{"id":51393,"date":"2019-10-29T20:00:26","date_gmt":"2019-10-29T11:00:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/?p=51393"},"modified":"2020-07-30T18:56:09","modified_gmt":"2020-07-30T09:56:09","slug":"travel-itinerary-local-guide-aso","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/travel-itinerary-local-guide-aso\/","title":{"rendered":"Design your Perfect Travel Itinerary with the Help of a Local Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Sponsored by Northern Kumamoto Administrative Headquarters<\/em><\/p>\n

A roadside service station in rural Japan is probably the last place you would expect to find a Frenchman working. But Frank is one of the French guides living in Aso and has been in the area for the last couple of years working in the tourist information center. He has made the city his home and is the ideal person to help you make the most of your time.<\/p><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Michi-no-Eki: Benefits for Visitors and Locals<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Michi-no-Eki is a type of service station. Over the last 20 years, more than 1000 of these non-profit organizations have opened across Japan and provide free parking, restrooms, and information centers. They have a welcoming atmosphere but are also places where local people can showcase unique items, such as delicious homegrown vegetables or interesting crafts. Each morning, local farmers bring their products to be sold at Michi-no-Eki and the staff accepts produce from the Aso area which is unique to the region. As I was travelling around the area with my mother, who was visiting from the UK, it was a welcome introduction to Japanese food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Michi-no-Eki in Aso is situated just off Japan National Route 57, one of the main roads around Mt. Aso, and a gateway for visitors from Kumamoto or further afield from Fukuoka. It is 1-minute walk from the JR station, so it is very accessible. Near the station, you will find car rental shops and a taxi stand as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For those who either don\u2019t have a car or just love outdoor activities, electric-assisted bicycle rental is available from 4 locations in the Aso area (Aso Information center<\/a>, Aso Volcano Museum<\/a>, Daikanbo Cafe <\/a>and Aso Hot Spring Inn Union<\/a>) as part of the E-Share scheme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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provided by Northern Kumamoto Administrative Headquarters<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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There\u2019s a range of bicycles available and they can be returned to any of the 4 locations when you are finished, which makes them perfect for sightseeing. It is likely to encourage visitors who are coming for the World Handball Championships to make the most of the beautiful weather in southern Japan and until November 24, 2019, rental is free of charge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Taste of Aso<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When you arrive at the Michi-no-Eki, you are greeted by rows of fresh vegetables, fruit, and other items that are attractively displayed at the front of the store.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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provided by Northern Kumamoto Administrative Headquarters<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n