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 Noyaki takes place from mid […]
Noyaki – 野焼 Aso’s Grassland Burning Read More »
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 »
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
Ogidake View Point 荻岳 Read More »
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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You may be an old hand at onsens but have you ever had a cave bath? The Ryokan Yamanoyado Shinmeikan in Kurokawa has carved its baths directly out of the cliffside, the result is a very steamy, dark and womblike experience. There are female, male and a large mixed bath available. However you may get
Yamanoyado Cave Bath 山の宿 新明館 Read More »
After the hot spring heaven of Kurokawa why not take a trip to Hell? Sparrow Hell – or Suzume Jigoku in Japanese. This is a cold water volcanic sulphur spring, the gas is so powerful it can kill sparrows and even tanuki and fox have been found killed by the fumes…. humans are fine though
Suzume Jigoku Springs すずめ地獄 Read More »
Kurokawa Onsen & More Tour information 1 to 6 people Tour duration 8.5 hours Language – English Price from 13,000 Yen per person Discount for children Activity level – Gentle to moderate Includes entrance to a hot spring of your choice I went on the Kurokawa Onsen tour with Helen. She is an excellent guide.The
Kurokawa Onsen and More Tour Read More »
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 »
