Mount Aso: Kyushu's Most Magnificent Natural Wonder

Mount Aso is the largest active volcano in Japan. It is located in Kumamoto Prefecture in central Kyushu. It consists of five peaks: Takatake, Nakatake, Nekotake, Eboshitake and Kishimatake, which are known as the "Five Peaks of Aso". The central area of ​​Mount Aso is a huge caldera with a diameter of about 25 kilometers, making it one of the largest craters in the world. This crater is rich in natural landscapes and cultural customs, allowing you to experience the charm of volcanoes and the local feelings of Kyushu. If you want to explore Mount Aso, you can start from Kumamoto or Beppu, take the JR Kyushu Railway or highway bus, and first arrive at Aso Station, which is an important transfer station to Mount Aso. From Aso Station, you can transfer to the Caldera Bus and go up the mountain to Aso Upper Square, which is the best place to enjoy the scenery around the crater. Here you can taste special snacks such as volcanic ash ice cream and roasted sweet potatoes, or take a helicopter to overlook the spectacular crater from the air. If the volcano is stable, you can also take a shuttle bus from the Aso Mountain Plaza to the Aso Nakadake crater. This is the most active part of Aso Volcano, with frequent eruptions of volcanic gas and ash, allowing you to experience the power and vitality of the volcano up close. However, you should be aware that the opening conditions of the crater may change due to natural factors, so you should check the Aso Crater Information website in advance to confirm whether you can visit it. In addition to the crater, there are other attractions worth visiting in Aso Volcano, such as Kusasenri, Aso Volcano Museum, Aso Shrine, etc. Kusasenri is a vast grassland where you can enjoy the distant views of the Aso Five Mountains. You can also ride a horse or take a walk here and enjoy the gifts of nature. The Aso Volcano Museum is an indoor museum that displays the formation, activities and impacts of Mount Aso. You can learn about volcanoes here and watch a volcano film consisting of five large screens to experience the charm of volcanoes. Aso Shrine is the head shrine of 500 Aso Shrines across the country. It has a history of more than 2,000 years and is the religious center of the Aso region. You can worship and pray here, and also admire traditional Japanese architecture. Aso Volcano is the most magnificent natural wonder in Kyushu and one of the most distinctive tourist destinations in Japan. If you have the opportunity to come to Kyushu, you must arrange a day to come to Aso Volcano and experience the charm of the volcano and the customs of Kyushu. You will definitely leave unforgettable memories.