Exploring Aso Kumamoto
Life on the edge of the Earth
Do you know the feeling you experience at the top of a roller coaster? That split second after you lose the battle with gravity and sense the world slipping from beneath you? Those nanoseconds of weightless ecstasy that truly make you feel alive? It’s a type of sensation that’s fleeting and difficult to intentionally induce. But what if we told you there’s a place on Earth that achieves just that?
Where is Aso Kumamoto?
Aso is a small city located in the northeastern part of Kumamoto Prefecture on Kyushu Island. You might have heard of it for being the home of Japan’s largest active volcano, Mount Aso, or for the massive ancient 120-kilometer perimeter caldera that cradles the city. Whatever the case may be, there’s a quiet awe about Aso that you have to see to be believe.
One of Aso’s most significant and unexpected attractions is its vast expanse of man-made grasslands. You might be thinking, “Grasslands? What’s so special about them?” It may sound peculiar to assert that certain grasslands can evoke more reverence than an actual active volcano, but this is no ordinary grass. Early settlers created the land for grazing cattle over 1,000 years ago. These lands continue to preserve centuries of culture and ritual.
Cliffs and Views
The green carpets sprawl along the rim and cascade down the steep 1,592-meter-tall cliffs of the caldera before disappearing into the dense woodlands that enfold the surrounding area. The elevation at the parts of the rim closest to the volcano is high enough to ascend above the clouds. With the ground below hidden from sight, standing amidst the lush, undulating green hills that stretch into the horizon imparts the sensation of being on an alien planet.
To sustain these grasslands and prevent their absorption into the forests, local people observe the yearly tradition of Noyaki, the controlled burning of the grasslands, in early spring. Burning the grass not only repels forest encroachment but also maintains the land’s health and facilitates the growth of fresh grass for both cattle and other animals dependent on the grasslands for survival.
Recreation in Aso
Here isn’t merely for cattle grazing. As Aso’s population dwindles, maintaining the area becomes more challenging each year, leading to the gradual shrinking of the grasslands. In order to preserve Aso’s lands and unique culture, the locals have opened certain areas of the land for recreational activities that all nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike are sure to enjoy.
For summer activities Metropolis recommends visiting the Yumedaichi Green Valley Ranch for an exclusive horseback riding adventure through the privately owned grasslands. Soak up the majestic landscape, eat lunch and try your hand and making traditional Aso rope out of dried grass. After you understand the terrain, we recommend checking out あそBe隊 (Asobitai). This is good for their guided e-biking, repelling, and trekking tours. Be careful, these tours are not for the faint of heart.
Bike around the sharp lip of the caldera and weave in and out of exclusive trails and viewing locations that you’d never have access to otherwise. あそBe隊’s head tour guide and representative, Yoshifumi Usui is the quintessential jack-of-all-trades. A retired Aso firefighter, mountain rescuer and current ski instructor among other things, Usui knows his way around the nooks and crannies of the caldera so you are sure to be in good hands no matter which tour you choose.
Kashikiri buro
After a full day of exploring Aso’s natural wonders, take the time to stretch your muscles and relax in your own secluded kashikiri buro, or personal hot spring bath, in Aso’s only luxury hotel Hoshino Resorts KAI Aso. The ryokan is perfect for those looking to enjoy the romantic atmosphere and crisp Aso air with a bit more privacy. With only twelve stand-alone villas equipped with their own bath, there is no better getaway to punctuate your Aso adventures.
Aso isn’t just a summer destination; the colder months offer plenty to do as well. Whether you ski through the clouds, hike to frozen waterfalls or join Kurokawa’s annual Yu Akari (hot spring lights) Illumination, where guests soak in the hot springs as handcrafted lanterns glow against the winter backdrop, you’ll find the thrill you’re looking for in Aso, Kumamoto.
Guided Tours of Aso
Want someone else to handle the logistics of Aso’s caldera and grasslands? Here are three great day-tour options.
Mount Aso and Kurokawa Onsen One-Day Tour
This full-day tour packs in some of Kyushu’s most photogenic spots — starting with a walk through the moss-covered stone steps of Kamishikimi Kumanoza Shrine. This is the real-life inspiration behind a famous Studio Ghibli-style scene. Then, on to the crater and grasslands of Mount Aso, and finally an evening soak at Kurokawa Onsen. This is one of Japan’s most beloved hot spring towns. It’s an ideal pick if you want the full Aso experience. Volcano, grassland, and onsen. All wrapped into a single, well-paced day.
Kumamoto Aso Day Trip: 4 Major Attractions Group Tour
Departing from Kumamoto City with stops at Daikanbo, Aso Shrine, Mt. Naka Caldera, and Kusasenri-ga-hama, this guided bus tour hits Aso’s four essential sights in one efficient day — including Daikanbo, a viewpoint that’s notoriously tricky to reach without a car. With multiple pickup points, it’s a convenient, no-hassle way to see the caldera’s highlights.
Kumamoto Aso Nakadake Crater & Kusasenri Day Trip Private Tour
This local bus route links Kumamoto Station, the airport, Aso Station, the Mount Aso Summit Terminal and Kusasenri. Explore each stop at your own pace. It’s the cheapest way to reach the crater and grasslands if you’re comfortable getting around on your own.
