Aso Sankinkotai Road Walk Parts of an ancient highway dating from the end of the 16th century still remain in the Aso region, this short walk takes you from the village of Akamizu (Redwater) up to the top of the caldera wall and back down again. The route follows the path the Kumamoto lords and their huge retinues […]
Aso Sankinkotai Road 豊後街道 二重峠石畳 Read More »
Around Aso Tour – Mount Aso & more ! Around Aso tour – a day trip around the world’s biggest inhabited caldera A fantastic day trip that takes you to the top of Mt. Aso, Japan’s largest volcano and to the top sights in the Aso caldera plus a few of its lesser known secrets. From
Around Aso Tour – Mount Aso and more! Read More »
Ogidake View Point A neighbour’s recommendation took us to the Ogidake view point 荻岳(Mount Ogi) east of Aso one sunny Sunday in February. The Ogidake lookout is one of the few points from where you can get panoramic views of Kyushu’s 3 major mountain ranges, Aso, Kuju and Sobo. On a clear day the views are
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Ikeyama Springs Of all the springs I’ve visited in the Aso area, the Ikeyama Springs one has the biggest wow factor. Possibly because I visited in early February and to come across this lush green oasis in the middle of winter was something special. Situated a few km north of the tiny village of Ubuyama, off Route 11 on
Ikeyama Springs 池山水源 Read More »
Kokuzo Shrine Tucked away in the shade of the caldera wall in the hamlet of Teno you will find the Kokuzo Shrine 国造神社. Situated only 6 km north of the better known Aso Shrine if you have time the Kokuzo shrine is definitely worth a detour. Why visit? Primarily because here you can see the remains
Kokuzo Shrine and the great Teno cedar tree 国造神社 Read More »
Kurokawa Onsen & Mt Aso Tour Kurokawa Onsen & Aso tour The Kurokawa Onsen and Mount Aso tour is a truly memorable day out taking you to two great Kyushu locations; Kurokawa Onsen – one of Japan’s most charming hot spring villages, specialising in outdoor baths & Mount Aso – Japan’s most beautiful caldera, where if
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Aso Volcano Current status Below you will find English updates on the of Mount Aso’s active volcano, Nakadake: Update: April 2019 Nakadake volcano is back at Level 2, the crater lake has dried up and ash is coming out regularly. You cannot go up to the crater area but you can still go as far
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Kusasenri The view of Kusasenri is one of the iconic scenes of Kumamoto; a vast emerald green grassland plateau with peacefully grazing cows and horses reflected in the still crater ponds on the top of the central peaks of Aso. The name Kusasenri 草千里 means a thousand leagues of grass and the peaceful vista today belies its violent history. Standing on the
Kusasenri Plateau 草千里 Read More »
Daikanbo Viewpoint The name given to the prime viewpoint of Aso, from here dramatic 360 degree views reveal the panoramic expanse of the whole caldera and the rolling grasslands behind. On a clear day this point gives you the best views of ‘Nehanzo’, the sleeping buddha, its silhouette formed by the central 5 peaks of Mount Aso. If the conditions are right you may see the buddha
Daikanbo viewpoint 大観峰 Read More »
Very sadly one of my favorite spots in Aso, the Laputa Road Viewpoint was badly damaged in the earthquakes of April 2016 and can no longer safely be visited. The photos below show the landslides and road damage that occurred. Before the earthquakes One of the top spots to see in Aso, but
Laputa Road ラピュタロード Read More »
