Activities
Kyushu's Mount Aso
Steve MortonWhen it reopens to the public again, be sure to catch the awesome sight of Japan's largest and most active volcano
Mount Aso, the largest active volcano in Japan, is located in Kumamoto, Kyushu. Arguably the prefecture's biggest attraction, Mount Aso is a prime hiking and sightseeing spot that's part of the Aso Kuju National Park. Mt. Aso's peak is at a towering 1,592 meters above sea level, forming a stunning mountainside view from the Aso city.
Mt. Aso itself consists of five peaks — Mt. Naka, Mt. Kijiima, Mt. Eboshi, Mt. Neko, and Mt. Taka. It's believed that Mt. Aso was formed by four large eruptions that happened more than 200,000 years ago. The regular volcanic activity contributed to the formation of the large caldera that is also known as Nakadake crater. A caldera is larger than an ordinary crater, and the one on Mt. Aso is one of the largest in the world.
The Nakadake crater holds stunning blue water, which emits sulfuric fumes and is dangerously hot despite its icy appearance. The Aso Volcano Crater center monitors the crater's activity levels and updates daily on visitor restrictions to ensure everyone's safety. As of April 2020, access to the crater is currently closed due to increased volcanic activity. The ropeway, roads, and trails leading to the crater are closed until further notice. Mount Aso's latest eruption was in 2016. The crater can usually be accessed via ropeway, a bus from JR Aso Station, by private car, or a 30-minute walk from the bus stop.
/131.0923095,32.9044541,9/397x132?access_token=pk.eyJ1IjoiamFwYW50cmF2ZWxtYXBzIiwiYSI6ImNqbXBtOXYxbDB5Z3ozbHFrazJuYWMwOGYifQ.v15fy_mcFWtgopmz8PhwqA)
80-minute drive from Kumamoto via the Kumamoto Exit
2-hour drive from Oita City / Beppu
To Nakadake Crater: (check if routes are open to visitors)
40-minute bus ride from JR Aso Station, followed by a shuttle bus to the crater / 30-minute walk
When it reopens to the public again, be sure to catch the awesome sight of Japan's largest and most active volcano
Kyushu's Mt. Aso boasts one of the largest calderas in the world. Come explore the beautiful area surrounding this active volcano.
When gazing down from above on to the somewhat un-imposing peak of Mt Aso, it is hard to believe that not only is this one of the most active volcanoes in all of Japan, but its also one of the largest calderas in the world.
The further you walk the more bizarre the landscape becomes, like a new not yet discovered planet. A lunar landscape I would say.
Autumn in the Mt Aso Highlands brings the promise of silver pampas grass and stunning volcano views against crisp blue skies.
Even the mountains of Kyushu see snow in the winter months!
A grassy plateau sits atop the five peaks of Mt Aso, one of Japan's most impressive volcanoes.
If you want to feel and see the power of nature, you have to go there and have a look into this huge steaming crater, emitting fumes and gases with an intensity that is almost scary.
A must-stay if you visit Mount Aso in Kumamoto: A traditional farmhouse with lots of atmosphere and outstanding organically grown homemade food.
Aso is Kumamoto's most fascinating sightseeing spot. From having the largest inhabited caldera in the world to the surrounding verdant grasslands, Aso thrives with incredible vistas of Japanese heritage and geographical wonders. Due to Mount Aso being a living and active volcano, there are sometimes warnings in effect that can affect sightseeing visits. Always check the volcano's current status before a visit to the Aso area. Even if you happen to visit when there is an exclusion range in effect, you'll still be treated to incredible rural sights. Renowned for its sublime natural parks (like Aso Geopark) and unspoiled landscapes (Kujuu National Park), Aso is a premier destination for any nature lover or metropolitan aiming to escape the city's overwhelming atmosphere. Retreat to Aso for a rejuvenating visit at any one of their many attractions, including thermal hot springs like Akamizu Spa, Uchinomaki Spa, or Sensuikyo. The vista from the cable car near Mount Aso is especially awe-inspiring for its panoramic views of the commanding and powerful volcano.
This park is the epitome of the Japanese word genki meaning childlike, happiness and energy.
The little lane narrowed the further it got from the main road and I began to wonder if there is indeed a temple of vegan delights at the end of this path. I'm not a subscriber
Japanese restaurant Show offers highly affordable kaiseki lunches in the shadow of JKumamoto's Mt Aso
Aso Shrine is a Shinto Shrine in Aso, Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan. Aso is one of the oldest shrines in Japan. This shrine holds several Important Cultural Properties, including Ichi-no-shinden, Ni-no-shinden, and Rōmon. The Aso Shrine was heavily damaged in the 2016 Kumamoto earthquakes. [Wikipedia]
Aso Nature Land was established in 2005 as a place for people to experience outdoor activities in the midst of incredible natural vistas. This professional outdoor shop will organize an adventure just for you. From early morning hot-air balloon rides to grass sledding on a Bockerl, mountainboarding to paragliding, you are sure to find an outdoor activity that appeals to you. And their website even accepts reservations in English. You won’t forget your next trip to Kumamoto when you experience its beauty firsthand.
The Aso-Kuju National Park in Kyushu and the magnificent bowl-shaped caldera of Mount Aso is a spectacular sight to behold. Hiking trails and fine cuisine surround the vast area.