Right Track to Aso

It's been about 5 months since the earthquakes in Kumamoto. Things are starting to get back to normal - houses and building are being renovated, businesses are opening again, roads are getting fixed. Speaking of roads, there is only one road open to Aso at present as far as I know, and that is Milk Road, accessible from Route 57 just out of Ozu. To get to route 57 higher (or I should say beyond) the earthquake area, you have to take MR until the first intersection, and then turn right onto that road. Continue traveling up the mountain and take the next right as well. This will take you towards Daikanbo at the intersection, but you don't want to go to Daikanbo. Instead take that right as well which will take you down the mountain again toward Aso Town. You will go down a windy road and eventually will end up on Route 57 near Akamizu Train Station. Turn left here to travel toward Aso Town, Takamori, and point beyond. I've taken this road several times, and even with a lot of traffic, it's not that bad. I've also driven behind Tokai University and to Tawarayama, where I had heard that the top of the mountain is passable, although the tunnel is of course closed. However, on the day I went, the top was impassible as well, but this could have very meant that they were working on the road. At any rate, have fun in Aso! Happy trails.