Mount Aso in Kumamoto Prefecture contains one of the world's largest volcanic calderas, approximately 25 km across and home to around 50,000 residents. The active Nakadake crater is accessible by ropeway (when volcanic activity permits) and offers dramatic views of the churning, acid-green crater lake amid billowing sulphurous steam. The surrounding Aso-Kujū National Park features vast grassy caldera plains ideal for cycling, horseback riding, and hiking the quieter peaks of Kishimadake and Eboshidake.
- Type
- Experience
- Category
- Nature
- Season
- Spring
- Month
- April–May (weather-permitting year-round)
- Region
- Kyushu
- Prefecture
- Kumamoto
- City
- Aso
Highlights
- ◆Nakadake active crater with turquoise acid lake
- ◆One of the world's largest inhabited calderas
- ◆Ropeway access to crater rim (subject to activity levels)
- ◆Horseback riding and cycling across the caldera grasslands
- ◆Aso-Kujū National Park hiking on multiple volcanic peaks