Explore Mt. Aso

This area is centered on the five peaks of Aso (Mt. Nakadake, Mt. Takadake, Mt. Kishimadake, Mt. Eboshidake, and Mt. Nekodake). Here you can see various landscapes unique to the Mt. Aso volcanoes, like craters continually emitting volcanic smoke, diverse types of crater topographies from different eras, grasslands with grazing cattle and horses, and plains covered with volcanic ash.

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Sunasenri-ga-hama

Extending from the south-west of Nakadake Crater to the southern side is a flat plain covered in completely black volcanic ash. It is thought to be part of a crater basin from the initial period of activity at Mt. Nakadake.

Mt. Takadake

The highest of Aso's five peaks at 1,592 meters tall. From the summit, you can enjoy a view of the caldera wall and the Kuju mountain range from a distance. Near the summit, there are remains of a crater about 500 m in diameter.

Nakadake Crater

Mt. Nakadake is one of the world's few active volcanoes where ordinary tourists can view the crater. You can approach the vicinity of the crater either by car or on foot.
★When visiting the crater, please check information on restrictions for the Mt. Aso volcano crater.

Kusasenri-ga-hama

Within the 1-kilometer-wide crater, lies a second younger crater about 400 meters in diameter, creating two levels. Grassy plains have spread around two ponds, and in the evening horses are left to graze there.

Komezuka

The most newly formed Aso volcano, a mere 3,000 or so years ago, Komezuka forms a beautiful conical shape like a bowl placed upside down. At its 80-meter peak there are still marks of a volcanic crater.
★ Entry is prohibited to protect vegetation and terrain.