アクティブ・レンジャー日記

Aso grassland has been maintained for over thousands of years through controled burning called Noyaki. It has been used for farming and closed to the public to control pests and to avoid disruption to their farming.

It is now, however, that people started to wonder if it gets used as a field for eco-tourism with permission to enter with trained guides. After going through special training, Aso grassland guides are allowed to operate a tour in an agreed grassland. Each guide has not only experience as a guide but also special knowledge in unique history and habitats of the region, and most importantly passion to conserve Aso grassland.

There are trekking and cycling guides and they started from 1^st December 2018. The first booking was made by a newly-married couple, a perfect start to celebrate a new journey.

I was fortunate enough to go and partake a model tour. We entered the field after disinfecting shoes and shaking seeds off our clothes.

It was a warm day for winter and I had enjoyable outdoor activities and educational sessions in Aso grassland. Activities included Frisbee golf, "guess three smells (garlic, wasabi, and curry)", grass sledging, treasure hunt and rope work.

We also learned about wild life, rare species of plants and insects, different types of animal droppings, eco-system, geology and folk tales. Even for me who live and work in Aso there were lots of new discoveries.

The tour finished with this stunning view for us to have a picnic and be relaxed.

The grassland guided tours are between December and April during non-grazing season. If you fancy spending time away from your busy daily life and surrounded by the nature in Aso grassland, please contact below:

Aso Den'en Tel: 0967-35-5077

https://www.aso-denku.jp/bokuyaguide/

＊Part of the money raised from the tour goes to grassland conservation.