Views
With one of the world’s biggest calderas, mountain ranges, sunsets over the Ariake sea, gorgeous grasslands and a smoking volcano it’s not surprising that Kumamoto Prefecture has so many awesome views; here are a selection of the best viewpoints to enjoy
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
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 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
Higanbana 彼岸花 Spider Lily viewing After a long, hot summer the arrival of the spider lillies in mid September heralds the beginning of autumn. The tall stalks and dramatic bright red blooms seem to shoot up out of nowhere appearing around paddy fields, embankments and verges. The flowering season is ... read on
The Chojabaru plateau is a lovely stopping off point on the Yamanami Highway midway between Aso and Yufuin in the midst of the Kuju mountains. Famed for the Tadawara Marsh, a Ramsar designated wetland of international importance which is situated on the north west side of the Kuju mountain range. The marshland offers ... read on
With its extensive white sands and crystal-clear emerald-green sea, the completely unspoilt Mogushi Beach is a rarity in Japan. It is one of the most beautiful natural beaches in Kyushu and has a deserved place in Japan's top 100 beaches. The beach is in an out of the way location only accessible by car ... read on
The Kuju Flower Park offers stunning seasonal displays of flowers set against beautiful mountain scenery. [ytplayer id=7253] The Kuju Flower Park, or Kuju Hana Kouen くじゅう花公園, offers seasonal displays of over 3 million flowers in 500 different varieties from spring to late autumn. The park covers 49 acres of the beautiful Kuju plateau, ... read on
The Kokonoe 'Yume' Otsurihashi 九重夢大吊橋 is Japan's largest pedestrian suspension bridge. The bridge offers marvellous views of one of Japan's top 100 waterfalls. The graceful span hangs and sometimes sways above the deep Kyusui ravine at a height of 173 m above the river valley floor. With a length of 390 m and an altitude ... read on
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
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
Just over the border into Miyazaki Prefecture, the romantic Takachiho Gorge winds its way through the sleepy town of Takachiho. The gorge was formed from the pyroclastic flow of the Aso volcanos, when sudden cooling led to dramatic columnar formations and sheer cliffs that rise above the river between 80 to ... read on
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 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
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
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 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
Suizenji Gardens Also known as Suizenji Jojuen Park, these beautiful gardens are situated in the east of the city, a 15 minute tram ride from the city center. Suizenji Jojuen is a very popular destination for both Japanese and international tourists, however, on a weekday it is possible to have the ... read on
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
Recently granted World Heritage Status the Misumi West Port (Misumi Nishi Kou) in Uto, at the entrance to the islands of Amakusa is an interesting stop off if you are journeying south. The port is situated around 90 minutes drive from Kumamoto City. The Misumi West Port was built at the ... read on
Kumamoto castle suffered severe damage in the earthquakes of April 14th and 16th, it is currently closed to visitors. The mighty and impenetrable Kumamoto Castle has dominated and protected the city of Kumamoto for over 400 years. Recently ranked the top Japanese Castle to visit on Trip Advisor, Kumamoto Jo has long ... read on