Mount Aso in Kyushu – Complete Volcano Travel Guide

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Facts & Figures

Mount Aso on the island of Kyushu, within Kumamoto Prefecture, is one of the largest active volcanoes in the world and the second largest in Japan after Mt. Fuji. The caldera, which stretches 18 km east–west and 25 km north–south, has a total circumference of 128 kilometres. Five volcanic cones were formed within this caldera: Mt. Taka (Takadake), Mt. Neko, Mt. Naka (Nakadake), Mt. Kishima (Kishimadake), and Mt. Eboshi. They belong to the central cone group of Aso, also called Aso Gogaku. The tallest of them is Mt. Taka at 1592 meters. Mount Aso forms the center of Aso-Kuju National Park, one of the first national parks in Japan. The area is famous for its many hot spring villages and scenic trails. It is truly a cycling and hiking paradise for outdoor lovers. Explore this place and you will feel the power of Mother Earth. For up-to-date information on whether the Nakadake Crater is open to visitors, check this website. One more culinary tip: once you are in the area, try the delicious Akaushi beef and Kuroge Wagyu. Get Your Pass Now and Save!

My tips for local activities

How about exploring the beautiful Mount Aso area in Kyushu with a local guide. The personalized tours by our partner GetYourGuide can take up to 10 hours. For more details check out this page >

History

Mount Aso’s huge caldera was formed by a large-scale eruption approximately 300,000 years ago. Three more major eruptions followed until about 90,000 years ago. In recent years, the volcano was active in 2016 and 2021. Aso-Kuju National Park was established in 1934, making it one of the oldest national parks in Japan.

Sightseeing spots

Top:

Aso Volcano Museum - It is a great place to get detailed information about the volcano, its history, and its geology. The multimedia shows include real-time footage of Mount Aso.

Aso Five Peaks - These are Mt. Takadake (1592 m), Mt. Nakadake (1506 m), Mt. Nekodake (1433 m), Mt. Eboshidake (1337 m), and Mt. Kishimadake (1326 m).

Daikanbo Viewpoint - From here, you have amazing views of the huge caldera of Mt. Aso with its surrounding mountains and green valleys. If you are lucky and the weather conditions are good, you may even be able to see the Kuju Mountains in the far distance.

Kusasenri-ga-hama - Explore this lovely grassland plateau on horseback. Tours are possible from March to December.

Mt. Nakadake - The crater of this volcano, with its beautiful lime-green lake, is a must-see on your trip. It has a circumference of four kilometres and a depth of 130 m. Access to the crater may be restricted during periods of volcanic activity due to emissions of toxic gases.

Aso Uchinomaki-onsen-kyo Hot Spring Village - More than 100 hot springs are located in this village, waiting for your visit.

Komezuka - This perfectly shaped volcanic cone can be found near Mt. Nakadake. To protect nature, climbing the cone is not permitted.

Aso Shrine - The shrine, dedicated to the deity Takeiwatatsu-no-Mikoto, dates back to the year 282 and is one of the oldest and most culturally significant shrines in Japan. The popular Onda Festival is held here. Unfortunately, parts of the shrine, such as the Romon Gate and the prayer hall, were destroyed during the earthquake in 2016.

Hiking Tours - For an easy stroll, choose a trail at the Kusasenri Plateau. For a more challenging hike, select trails leading to Mt. Taka (Takadake) and Mt. Naka (Nakadake).

Festival & Events (dates can change without notice)

October

Country Gold Music Festival in Kumamoto (around 21st)
This international country music festival is attracting each year thousands of visitors. It was founded in 1989.