Mount Aso: Japan's Fiery Giant
Explore Mount Aso, Japan's largest active volcano, with its stunning caldera, active craters, lush grasslands, and rejuvenating hot springs.
Mount Aso, located in Kumamoto Prefecture, Kyushu, is Japan's largest active volcano and one of the largest in the world. Its massive caldera, formed by ancient eruptions, spans approximately 25 kilometers in diameter and is home to several villages and the active peak of Mount Nakadake.
A brief summary to Mount Aso
- Takawara, Aso, Takawara, Kumamoto, JP
Local tips
- Check the Mount Aso official website or visitor center for up-to-date information on crater access due to volcanic activity or weather conditions.
- Wear sturdy shoes if you plan to hike around the caldera or to the summit of Mount Nakadake.
- Bring a jacket, as the weather at the summit can be unpredictable, even in summer.
- If you have respiratory problems, be cautious of volcanic gases near the crater.
- Consider visiting the Aso Volcano Museum to learn more about the geology and history of Mount Aso.
Getting There
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Public Transport
From JR Aso Station, take a bus towards Asosan Nishi Station; the journey takes approximately 30 to 40 minutes. Note that the Japan Rail Pass does not cover this bus ticket. From Asosan Nishi Station, you can take a shuttle bus to Nakadake Crater, or walk there in about 30 minutes. The bus from Aso Station to Asosanjo Terminal (near Nakadake Crater) costs 1000 yen one way. The shuttle bus from Asosanjo Terminal to the crater is 700 yen one way.
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Driving
Cars can drive to a parking lot near the crater. There is a 1000 yen toll for the last few kilometers. From Kumamoto, take Route 57 to the Aso Station intersection, then take Asotozan Road Bochusen. Note that the crater area may be closed due to volcanic activity or weather conditions.
Discover more about Mount Aso
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