Feel the nature that surrounds you and enjoy
a breathtaking scenery!
Learn the history behind grasslands in Aso.

Get a privileged access to restricted areas

Bokuya guided tour in Aso!

Bokuya, often translated into English as pasture land, are more generally private grasslands. Aso is well known for its beautiful and vast grasslands, offering amazing views. These beautiful landscapes were shaped by the work of locals hundreds of years ago and still need constant maintenance. Almost every year the grasslands of Aso are burnt to prevent the forest from taking over in an event called Noyaki.

The Bokuya association was created to ensure the preservation of this natural treasure.

Bokuya are restricted areas you can’t access without a proper authorization. Our guided tour grants you access, and a certified guide is there to show you how to be as respectful of the natural environment as possible. He will also share his knowledge concerning the grasslands of Aso and entertain you with various activities.

Two ways to enjoy Bokuya (grassland)

Bokuya trail walk

  • Learn the history behind Aso grasslands
  • Enjoy some unique landscapes
  • Take the time to create some unforgettable memories

Trail walk in the grassland plans

Learn the history behind Machi no Koga grassland and discover some hidden view spots
(9:30～14:30)

The head of the Bokuya association share his knowledge about the grassland history while walking at a leisurely pace.
Price：3000yen per person /Period：December to April (Machi Koga Bokuya)
※Minimum number of participants: 2 / Maximum: 5

Plan
details
Bokuya hiking “nature course”
(around 2 or 3 hours long)

Trekking in the grassland while playing games in nature such as disc golf.
Price: 3,800 yen per person / Period: December to April (Machi Koga Bokuya), All year (Ogi no Kusa Bokuya)
Minimum number of participants: 4 / Maximum: 20

Plan
details
Bokuya hiking “active course”
(around 2 or 3 hours long)

Trekking in the grassland while and play games in nature, sledding…
Price: 3,800 yen per person / Period: December to April (Machi Koga Bokuya), All year (Ogi no Kusa Bokuya)
Minimum number of participants: 2 / Maximum: 10

Plan
details

Grassland ride plan (Mountain bike)

  • Ride with your friends in the middle of the grassland
  • Enjoy downhill

Grassland ride plan（MTB）

Beginners ride
(about 5 hours)

The ideal plan if it’s your first participation or if it’s your first time on a MTB.
Price: 7000 yen per person, 1500 yen to rent one MTB
Period: December to April (Machi Koga Bokuya), All year (Ogi no Kusa Bokuya)
Minimum number of participants: 2 / Maximum: 8

Plan
details
Complete cross-country touring
(about 5 hours)

Recommended to MTB riders who want to get the full experience
Price: 8000 yen per person / 1500 yen to rent one MTB
Period: December to April (Machi Koga Bokuya), All year (Ogi no Kusa Bokuya)
Minimum number of participants: 2 / Maximum: 8

Plan
details
MTB downhill
（about 5 hours）

You love downhill? But you’re not a fan of climbing? This is the MTB plan for you!
Price: 9000 yen per person / 1500 yen to rent one MTB
Period: December to April (Machi Koga Bokuya), All year (Ogi no Kusa Bokuya)
Minimum number of participants: 2 / Maximum: 8

Plan
details

Beginners friendly! Our guide can arrange these courses according to your possibilities and needs.

It is also possible to rent a mountain bike. If you need to rent one to participate, we will introduce you to a specialized shop of our choice.

Application Form

Important Notice

Bokuya are still used for agricultural purposes but limited tourism is possible thanks to this guided tour. One part of the money collected through these activities will be used to preserve the grassland. We place environment protection as a top priority and wish to share our love and respect of nature with the participants.

Bokuya guide introduction

Important points:

  • Disinfection of your shoes and/or tires is obligatory before entering the grassland.
  • Please follow the guide’s instruction during the tour in order to not disturb the fauna and flora
  • Picking and collecting plants is prohibited Everything is planned to ensure your security but please act responsibly.
  • Please understand that these activities take place in nature where safety cannot be guaranteed 100%.
  • We recommend you make a reservation as soon as possible.
  • There is chances your clothes will get dirty during the tour so please come dressed appropriately.
  • In case of bad weather or if the guide judges the conditions to be dangerous the tour may be cancelled.
  • In case of cancellation one day prior a 50% cancellation fee will apply. In case of non-arrival (no-show) or cancellation on the day of the tour a 100% cancellation will be charged.
  • These tours are covered by our own insurance. For more details concerning insurance coverage, please contact the insurance company via telephone: 0120-119-110. (press 3 during the initial automatic message in Japanese to get direct communication with a receptionist. English, Chinese and Korean support are available).
  • If you have any inquiries about these tours, please contact us.

Contact Us:

Michi no Eki Aso (NPO ASO Den’en Kukan Museum)

1440-1, Kurokawa, Aso City, Kumamoto Prefecture 869-2225
TEL: 0967-35-5077 Fax: 0967-35-5085
Mail: denku-k@aso-denku.jp (Higashitani)