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Aso area

About the Aso area

The Aso area is home to the world’s biggest inhabited volcanic caldera, known as Mount Aso or 阿蘇山.  It’s also Japan’s largest grassland area and home to some gorgeous scenery. Nakadake, the active volcano at the center of Mount Aso is rare; not only is it one of Japan’s most active volcanos but also because when conditions are safe you can go right up to the edge of the crater and look inside. Read on to find out more about the many Aso sights you can visit, how to get around and why the Aso area is such an interesting geological area. (Click on the titles below)

Takadake and Nekodake

Getting to & getting around Aso

The Aso region covers an area of roughly 350 square kilometers, as it’s a very rural area public transport is limited. There is so much to see that using public transport you could easily spend several days looking around, however if time is an issue we reccomend either renting a car or taking a private tour.

people standing next to smoking crater Mount Aso volcano crater tour Nakadake volcano

Aso Volcano Current Status

Level 1 - since April 2022 This is the volcano's safest level. However, currently it is not possible to look inside the crater as the volcanic gas warning system needs repairing and there is a delay in getting the parts. You can of course still see the crater from a short distance and enjoy the Aso area. Click on the title to check if the current status has changed.

aso caldera arial view

About the Aso area

A caldera is the largest kind of volcanic structure on the planet, huge ‘super eruptions’ cause calderas to form when so much magma is released and with such force the land beneath caves in creating a giant basin or crater in the land. The awe inspiring Aso caldera was formed in a series of 4 colossal eruptions which took place between 300,000 and 90,000 years ago...

You can visit the Aso area & enjoy Aso's top sights on one of these tours...

Kumamoto top sights Mount Aso volcano view, mount aso tour

Around Aso Tour - Mount Aso & more

A fantastic day trip that takes you to the top of Japan’s largest volcano and to the most scenic sights in the Aso caldera. From the beautiful and remote Minami Aso area to breathtaking views from the northern caldera rim and up to the heights of Mount Aso, where if conditions are right, you can peer right into the heart of the living, breathing Nakadake volcano.

Kikuchi gorge waterfall kikuchi gorge and kurokawa onsen tour

Mount Aso & Kikuchi Gorge Tour

The Mount Aso and Kikuchi Gorge Tour is for any lover of the outdoors. Get out in the fresh air and enjoy two very different landscapes in just one day; the natural forest and pure waters of Kikuchi Gorge and the vast grasslands and active volcanic scenery of Mount Aso.

Fumoto ryokan, oguni, beautiful outside onsen surrounded by bamboo in Kumamoto,Kurokawa Onsen day trip

Kurokawa Onsen & Mount 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 conditions are right, you can peer right into the heart of the living, breathing Nakadake volcano.

Kyushu trip boating on Takachiho Gorge takachiho tour

Takachiho & Mount Aso Tour

The Takachiho and Mount Aso tour is a day trip that combines two of Kyushu’s top destinations. The unforgettable Takachiho Gorge and the breathtaking Aso caldera. Within the huge caldera lies a chain of volcanoes and the only active volcano in Japan where you have the chance to visit an active crater.

Places to visit in the Aso area

Below are activities and sights you can explore in and around the Aso area. Click on the picture links to find out more. If you are interested in visiting any of these places on a guided tour contact Explore Kumamoto for a quote.

Sorafune Pier – そらふねの桟橋

Sorafune Pier- そらふねの桟橋 Uchinomaki Sorafune Pier known as Sorafune no sanbashi そらふねの桟橋 is a viewing platform on top of Mt. Tangoyama 田子山. A great photo spot with views looking out over the peaceful farmland of the caldera basin to the smoking central peak of Asozan.Tangoyama , also known as Tagoyama … read on

Yamabuki Springhead 山吹水源

Yamabuki Springhead – Ubuyama The Aso area is famed for its springwaters, a wonderful side effect of the volcanic activity that has been a constant in the area for millenia. After visiting many of them I have to say, Ubuyama Village has two of the best; Ikeyama Suigen 池山水源 and Yamabuki Suigen … read on

Higotai Park ヒゴタイ公園

Higotai Park ヒゴタイ公園- Ubuyama Set on a grassy plateau at the foot of the Kuju Mountains, surrounded by undulating hills formed from ancient pyroclastic flows, Higotai Park offers panoramic views of both the Kuju Mountains and Mount Aso. The park is around 900m in altitude so it’s a good place … read on

Cosmos Flower viewing

Cosmos flowers japan
Cosmos コスモス Flower Viewing When you think of autumn in Japan the image that first comes to mind is probably bright red maple leaves not a sea of pink and white flowers. But for many Japanese the cheerful blooms of the Cosmos flower are one of the country’s most typical … read on

Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine 上色見熊野座神社

Kamishikimi Kumano-imasu Shrine If you only have time to visit one shrine in the Aso area, visit the one with the longest name. Kamishikimi Kumano-imasu Shrine is definitely worth the journey even if you’re not a huge fan of shrines. Situated a few kilometres from Takamori Town in Minami Aso, … read on

Oshitoishi Hill 押戸石の丘

Oshitoishi Hill 押戸石- Minami Oguni Oshitoishi has the reputation of a powerspot, a group of mysterious standing stones situated on a hill on the pyroclastic flows above the northern caldera edge of the giant Aso caldera. On top of the grassy hillside there is a mysterious line of rocks. The … read on

Noyaki – 野焼 Aso’s Grassland Burning

Noyaki – the burning of the grasslands If you visit the Aso area in late February or March you might be surprised to find the lush green grasslands you saw in all the photos scorched and blackened. Don’t worry a war has not broken out it’s only the yearly Noyaki. Noyaki season … read on

Aso Sankinkotai Road 豊後街道 二重峠石畳

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 … read on

Ogidake View Point 荻岳

Mount Ogi, Aso
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 … read on

Ikeyama Springs 池山水源

Explore Kumamoto
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 … read on

Kokuzo Shrine and the great Teno cedar tree　国造神社

Explore Kumamoto
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 … read on

Kusasenri Plateau 草千里

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 … read on

Daikanbo viewpoint 大観峰

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 … read on

Laputa Road　ラピュタロード

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 … read on

The Aso Volcano Museum 阿蘇火山博物館

Located at Kusasenri, Mount Aso’s vast green plateau on top of the mountains. The Aso Volcano Museum is a 3 storey concrete building with views of the steaming crater of Nakadake Volcano in the distance. The Aso Volcano Museum consists of displays relating to the formation of  the Aso volcanos … read on

Shirakawa Source

Shirakawa Source Also known as the Shirakawa Suigen 白川水源 in Japanese, this is the most well-known of a cluster of mineral water springs that bubble up in the southern part of the Aso region called ‘Minami Aso’. Famed as one of the top 100 springs in Japan many people gather here to bottle the spring … read on

Minami Aso

If you are travelling from Kumamoto to Takachiho or Gokase you will pass through the beautiful Minami Aso or Southern Aso area. The charm of the countryside, stunning views, relaxing hotsprings and the simple, traditional rural way of life that can still be found in this area makes the area a … read on

Aso Paragliding

aso paragliding
Aso Paragliding How about taking to the air during your Aso trip? Paragliding is a wonderful way to enjoy the panorama of Aso’s nature and get some fresh air and adrenaline. The experience is family friendly and can be booked from Elementary School (age 6) and upwards. Though certain weight limits apply. … read on

Getting around Aso

The Aso region covers an area of roughly 350 square kilometers, as it’s a very rural area public transport is limited. There is so much to see that using public transport you could easily spend several days looking around, however if time is an issue we reccomend either renting a … read on

Nakadake Mount Aso’s active volcano

Kumamoto weather snow in Aso
The title Mount Aso Volcano is a little misleading as the whole central mountain range within the Aso caldera is comprised of volcanos, fortunately only one is still active. Mt. Nakadake – Mount Aso’s active volcano  Nakadake long worshipped as a powerful god, the active volcano at the center of … read on

Aso Shrine

Aso Shrine pre earthquake
Earthquake update: The main gate and hall of worship of Aso Shrine sadly collapsed in the Kumamoto earthquake of April 16th 2016. However, the shrine can still be visited and festivals will still be held throughout the year. In fact witnessing the damage first hand is a very humbling experience. … read on

Hifuri-Shinji Festival

Aso shrine fire festival
Blazing torches light the sky and in the darkness a multitude of flaming reed straw ropes are swung around in an exciting spectacle to welcome the kami of Aso Shrine. The dramatic Hifuri-shinji  festival takes place in mid March in the grounds of  Aso Shrine.  The holy ritual has been designated as one of Japan’s … read on

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