Fodor's Expert Review El Patio Ranch
2305--1 Ichinomiyamachi Sanno, Aso, Kumamoto-ken, 869-2602, Japan
The Aso-Kuju National Park is famous for horses and cows, and at the El Patio Ranch you can live your cowboy or cowgirl dreams as you walk, trot, or canter around the local area. The rustic rooms are simple but spacious, while the views over the horses and hills are fantastic. The horse-riding courses are also available to non-guests and range from a 20-minute 1-km (½-mile) course at ¥4,400, to a 75-minute, 6-km (3-¾-mile) course at ¥20,900. The restaurant menu is very beef-centric with steaks, burgers, beef curry, and BBQ.
PROS
- guests get discounted horse riding
- view the horses from your room
- friendly staff
CONS
- functional rather than luxurious rooms
- limited dining options
- requires car access
