Men no Ishi Trekking
免の石（トレッキング）
Men-no-ishi is a large rock that has been floating in the air for tens of thousands of years, trapped in a gaping hole in a cave. It was miraculously not shattered when it fell down at the Kumamoto Earthquake of 2016. The rock has also become a power spot as a "beckoning cat that brings happiness" because a "beckoning cat" clad in a magnificent view of Minami Aso appeared in the cave from where the rock fell. The path leading to the stone cave is privately owned, but part of it is maintained as a mountain trail, and is popular for its easy adventure trekking through primitive forests and rocky terrain. (Entry fee: 500 yen, guided tours require advance reservation at least 3 days in advance.)
