Mount Aso (ˆ¢‘hŽR, Asosan) is an active volcano in the center of Kyushu which most recently erupted in 2021 and 2016. Aso's ancient caldera ranks among the world's largest, with a diameter of up to 25 kilometers and a circumference of over 100 kilometers. In the center of the caldera stand the mountain's active volcanic peaks, including Mount Nakadake, whose spectacular crater is accessible to tourists.
Note, however, that the crater area is often partially and sometimes completely closed off to visitors due to poisonous volcanic gases, bad weather or the risk of volcanic activity. So, make sure to check the volcano's current state before traveling there. Even when the area around the summit is open, gases can be intense, and people with respiratory problems should refrain from approaching the crater.
Besides the easily accessible crater viewing area, there is also a network of hiking trails that leads to Mount Aso's various peaks. Perhaps the most rewarding of them leads from a parking lot near the crater to the Nakadake summit of Mount Aso, which towers about 350 meters above the crater and allows for spectacular views over the volcanic landscape.
The ascent takes about 90 minutes and includes a very steep section. From the Nakadake peak it is possible to hike down a further 20 minutes to a viewpoint closer to the crater or up to the Takadake summit, the highest peak of Mount Aso. Many sections of the trail are covered by loose volcanic stones. Proper preparation and footwear are required. The trail gets partially or fully closed when the volcanic alert level is raised.
Not far from the Nakadake crater, Kusasenri (or Kusasenri-ga-hama) is a grass-covered plain, which offers some easier walking opportunities and a few horses. Horse riding is possible from early March to mid December. On the opposite side of the road stands the Aso Volcano Museum with explanations about the volcano.
Komezuka is a small, beautifully shaped volcanic cone on the northern slopes of Nakadake. There are pleasant walking trails in the vicinity (but not to the top) of Komezuka, however, easy access by public transportation is not provided.
Getting there and around
Make sure to check the volcano's current state before your visit. During times of heightened volcanic activity, the crater can be off-limits and the road and walking trail to the crater closed.
By bus
Buses depart JR Aso Station every 1-2 hours for the Asosanjo Terminal (730 yen one way) near the Nakadake Crater, stopping at Kusasenri (640 yen) along the way. The ride is not covered by the Japan Rail Pass. From Asosanjo Terminal, a shuttle bus gets visitors to the crater (600 yen one way). Alternatively you can walk to the crater in about 30-40 minutes one way.
By car
Cars can drive all the way to a parking lot just next to the crater, but must pay 1000 yen per car (round trip) for the last kilometers, which is a toll road.
Hours and Fees
Aso Volcano Museum
Hours
Closed
Admission
Questions? Ask in our forum.
Links and Resources
English
Hotels around Aso
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ShinwaenBoasting hot spring baths surrounded by beautiful gardens, Shinwaen provides charming Japanese-style accommodation, and lavish meals are served in guest rooms. Free Wi-Fi is offered throughout the property, and free parking is available. Rooms are fitted with tatami (woven-straw) flooring and traditional futon bedding, and come with a flat-screen TV. Some rooms feature a private open-air bath. Seasonal flower arrangements welcome guests at Shinwaen. In-room massages can be arranged at an extra charge. Free luggage storage is available, and drink vending machines can be used. The property is a 15-minute drive from JR Aso Station, and Hana-asobi with large rose gardens is a 3-minute drive away. Cuddly Dominion zoo can be reached within a 15-minute drive. Japanese meals prepared with home-grown vegetables are served in the Dining.View on Booking.com -
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Fairfield by Marriott Kumamoto AsoSituated in Aso, 33 km from Egao Kenko Stadium Kumamoto, Fairfield by Marriott Kumamoto Aso features accommodation with a shared lounge, free private parking and a terrace. This 3-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and free WiFi. The property is non-smoking and is set 42 km from Kumamoto Castle. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms with a wardrobe, a kettle, a fridge, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a bidet. At Fairfield by Marriott Kumamoto Aso the rooms are fitted with bed linen and towels. Suizenji Park is 42 km from the accommodation, while Hosokawa Residence Gyobutei is 43 km from the property. Kumamoto Airport is 28 km away.View on Booking.com -
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Minshuku AsogenMinshuku Asogen, a property with a garden, is situated in Aso, 29 km from Egao Kenko Stadium Kumamoto, 38 km from Kumamoto Castle, as well as 38 km from Suizenji Park. The property is around 39 km from Hosokawa Residence Gyobutei, 8.8 km from Mount Aso and 29 km from KK Wings. The ryokan features rooms with air conditioning, free private parking and free WiFi. A fridge and kettle are also offered. At the ryokan, units include a tatami and a flat-screen TV. Kuroishi Station is 32 km from the ryokan, while Former Residence of Natsume Soseki is 37 km from the property. The nearest airport is Kumamoto Airport, 24 km from Minshuku Asogen.View on Booking.com -
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Syukubo AsoSituated in Aso, 42 km from Kumamoto Castle, Syukubo Aso features accommodation with a public bath. The air-conditioned accommodation is 33 km from Egao Kenko Stadium Kumamoto, and guests can benefit from private parking available on site and free WiFi. Mount Aso is 7.3 km from the ryokan and KK Wings is 33 km away. The ryokan has a flat-screen TV. Towels and bed linen are offered in the ryokan. At the ryokan, there is a dressing room for guests to change in. Guests can relax in the garden at the property. Suizenji Park is 42 km from Syukubo Aso, while Hosokawa Residence Gyobutei is 42 km from the property. The nearest airport is Kumamoto Airport, 28 km from the accommodation.View on Booking.com -
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Aso Base BackpackersAso Base Backpackers is located in Aso, 33 km from Egao Kenko Stadium Kumamoto and 42 km from Kumamoto Castle. The 2-star hostel has air-conditioned rooms with a shared bathroom and free WiFi. Free private parking is available and the hostel also provides bike hire for guests who want to explore the surrounding area. Suizenji Park is 42 km from the hostel, while Hosokawa Residence Gyobutei is 43 km away. Kumamoto Airport is 28 km from the property.View on Booking.com -
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Aso Hakuun SansoAsoHakuunSanso quietly located in the vast Aso Caldera Basin at the foot of Mt.Aso is a natural hot spring resort hotel Enjoy the view of the majestic Aso mountains from the hotel, and relax in the hot spring of AkamizuOnsen, which is good for beautiful skin, and the delicious cuisine for which the hotel prides itself. All rooms in the hotel building have twin bedsroom and offer views of the five Aso peaks or the outer rim of Aso.JP Superior rooms have beds on tatami mat floors, allowing guests to take off their shoes. Dinner and breakfast is served buffet style with a variety of Japanese and Western dishes will be served at GOGAKU restaurant. The hotel is located 15 km from Aso Shrine and 18 km aroundf Mt.Aso. You can come here on foot in 10 minutes from the nearest station, JR Akamizu Station. A free shuttle bus to and from JR Akamizu Station is also available. and there are also 80 free parking spaces available.View on Booking.com -
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AsoTsuruya38 km from Egao Kenko Stadium Kumamoto, AsoTsuruya is a recently renovated property set in Aso and offers air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi and private parking. Featuring a housekeeping service, this property also provides guests with a traditional restaurant. The ryokan features family rooms. All units come with a seating area, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and a private bathroom with bathrobes, bidet, bath and shower. Some units feature a balcony and/or a patio with mountain or inner courtyard views. At the ryokan, the units come with bed linen and towels. Guests may chill out in the on-site bar or lounge. Kumamoto Castle is 47 km from the ryokan, while Suizenji Park is 47 km away. Kumamoto Airport is 32 km from the property.View on Booking.com -
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AsobeFeaturing 2-star accommodation, Asobe is situated in Aso, 39 km from Kumamoto Castle and 39 km from Suizenji Park. The air-conditioned accommodation is 30 km from Egao Kenko Stadium Kumamoto, and guests can benefit from private parking available on site and free WiFi. The ryokan has family rooms. At the ryokan, every unit is equipped with a shared bathroom. Guests at the ryokan will be able to enjoy activities in and around Aso, like cycling. Hosokawa Residence Gyobutei is 39 km from Asobe, while Mount Aso is 8.1 km from the property. The nearest airport is Kumamoto Airport, 25 km from the accommodation.View on Booking.com -
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Yumeoi-soBoasting various hot spring baths that can be reserved for private use, Yumeoi-so provides chic Japanese-style accommodation. Guests can enjoy karaoke and table tennis for free. Free Wi-Fi is provided in the lobby. Yumeoi-so offers large public hot spring baths and 12 private-use hot spring baths for guestsf relaxation. A game room with traditional Japanese games and a kidsf room are available on site. Female guests can choose their own yukata robe when checking in. Rooms at Yumeoi-so feature tatami (woven-straw) flooring and traditional futon bedding. A low table and seating cushions are provided, and rooms come with facilities like flat-screen TV, a fridge and an electric kettle. A Japanese and Western breakfast buffet is available. The property is a 15-minute walk from JR Aso Station. Mount Aso is a 30-minute drive, and Aso Farmland is a 25-minute drive away.View on Booking.com -
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KAMENOI HOTEL AsoSet in Aso, 37 km from Egao Kenko Stadium Kumamoto, KAMENOI HOTEL Aso offers accommodation with a garden, free private parking, a shared lounge and a restaurant. The property is around 45 km from Kumamoto Castle, 46 km from Suizenji Park and 46 km from Hosokawa Residence Gyobutei. The resort features mountain views, a sun terrace, a 24-hour front desk, and free WiFi is available throughout the property. All rooms in the resort are equipped with a kettle. The units will provide guests with air conditioning, a safety deposit box and a flat-screen TV. The daily breakfast offers buffet, Italian or American options. KAMENOI HOTEL Aso offers 4-star accommodation with a hot spring bath and spa centre. Mount Aso is 8.8 km from the accommodation, while KK Wings is 36 km away. Kumamoto Airport is 31 km from the property.View on Booking.com
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