ASO
/ KUMAMOTO
The world-renowned Aso caldera stands amid a magnificent natural landscape.
Here, you can experience the rich blessings brought by volcanoes, such as both hot springs and cold springs—treasures that are a part of everyday life in Kumamoto.
The charm of the Aso area
Aso has a way of life within a caldera.
The Aso caldera stands almost in the center of Kyushu. In this vast, majestic landscape, there is a history of people who have coexisted with the volcano. The Aso area, which has thriving agriculture and livestock industries, attracts worldwide attention as a pioneer for sustainable tourism that is balanced with nature conservation.
The thrilling experience of viewing an active volcano up close.
The Aso Five Peaks rise impressively from the center of the Aso caldera. One of these peaks, Mt. Nakadake, is an active volcano that emits smoke. However, anyone can approach its breathtaking 600-meter wide, 130-meter deep crater. Walk close and experience smoke violently billowing from this huge crater and feel the powerful pulse of the earth with your whole body.
Aso's sustainable landscape—where people and the dynamic environment coexist and protect each other
The “Millennium Grasslands” are a place where humans and nature have coexisted and protected each other for over a thousand years. Covering an area of around 23,000 hectares, it is Japan's largest grassland area. On our tours, enjoy special permission to enter normally off-limits areas where you can ride on electric mountain bikes, go horse-riding, and enjoy outdoor dining.
Unique food culture thanks to one of the largest calderas in the world.
Aso is a remarkable place where around 50,000 people live within one of the world's largest calderas. This caldera measures 18 kilometers from west to east and 25 kilometers from north to south. The volcanic activity and freshwater springs nurture the local food culture. For instance, the iron and other minerals in the water feed the lush grasslands, where Akaushi cattle graze, and the volcanic ash soil has produced distinct gastronomic specialties like Takamori cuisine and Aso takana greens that are perfect for pickling.
MAIN AREA
AREA 01
The summits of Mt. Aso
Mt. Aso's Nakadake peak is an active volcano with a crater that regularly emits smoke. You can view an emerald green crater lake and feel lava rock up close. It's a place to feel the very earth breathing. You can also see Kusasenri, a grassland that extends throughout the background of the 30,000-year-old crater. The idyllic view of cattle and horses grazing in this grassland is an iconic image of Aso.
AREA 02
Miyagi Monzenmachi
Miyagi Monzenmachi is the area around the gateway of Aso Jinja, a shrine which is around 2,300 years old and venerates Mt. Aso as a sacred object. Along the approach to the shrine, there are several freshwater springs called “mizuki.” The popular Miyagi Monzenmachi shopping district is where the Aso faith gained a following, and nowadays, it is always bustling with visitors.
AREA 03
Daikanbo
The Daikanbo viewpoint is located at an elevation of 936 meters, at the highest point of the northern outer rim of Mt. Aso. Since the Aso Five Peaks are said to resemble a reclining Buddha, this area is sometimes referred to as “Aso Nehanzo” (image of the sleeping Buddha). It provides panoramic views of one of the world's largest calderas and the Kuju Mountains. There are a number of outdoor activities to try out, too.
MAIN AREA
AREA 01
The summits of Mt. Aso
Mt. Aso's Nakadake peak is an active volcano with a crater that regularly emits smoke. You can view an emerald green crater lake and feel lava rock up close. It's a place to feel the very earth breathing. You can also see Kusasenri, a grassland that extends throughout the background of the 30,000-year-old crater. The idyllic view of cattle and horses grazing in this grassland is an iconic image of Aso.
AREA 02
Miyagi Monzenmachi
Miyagi Monzenmachi is the area around the gateway of Aso Jinja, a shrine which is around 2,300 years old and venerates Mt. Aso as a sacred object. Along the approach to the shrine, there are several freshwater springs called “mizuki.” The popular Miyagi Monzenmachi shopping district is where the Aso faith gained a following, and nowadays, it is always bustling with visitors.
AREA 03
Daikanbo
The Daikanbo viewpoint is located at an elevation of 936 meters, at the highest point of the northern outer rim of Mt. Aso. Since the Aso Five Peaks are said to resemble a reclining Buddha, this area is sometimes referred to as “Aso Nehanzo” (image of the sleeping Buddha). It provides panoramic views of one of the world's largest calderas and the Kuju Mountains. There are a number of outdoor activities to try out, too.
REPRESENTATIVE
ACCOMMODATION
Here are some notable places to stay in the Aso area.
Aso Uchinomaki Onsen, Sozankyo
Sozankyo, a Japanese-style inn with over 100 years of history, is located in the delightful Uchinomaki Onsen area. Guest rooms incorporate traditional spaces crafted from 1,000-year-old Ayasugi cedar. This unique accommodation offers kaiseki cuisine featuring Aso Akaushi beef grilled on lava stone and plentiful use of other local ingredients, plus a bar with nearly 400 varieties of shochu.
Sakura-no-Yado
This is a whole-house rental accommodation renovated from an over 150-year-old traditional Japanese home. It offers an opportunity to enjoy a tranquil countryside stay with a sauna and a bath fed by one of the Aso area's natural springs. You can also savor the owner-chef's superb cuisine, which features Aso Akaushi beef and vegetables from the owner's private farm.
Aso no Yamaboushi
This accommodation, hidden away at the foot of Aso Daikanbo, was restored from a 150-year-old traditional house. All its rooms are detached and have their own open-air bath, sauna, and stone sauna. During your stay, you can gather round a traditional hearth to enjoy local specialties, such as dengaku skewers or charcoal-grilled dishes. The impressive breakfast features ten or more small dishes, including homemade miso and pickles.
ACCESS
Here's how to reach the Aso area.
Directions
For those coming from Tokyo
HANEDA AIRPORT
1h30m
ASO CITY
For those coming from Osaka
OSAKA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
1h30m
ASO CITY
For those coming from Fukuoka
HANEDA AIRPORT
40m
KUMAMOTO STATION
1h20m
ASO CITY
Direct flight information
Please check the websites of each airport and airline for the latest information.
SEOUL
INCHEON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
1h30m
BUSAN
GIMHAE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
1h30m
TAIPEI
TAIWAN TAOYUAN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
2h15m
KAOHSIUNG
KAOHSIUNG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
2h30m
TAINAN
TAINAN AIRPORT
2h30m
HONG KONG
*Suspended
HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
3h30m
SHANGHAI
*Suspended
SHANGHAI PUDONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
2h10m
ASO
KUMAMOTO
AIRPORT
SUPPORT
The council can arrange transportation for you, please contact us for more information.
You can enjoy the blessings of the volcano in many ways, including hot springs, food, and learning. We propose a new style of travel that connects Kyushu's nature and culture and allows you to experience the unique value of the region.