[Hotel Review] Soaking in Aso’s Stunning Views & Hot Springs at La Vista Minamiaso! Breakfast buffet and full-course dinner featuring ingredients from Kumamoto

Newly Opened in 2026! A Stay Surrounded by Nature at La Vista Minamiaso

I recently stayed at La Vista Minamiaso in Kumamoto, a resort hotel that just opened in August 2026. Nestled right in the heart of Aso’s lush nature, the location alone makes it worth a visit.

As soon as you step inside, you’re greeted by a bright, airy lobby with massive floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the grand landscapes of Aso—an instantly soothing view. And it’s not just the lobby; you can soak in these incredible views from almost everywhere in the hotel, including the restaurant, guest rooms, and hot springs.

Welcome Drinks in the Lounge

In the lounge, guests can enjoy a complimentary drink service featuring local beverages from around Aso and Kumamoto. They had draft beer, coffee, and tea, plus self-serve local drinks like Kumamoto Dekopon citrus juice, Amakusa citrus juice, and Dai-Aso milk.

Between 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM, they also offered local alcoholic drinks like “Shichihoda Shusui” Special Junmai sake (from Oguni Town, Aso) and sweet Dekopon liqueur!

Cozy, Wood-Toned Rooms with Aso Views

My room offered a front-row view of Aso’s nature right outside the window. The interior has a warm, wood-accented atmosphere that feels cozy and relaxing.

The bath, toilet, and vanity are all separate, and the room even comes with its own private open-air hot spring bath! It was stocked with skincare products, bath amenities, towels, loungewear, a tea set with local sweets, and a coffee machine—basically everything you need for a comfortable stay.

Hot Spring Hopping: Public Baths & Private Onsen

The main public bath area features two indoor baths, a sauna, and a cold plunge pool. Out in the open-air bath, you can soak while gazing at the surrounding scenery. The tubs are nice and spacious, so you never feel crowded. I also appreciated thoughtful details like high-end showerheads, quality hairdryers, and a customizable “shampoo bar.”

In addition to the main bath, there are 3 different private hot spring baths and 1 private sauna. Each private bath comes with its own changing room, shower area, amenities, skincare items, and hairdryer, letting you enjoy a quiet, uninterrupted soak.

Between the main baths, private baths, and room balcony bath, you can easily spend your whole trip hot-spring hopping. Afterwards, you can kick back with free ice cream bars and relax in the massage chairs—pure bliss!

Full-Course Dinner Packed with Kumamoto Flavors

I went with the half-board plan (dinner & breakfast). Dinner was a full course served at the 1st-floor restaurant. We were seated by the window while it was still daylight, letting us enjoy the views over Aso as dinner kicked off.

We started with a peach sparkling wine aperitif, followed by appetizers loaded with local Kumamoto ingredients—marinated trout salmon, Kumamoto horse meat (basashi), and a colorful shrimp and fruit salad. Next was a Kumamoto beef and burdock bolognese, topped with a generous heap of freshly shaved Parmesan, served with soft, fluffy bread, butter, and olive oil.

Then came a truffle-scented turnip velouté. The crunchy textures of spaghetti squash and saltwort (okahijiki) at the bottom made every bite fun and interesting.

Main Course: Grilled Kumamoto Pork

For the main entree, you could choose between two meat dishes. I went with the grilled Kumamoto pork spare ribs and pork loin. The meat was savory and perfectly charred, paired with a rich egg-yolk-based sauce.

Between the main course and dessert, a complimentary dish from the restaurant is served.
I had the choice of a cheese platter or octopus rice, and I opted for the octopus rice.
It features tender, springy octopus and ginger, and comes accompanied by red miso soup.
It is a comforting Japanese dish enjoyed amidst a French course—satisfying both the appetite and the soul.

For dessert, we had a chestnut Mont Blanc, a cassis macaron, and an assortment of grapes.
We wrapped up the course by savoring flavors that evoke the essence of autumn, such as chestnuts and grapes.

Late-Night Snack: The Iconic Yonaki Soba

After dinner, I took a little break in the room. Then came the late-night highlight famous at Kyoritsu Resorts: complimentary Yonaki Soba (ramen)! Even though I was stuffed from dinner, I somehow found room for it. It’s the ultimate comfort food to wrap up a day of hot springs and great eating.

Breakfast Buffet Featuring Kumamoto Local Specialties

The next morning, we headed back to the same restaurant for the breakfast buffet. Along with standard items like fresh salads, fruit, juice, and pastries, they had an amazing selection of Kumamoto regional dishes! You could try local favorites like Dago-jiru (dumpling soup), Karashi Renkon (spicy mustard lotus root), Chikuwa Salad (potato-salad-stuffed chikuwa), and Akaushi Jaga (Akaushi beef and potato stew). Getting to taste authentic regional flavors in the morning is such a treat.

They also had a live kitchen cooking up fresh omlettes, plus plenty of hot dishes like bamboo-steamed veggies, gratin, and seafood. For dessert, there were mini cakes, puddings, jellies, and fruit yogurt. From local specialties to Western comfort food and sweet treats, there was way too much good food to choose from!

A Relaxing Escape Filled with Aso’s Nature, Hot Springs, and Great Food

Soaking in hot springs and enjoying Kumamoto cuisine inside an airy resort overlooking the Five Peaks of Aso was truly wonderful.

Whether in our room, the restaurant, or the hot springs, nature was always right there. Between the bath-hopping, delicious dinner and breakfast, and late-night ramen, the stay was packed with fun moments.

*Photographed with special permission from Kyoritsu Maintenance.
*Offerings vary depending on the season and day of the week.
*Details vary by room type.
*Information is current as of the time of reporting.

information and access to La Vista Minamiaso