Aso
A giant caldera of grassland and volcanic peaks.
Why Japanese travelers love itDriving through the huge green caldera feels wide open, unlike anywhere else.
Aso is one of the world's largest calderas, a vast bowl of farms and towns ringed by cliffs. In the middle rise volcanic peaks, including the active Nakadake crater. Grassy Kusasenri is lovely for a walk, and horses graze on the slopes. Crater access changes with volcanic activity and gas levels. A car helps a lot here.
Best time: Spring and summer for green grassland, autumn for silver pampas grass. Winter roads can freeze.
Weather
Average temperature, °C. JMA 1991–2020 normals (Aso-Otohime AMeDAS (JMA)).
Top 5
- KusasenriA grassy plain with a pond below the peaks.
- Nakadake craterAn active crater; access depends on volcanic gas and alerts.
- DaikanboA lookout on the caldera rim.
- Aso ShrineAn old shrine in the town at the caldera floor.
- Kurokawa OnsenA small riverside onsen village to the north.
A simple day
- Train or bus from Kumamoto.
- Check the crater status before you go up.
- Kusasenri and the crater area.
- Akaushi beef rice bowl for lunch.
- Daikanbo for sunset.
Where to stay
- Aso townNear the station and shrine.
- Kurokawa OnsenRyokan with outdoor baths.
Getting there
Kumamoto → Aso: about 1h by limited express, or about 1h30 by bus.
psst — skip this mistake: Going up without checking. Crater access can be closed on short notice.