During Edo period (1603-1868) a system of alternate residence was established by the Shogunate to ensure a better control over the Daimyo (lords of fief).  Every Daimyo was supposed to live alternatively in his fief and at the capital. 

In Aso you can find vestiges of the road used by the Hosokawa clan (lords of Kumamoto) to reach the capital.  

Natsume Soseki is one of the most famous Japanese writer of the Meiji area (1868-1912). He is known all over the world for novels such as Botchan or I am a cat and you can even find his portrait on some 1000 yen bill.

One of his novels, the 210th day, tells the story of two characters climbing Mount Aso. An interesting read before any trip to Aso or to remind you of the beauty of the nature surrounding the famous volcano. Before writing this novel the author stayed in Aso and the inn he stayed at that time is still open nowadays. You can find a room dedicated to Natsume Soseki in this traditional Japanese inn called the Sannokaku. 

You may also find a commemorative plate while climbing the mountain or some words from the author in front of the Saigandenji temple.  

If you have an interest in ancient Japanese history you may have heard about Kofun. These ancient tombs were such an important part of these times that they gave their name to the period, the Kofun period. With the introduction of Buddhism the use of this kind of burial progressively disappeared.

It is possible to visit the inside of the Kofun situated just next to the Kokuzô shrine. This is an occasion not to miss because there is only a few of these tombs in Japan where you can actually go inside.