness or dignity has diminished. Standing in the spacious shrine grounds and quietly looking up at the restored beams and rustic shrine buildings, you can deeply feel the pulse of the earth and the resilience of faith.
After visiting the shrine, I strolled over to the nearby Monzenmachi shopping street. Tucked away farther down the road is an artsy hidden spot—the site of a former girls' school. This quiet cluster of old wooden buildings sees few tour groups and is home to places such as Kitakaze Shoten, which sells charming lifestyle goods. During our conversation, the adorable owner mentioned that they would be exhibiting in Taiwan soon. There is also an antique shop filled with old objects bearing the marks of time, as well as a small local café with the enticing aroma of baked goods. It's a treasured corner that travelers who love exploring Japan's simple everyday life shouldn't miss.
Thinking back on that trip to Aso two years ago, I took the Aso Boy! on the way there and was fortunate enough to ride the calm and elegant Kawasemi Yamasemi sightseeing train on the way back. The greenery outside the windows and the wooden interior came together to create an exceptional riding experience. The dreamlike encounter with these two special trains and the warm, unpretentious people of Aso remain deeply etched in my mind. I sincerely hope that this beautiful land can once again overcome the trials of natural disasters and soon regain the vibrant prosperity it once had.
