The Power of Mother Nature

The fuming caldera of Aso Volcano

Nicole Bauer Jun 24, 2014 - 1 min read

<p>The view from above onto the huge plain next to one of the older extinct cones. It is a volcanic desert, almost leaving you with the impression to have entered another planet.</p>

<p>There are several smaller caldera and cones inside the Aso caldera, but only one is still active and constantly fuming; it is called Naka-dake.</p>

<p>There is a parking lot pretty close to the crater rim, and on foot you can get even closer and have a look into the steaming caldera of Naka-dake.</p>

<p>A close-up of the crater lake on the bottom of Naka-dake's caldera, also showing the various vents releasing the steam. The accompanying sound is something you have to experience; it is the sound of Mother Earth. </p>

<p>The crater floor of an extinct caldera where rain water has created beautiful pattern and shades.</p>

<p>Climbing Naka-dake, the peak right next to the steaming caldera, spoils you with excellent views of the whole area.</p>

Aso Volcano in central Kyushu is one of the largest calderas in the world, measuring roughly 20 kilometers in diameter. While a large part oft the caldera has turned into fertile soil (a blessing for the area’s agriculture), the volcanic activity is more than visible; you can hear it and you can even smell it. There are several craters inside Aso Caldera and Naka-dake is the active one, constantly fuming and releasing toxic gases. You don’t have to worry though, as access to the viewing platform is only granted when it's safe. Hey, we are in Japan!

Nicole Bauer @nicole.bauer

Travelling abroad to discover new places, getting to know different cultures and learning foreign languages has always been my passion. I was born and raised in Germany; however, for a few years now I've been very lucky to be able to spend my life abroad. I lived for some time in England and Ital...