Mount Aso is the largest active volcano in Kyushu, Japan, and is among the largest in the world. It’s located in The recent volcanic eruption stopped flights and travel tours, and scientists even suspected that the eruption might affect global weather. In fact, an Eruption Alert of Mount Aso has been hoisted since about a year ago, and some tourist attractions such as the services of Mt. Aso Ropeway has been suspended due to safety reasons. The time I arrived Mt Aso, we couldn’t take the ropeway to the mountain top. However, we enjoyed a gorgeous sunny day in the Aso area with only a few degree Celsius. The entire rural area was so peaceful and quiet. I love it.
We had a few route changes at the planning stage of our mini-North Kyushu road trip. We thought about Beppu, Saga; then Oita was in the picture… interestingly, one place never changes: Mount Aso had always remained as our “must-see” highlight in our itinerary. Another fantastic find would be the hot-spring resort in Minami (Southern) Aso that has INDIVIDUAL, OUTDOOR, IN-ROOM, PRIVATE hot spring at an incredible price that’s hard to believe!!
Stay-tuned 🙂 —- My route of the day in Aso.
…>>> (Day 0) Car rental (Kumamoto JR station) > we left Kumamoto and drove around Miyazaki that day > we arrived hot spring resort in Minami Aso in the evening before dinner > (Day 1) Aso road trip begins! > Mount Aso (Mount Aso Station) > Kusasenrigahama > Daikanbo > Aso-boy train (Aso JR Station) > Fukuoka
Without re-visiting all the ups-and-downs of my time, just to share a few highlights!
Aso
Website http://www.kyusanko.co.jp/aso/lang_en/
Ticketing: The ropeway service is currently suspended
How did I get there: Drive, but Trans-Kyushu regular sightseeing bus is also available

The Aso Caldera is created by super-eruptions – the land subsided in Aso to create this landscape between 90,000 to 270,000 years ago.
Horse-riding
There is horseback riding everywhere in the world, yet somehow it is a signature activity in Aso. Let just say this place is beautiful (and much more economical) for those who plan to enjoy a fun time with horses (I like animals, and the ranch is so damn close to the hot spring resort we stayed!). Unfortunately, the ranch was fully booked the day I visited for a private event. Next time!
Aso Bluegrass
Website http://aso-bluegrass.com/?page_id=38
Ticketing: Horseback Riding – Beginner Class ¥5250 (45 mins) / ¥7350 (60 mins)
How did I get there: Drive, please~ 🙂
The Takenokura
Let’s talk a little bit about the geography of Aso. Aso is located in the Kumamoto prefecture, on the island of Kyushu; and it is the largest active volcano in Japan. I learned that feature of the area is called caldera. Caldera is a hotpot-like volcanic feature with a cone-shaped volcano in the center, and its surrounding land was collapsed due to volcanic eruption many, many years ago. Villages are now built around the volcano these days. The largest village is Aso – and it is located on the north side of the volcano.
That’s how we found our resort. For a much lower price, the resort was an amazing experience. The resort is divided into the old wing and new wing. Every guest has their individual room and a small outdoor hot spring area. Each zone is thoughtfully designed and has a view of the beautiful mountain range, with cows wandering outside on the lawn.
Regarding the food, it was not top-notched as I have tasted better in the past, in another hot spring, however, it is common in Kyushu to have the cuisine of horses. We visited Aso in March and to me, it was the perfect temperature to soak in the hot spring outdoor and rejuvenate our exhausted bodies right before our big adventure for tomorrow.
白水温泉 竹の倉山荘
Website http://www.takenokura.co.jp/
How did I get there: I drove, but it’s possible to get there by train ~
My son did a year exchange in Kumamoto last year, So last Dec we paid a visit to this beautiful city with beautiful people. We have a big connection with this city, as the school has two sister schools there. And hence I host a lot of those students as well. We didnt get a chance to see Mount Aso. But maybe next time. We were very sad and scared for the people there, when they were struck with the earth quake. But thankfully all of them are safe although some had damage to their houses. Btw an interesting site you have got. Looking forward to visiting each country at a time through your blog
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Thank you uma for your comment! Mount Aso is one of my most memorable experience and I still remember how I was stunned when I had the first look of the view. Agree with your comments about the people. I suppose it’s because how they respect nature when s they are situated so close to the volcano.😌
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there was a volcano eruption when my son was there. he could see it from the bridge near his school. I was a bit worried. Being young he wasn’t. I just love the entire Japan, but because of the personal connection, love kumamoto the most, then comes Hokaido as I love snow and cold weather, Hiroshima and Miyajema island, the list goes on for Japan for me. I love travelling too. As a child a I loved it but only visited a few countries but then I married a ships captain and we sailed together for 4 years. Amazing experience. Keep up with your blog
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I appreciate a lot for your sharing and I hope to hear more from you in the future 🙂
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This is a great guide to Mount Aso. And also what stunning scenery! I quite like the idea of exploring on horseback myself.
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Yes, sohpierose it was fun and I would do it again anyday. 🙂
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I’ve never been to an active volcano before, but Mt. Aso looks like a lot of fun. (Although I don’t know if that’s because of your fun photos). Thanks for sharing!
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Thanks Rachel! ~ a road trip is always amazing 🙂
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I haven’t heard of this volcano before! I love that horseback riding is such a big thing there, it looks lovely. Before I came to England, I had never experienced life with such a big public transportation system. Trains are just amazing.
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There are a lot of themed train routes in Japan – could be popular cartoon characters, tourist attractions, scenic route or cat as a “train master”.
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Wow, I have never seen an active volcano. I enjoyed reading about Mt.Aso. If photos are fun and fresh! When I travel I always take serious photos. I could learn a lot from you 🙂
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Thanks Salini and that was just something silly. 😛 Actually there was an eruption earlier and things are *almost* getting back to the way it was…
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Thank you, Kenny. I really like your comprehensive guide to Mt. Aso. I’ve visited some volcanoes around the world and finding information about where to stay, eat or how to get to the top was surprisingly difficult.
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Thanks Traveling Bytes, I hope you would think the view worth the hike 🙂
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