OFFICIAL KUMAMOTO TOURISM GUIDE

Sightseeing

Aso area

Mt. Aso Nakadake Crater

Mt.Aso's  caldera is one of the world's largest calderas, which stretches 18km east-west, 25km north-south. There are five mountains, Mt.Nekodake, Mt.Takadake, Mt.Nakadake, Mt.Eboshidake, Mt.Kishimadake  called "Aso Gogaku" at the center of the caldera. Mt.Nakadake is still active and its crater is 600m in diameter, 130m in depth and 4km in circumference. You can see the huge crater emitting white smoke and the magnificent scenery up close. When the level of volcanic activity is high, you may not be able to approach the crater.
※Access to the crater can be restricted due to the weather conditions, please check the following website in advance for details.

Information on restrictions for the Aso Volcano Crater (The Aso Volcano Disaster Prevention Council)

Address
〒869-2225
Aso City
Contact
Aso Information Center
TEL
0967-34-1600
Hours
8:30am - 5:30pm (closed at 5:00pm in November. Opening hours from the Dec. 1st to March 19th are 9:00am - 4:30pm)
URL
http://www.aso.ne.jp/~volcano/eng/index.html
 

Neighborhood Sightseeing spots

  • Sunasenrigahama

    Sunasenrigahama is the old crater located in the southeast of Mt.Aso Nakadake Crater. The rough rock surface and black sand land covered with volcan…

  • Kusasenri

    Kusasenri is a vast grassy plain which offers great views of the volcanically active Nakadake Peak. Kusasenri also features a large pond and horses c…

  • Aso Volcano Museum

    Located in a section of Aso Kusasenri Parking, Aso Volcano Museum is an ”amusement space” for learning and observing all about the world’s largest ca…

  • Komezuka

    Komezuka is a volcanic cone in Aso and is about 50 meters in height. A green grass field covers the surrounding area and the surface of it. It’s quit…

Neighborhood Restaurants

  • Kusasenri Coffee Roastery

    Kusasenri Coffee Roastery is a cafe located in front of Kusasenrigahama, one of Aso's most famous tourist destinations. Coffee Gallery, a popular caf…

  • Sanzoku Tabiji

    Takana Meshi (Takane Rice) Pickled Takana top on boiled rice grown in delicious spring water. As the trinity of blessings of Aso, you will be definit…

  • Yokayokatei Miyaji

  • Akaushi Don Iwasaki

     Akaushi Don Iwasaki, located about 50 minutes by car from Kumamoto city, offers Aso’s popular specialty, Akaushi-Don, bowl of rice topped with slice…