Best way to Travel Kumamoto-Mount Aso (City of Volcano)

This is my 5th time visit to Mt. Aso which is located in Kumamoto Prefectur Japan. This world’s most famous active volcano is among the largest in the world. The peak is 1,592 m from the sea level and measuring 18 km east-west and 25 km north-south.

Mount Aso is full of mystery and has hot-springs, nature activities, Rope-way and more. That’s the reason it attracts not only Japanese but foreigners too! If you are in Japan and planning to visit Mount Aso then, here are all the tips you’ll need to know for your first visit to Mount Aso.

There are various way to go Mt. Aso from Kyushu but the best as well as nearest from Kumamoto and just 1 hour far from Kumamoto Airport as you can see in below map.

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  Express Bus : Kyushu Odan/Yamabiko-go/Asosanjo runs on every day 3-4 round-trip from Kumamoto Sta.to Aso Sta which circulate every 1-2 hours in morning time. Take a local bus from Aso Sta. for Aso Crater/Kusasenri sightseeing. The total journey takes around 2 hours from Kumamoto Sta. and 1 hour from Aso Kumamoto Aorport in the lap of nature. More details Click..

Mount Aso is the most famous active volcano in Japan. It is also known as nature sightseeing, hot-springs, Cycling, Horse riding, Rope-way, Trekking and more. Here are the most popular things to do in Aso.

• Aso Nakadake Crater Finally, you are about to feel the breath of the Earth. This is still fuming; thus, it is the most popular and thundering peak among the 5 peaks of Mt. Aso. The other 4 peaks in the caldera are Eboshidake, Kijimadake, Nekodake and Takadeka.


This unique shape was formed by Aso Volcano and regular volcanic activities for almost 270,000 years ago. It is very difficult to visit all crater in one day. So, there are 5 tour courses, tourist can choose any of them which they like the most.



Aso Geo-tourism Course Map :-

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• Course A: Nakadake Crater (Feeling the Breath of the Earth)

• Course B: Tracing the history of World-class Caldera

• Course C: Blessing of the Aso Volcano (Ancient life & Water)

• Course D: Volcanic topography & Local livesi

• Course E: Myths and mysteries of Aso

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• Kusasenri & Aso Volcano Museum Experience the magnificent nature with horse riding. Also, there is Aso Volcano Museum to watch the visual effects and trace the history and geographic conditions of Mount Aso.

• Daikanbo Peak Enjoy the scenic view of the 5 peak of the Aso & Mt. Kuju. It is in north east of Uchinomaki Hot-spring. Tourist can also enjoy the paragliding from Daikanbo. Access from Aso Sta. by local bus or taxi (20 min approx.)

• Uchinomaki Hot-spring is known as the city of hot-springs. There are around 80 hot-springs and the price starts from 300～Yen. The local people love to go there to enjoy hot-spring and to have lunch with their hubbies.

• Adventuring / Cycling in Aso is known for many outdoor activities such as cycling, paragliding, hot-air-balloon and more. So, not only Japanese but many foreigners also come here across the world for outdoor activities. There are many routes for cycling but for the best route for cycling. To know more about “Cycle Route Guide” More details Click..

Aso is blessed with its natural ground water resource which makes the food very delicious. The most popular foods are Aka-ushi赤牛 (Red-beef) and Bashashi馬刺 (Horse meat). Tourists can try it with either rice or ramen. Also, cow milk is very famous in Japan and it’s very delicious.

Mount Aso is really full of thunders and mysteries. 1 day is not enough to understand this place. Tourists are recommended to stay there at least 1 night. Although, those have only view visiting hours, we recommend you to must visit Nakadake Crater and walk around Kusasenri.

Take rental car/bike/cycle to enjoy Mt. Aso. Those who love cycling can rent a cycle from Aso Sta. and go to Mt. Aso.

For Asthma or Heart patient; kindly read the guideline before going to Mt. Aso. For more details about volcanic gas Click..

Hope it will help you in traveling to Mt. Aso. Have a nice journey!