Mount Aso (阿蘇山), located in the north-central part of Kyushu, is Japan’s largest active volcano, standing at 1,592 meters above sea level and featuring a spectacular caldera approximately 120 km in diameter, one of the largest on the planet. Surrounded by a ring of mountains, the caldera hosts several rural settlements and vast rice fields, creating a fascinating contrast between agricultural landscapes and volcanic activity. The nearest major city is Kumamoto, the capital of the prefecture where the volcano is located. The area is perfect for scenic hikes, visits to active craters, relaxing hot spring baths, and road trips through the breathtaking landscapes of the caldera.
What to See and Do in the Mount Aso Area
The main attraction is Nakadake Crater, the only one of Mount Aso’s five peaks that remains active and is accessible to tourists when safety conditions allow. In addition to visiting the crater, the area offers numerous hiking trails, perfect for exploring the vast caldera and enjoying breathtaking views, such as the perfectly conical Komezuka. For those interested in learning more about the volcano, the Aso Volcano Museum provides detailed information on the area’s geology, while Kusasenri, with its lush green fields, offers a striking contrast to the more barren landscape near the crater. Finally, the region is famous for its hot springs (onsen), which can be found at various points throughout the caldera.
Nakadake Crater
Mount Nakadake is one of the five main peaks of the area commonly known as Mount Aso and is also the most volcanically active. The crater near Mount Nakadake continuously emits fumes and occasionally experiences full volcanic eruptions. Whenever there are forecasts of high levels of volcanic gas or dangerous volcanic activity, the entire area or parts of it may be closed to tourists. If you are planning a hike, it is advisable to check this page, which provides real-time updates.
Hiking Trails
For hiking enthusiasts, the Five Peaks of Aso offer various routes that pass through lunar landscapes, panoramic ridges, and grassy valleys. The most famous is the active crater of Mount Nakadake (1,506 m), one of the few in the world accessible to tourists. Mount Takadake (1,592 m), the highest of the group, offers breathtaking views of the caldera, while Mount Nekodake (1,433 m) is known for its distinctive shape and more challenging trails. Mount Eboshidake (1,337 m) provides a relatively simple climb with incredible views, while Mount Kishimadake (1,326 m) is a lesser-known destination, perfect for those looking for a more secluded nature experience. For more details on the different trails, you can refer to this site. Below, you can download a PDF map.
Download the trail map in PDF
Aso Volcano Museum
(admission 1100¥, open 9 AM - 5 PM)
An informative museum dedicated to the geology, history, and volcanic activity of Mount Aso. Spread across three floors, it offers interactive exhibits, scale models, and explanatory panels illustrating the formation of the caldera and the volcano’s activity over time. One of the highlights of the museum is its theater, where spectacular videos about Mount Aso are shown with English subtitles. However, the rest of the museum does not offer many translations. The admission fee is relatively high, especially considering the language barrier, but it is a good alternative for those with extra time or for those unable to visit the crater due to unfavorable weather conditions.
Kusasenri-ga-hama
Kusasenri is a vast grassland at the foot of Mount Aso, creating a stunning contrast with the surrounding volcanic landscape. At the center of the plain, there are also two volcanic ponds. One of the most iconic elements of the area is the presence of grazing horses. Visitors can take a horseback ride, but the experience is somewhat limited: the horses are guided on a leash, and the standard ride (1,500¥) lasts only 5 minutes. Kusasenri is easily accessible by car or bus, as the bus connecting Aso Station to Nakadake Crater makes an intermediate stop at the Aso Volcano Museum, located right in front of this grassland.
Komezuka
Komezuka is a small extinct volcano with a perfectly conical shape, located within the Aso caldera. Its name means "rice mound," as its shape resembles a pile of rice gathered by a farmer. About 80 meters high, the volcanic cone is entirely covered in grass, which changes color with the seasons: bright green in spring and summer, transitioning to golden hues in autumn and winter, creating a spectacular contrast with the surrounding landscape. Although access to the summit is prohibited, Komezuka can be admired from several scenic viewpoints along the road through the caldera. However, the bus connecting Aso Station to the crater area does not stop at these observation points, meaning passengers can only catch a glimpse through the window. For a more spectacular view, it is necessary to reach the observation points by car. Another option for trekking enthusiasts is to climb Mount Kishimadake, one of the Five Peaks of Aso, from which a hiking trail leads to an excellent viewpoint.
The Komezuka volcanic cone seen from the top of Mount Kishimadake (credits)
Aso Shrine
(free admission)
Aso Shrine is one of the oldest spiritual sites in the Kyushu region, located about a 20-minute walk from Miyaji Station on the JR Hohi Line. Its origins date back over two thousand years, although the original location remains uncertain due to numerous destructions and reconstructions over the centuries. The current structures mostly date back to the Tenpō era (1830-1843). The shrine is renowned for its imposing Romon Gate, one of the largest entrance gates in Japan, which, together with the offering hall (Haiden), forms the heart of the sacred area. However, an earthquake in 2016 caused the collapse of both structures. After seven and a half years of reconstruction, the restoration was completed in December 2023, returning the shrine to its former glory. Aso Shrine enshrines twelve deities, including one believed to have created the Aso area. Various traditional festivals take place throughout the year, making this an important cultural and spiritual landmark in the region.
The imposing entrance gate of the shrine
Hot Springs in the Mount Aso Area
Aso Bochu Onsen Yume
Aso Bochu Onsen Yume is a simple hot spring facility located right next to JR Aso Station, perfect for those staying at the nearby Aso Base Backpackers or travelers looking to relax before taking a train back to Beppu or Kumamoto. The onsen has a very simple style that reflects its low entrance fee of only 400¥, but it offers a comfortable lobby to relax after the bath, both indoor and outdoor baths, and a sauna. If you don’t have time for a full bath but still want to rest for a while, a free foot onsen is available outside the facility.
Uchinomaki Onsen
Uchinomaki Onsen is a historic hot spring town located in the Aso caldera, famous for its mineral-rich thermal waters and its relaxed atmosphere. Unlike more remote resorts, Uchinomaki offers a wide variety of traditional ryokan and public baths within close proximity to each other. The town also features a decent selection of restaurants and izakaya, where visitors can try local specialties such as Kumamoto Akaushi (Kumamoto red beef) and basashi (horse meat sashimi). Uchinomaki Onsen is easily accessible from Aso Station by car or bus (approximately 15 minutes). At the time of writing, these buses are not visible on Google Maps, nor is information available in English, but they do exist. Using automatic translation, you can refer to this page in Japanese.
Kurokawa Onsen is one of Japan’s most charming hot spring resorts, nestled in the mountains north of Mount Aso. This picturesque village is famous for its traditional ryokan featuring open-air onsen, seamlessly integrated into the natural landscape. Walking along the cobbled streets, crossing wooden bridges, and relaxing in the natural hot spring waters make for a unique and authentic experience. Learn more in our complete guide to Kurokawa Onsen.
Where to Stay in the Mount Aso Area – Recommended Hotels and Ryokan
In the immediate vicinity of JR Aso Station, accommodation options are quite limited. If your main goal is to visit only the Nakadake Crater area, you may consider returning to Kumamoto or Beppu for the night, especially if you are traveling without a car, as bus and train connections make it convenient to return to either city. However, staying at least one night in the area allows you to explore the volcano early in the morning or rest after a long hike. To fully explore the Aso area beyond the crater, renting a car is highly recommended. With your own vehicle, you can easily visit the green valleys of the caldera and the numerous scenic attractions in the region, as well as access secluded hot spring resorts located outside the main towns.
Additionally, about 40 minutes from Aso Station, you will find Kurokawa Onsen, one of the most renowned hot spring resorts in the region. It is also connected by buses from Kumamoto, Beppu, and Fukuoka, making it accessible even for those who do not drive. Kurokawa Onsen offers a wide selection of ryokan for an authentic hot spring experience.
Aso Base Backpackers is a family-run hostel located less than 200 meters from JR Aso Station, making it the only budget accommodation option in the area and a key spot for all backpackers staying in Aso. The hostel offers dormitory beds and private double rooms. Shared facilities include bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and a lounge area where guests can socialize. Coin-operated laundry, bicycle rentals, and free Wi-Fi are also available. Since this hostel is often not listed on booking platforms like Booking.com, it is recommended to check availability and make a reservation directly through their official website.
Price range: dormitory beds 2,800¥, private doubles 6,000-7,000¥.
A newly built modern hotel located right in front of JR Aso Station, making it a perfect choice for those arriving by train. The rooms are very spacious, well above the Japanese standard. Prices cater to travelers who prefer comfort and do not have budget concerns.
Price range: double rooms 15,000-18,000¥.
Ryokan in Uchinomaki Onsen
Uchinomaki Onsen is a peaceful and relaxing hot spring town located in the Aso caldera. Here, you will find several ryokan, often more affordable than those in more touristy areas, offering traditional Japanese-style rooms, excellent local cuisine, and stunning onsen baths with mountain views. Although Uchinomaki Onsen is more convenient to reach by car, it is also accessible by public transportation, with a bus connection from JR Aso Station that takes about 15 minutes to reach the heart of the hot spring area. Recommended accommodations include:
Yumeoi-so: A ryokan with great value for money, offering both Japanese-style and Western-style rooms, as well as a variety of indoor and outdoor onsen, including private baths available upon reservation. It’s an ideal choice for those seeking a comfortable and charming stay without spending too much.
Sozankyo: A higher-end ryokan with a refined and traditional atmosphere. It offers elegant rooms with tatami flooring and futon bedding, beautiful open-air onsen surrounded by greenery, and excellent kaiseki cuisine. Perfect for those looking for an authentic, top-level experience where Japanese hospitality meets ultimate comfort.
Both accommodations are great options for exploring the Aso area, providing relaxation and authenticity in a unique natural setting.
Minshuku Asogen is a traditional Japanese guesthouse located about 25 minutes by car from Nakadake Crater, in a peaceful countryside area. Unlike ryokan, which tend to be more luxurious, minshuku offer a simpler experience, similar to a Japanese-style bed & breakfast. At this minshuku, guests can stay in tatami rooms, enjoy homemade meals prepared with local ingredients, and relax in the facility’s hot spring baths (onsen). It is a perfect choice for those who want to experience Japanese hospitality in a warm and traditional atmosphere.
Price range: double rooms 11,000-12,000¥.
Aso Hakuun Sanso is a nature-surrounded hotel, located a 10-minute walk from Akamizu Station and about 30 minutes by car from Nakadake Crater. The rooms feature large windows offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. There are several types of accommodations: standard Western-style rooms, superior rooms that combine Western elements with a tatami area, and independent mini-apartments ("villa"), located on the ground floor in separate buildings. The hotel also has a spacious onsen. Breakfast is usually included in the stay, while those looking for a more complete dining experience can have dinner at the hotel for an additional charge.
Price range: single rooms 12,000-13,000¥, double rooms 19,000-20,000¥.
Grandvrio is a resort immersed in Aso’s natural surroundings, perfect for those seeking a relaxing stay. The hotel is in a secluded location, surrounded only by forests and a golf course belonging to the property, offering an experience of absolute tranquility. The nearest station, Ichinokawa, is about 5 minutes away by car, while Nakadake Crater is around 30 minutes by car. While the hotel is slightly dated, it is well maintained and offers spacious, comfortable rooms with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. The hotel also features a large onsen. For golf enthusiasts, the facility has a 36-hole course. Additionally, the hotel provides buffet meals with a selection of local and seasonal dishes.
Price range: double rooms 25,000-30,000¥.
Kamenoi is a large hotel surrounded by Aso’s nature, located 4 minutes by car from Miyaji Station and about 30 minutes from Nakadake Crater. One of the main highlights of the hotel is its expansive onsen, featuring multiple indoor and outdoor baths where guests can relax while admiring the mountainous landscape. The hotel also offers tennis courts and a golf course, making it perfect for those who want to combine relaxation with sports. While the facility is modern, the rooms are designed in a traditional Japanese style, with tatami flooring and futons. Generally, only full-board packages are available, including breakfast and dinner at the in-house restaurant.
Price range: single rooms 7,000-8,000¥, double rooms 8,000-10,000¥.
Where to Eat in the Mount Aso Area
Imakin Shokudo
Imakin Shokudo is a well-known restaurant located in the hot spring town of Uchinomaki Onsen. This eatery is famous for its signature dish, akagyu don: a bowl of rice topped with generous slices of Akaushi beef, a premium red cattle breed native to the Aso region, with a hot spring-cooked egg in the center. Imakin Shokudo is so popular that long lines of waiting customers are common every day. Some people visit Uchinomaki Onsen not for the hot springs but just to eat at this restaurant. The restaurant is open from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with the last order at 3:30 PM, and is closed on Wednesdays.
Aso Milk Factory
Aso Milk Factory is a multi-experience facility frequently visited by tourists in Uchinomaki Onsen. It is operated by "Abe Ranch," known for producing Aso Milk, which is considered high-quality milk. Inside the facility, visitors can find a café, a pastry workshop, a cheese factory, a restaurant, a souvenir shop, and a rose garden. The shop and dining areas feature products such as cheese, pizza, yogurt, ice cream, cakes, cookies, and various desserts, all made with rich Aso milk. The rose garden contains about 4,000 roses from approximately 750 different varieties, offering a stunning floral display during the blooming season.
How to Get to the Mount Aso Area – All Transportation Options
Mount Aso is located in the center of the Kyushu region, between Kumamoto to the west and Beppu to the east. The main station, from which buses depart to the crater area, is JR Aso Station. From this station, which is accessible by both train and bus, you can take dedicated buses that go all the way to the famous volcanic crater area. The best way to reach Mount Aso from major cities in Japan is to first travel to Kumamoto (or Beppu) and then continue along the JR Hohi Line, a railway line that connects Kumamoto and Beppu, passing through the Mount Aso area. Similarly, buses that connect Kumamoto and Beppu also stop at JR Aso Station. From Fukuoka, there are day-trip sightseeing tours available.
By Train
How to Get to JR Aso Station from Kumamoto
Two types of trains operate along the JR Hohi Line:
Limited-express trains take only 70 minutes, but they are not very frequent (about one every 3 hours) and cost 2,000¥ per trip. A special type of limited-express train, the Aso Boy, features panoramic cars, a café, play areas for children, and more. This special train operates on a limited schedule, and more information can be found on the JR Kyushu website.
Standard local trains, which are more frequent (about one per hour) and cheaper (1,130¥ per trip), but take about 100 minutes.
How to Get to JR Aso Station from Beppu
Using the same JR Hohi Line but in the opposite direction, from Beppu you can take either a limited-express train (4,000¥ per trip, about 2 hours) or a local train (2,170¥ per trip, about 3.5 hours).
How to Get to JR Aso Station from Fukuoka
There are no direct connections from Fukuoka to Mount Aso, but there are organized sightseeing bus tours that depart early in the morning from Fukuoka, taking visitors to Kumamoto Castle, the Mount Aso area, and the hot springs of Kurokawa before returning to Fukuoka in the evening. More information and reservations
By Bus
Similar to train travel, buses that connect Kumamoto and Beppu also make an intermediate stop near JR Aso Station. The main company operating this route is Kyusanko, and the service is called the Kyushu Odan Bus. The journey from Kumamoto takes about 2 hours and costs approximately 1,500¥, while from Beppu, it takes around 3.5 hours and costs 3,900¥. You can check schedules and purchase tickets on Japan Bus Online.
By Plane
The nearest airport is Kumamoto Airport. For more information, refer to our Kumamoto guide.
By Car
Although Japan's public transportation system is so well-organized that foreign tourists rarely opt for rental cars, this part of Japan is one of the exceptions where renting a car can be a good idea. It provides flexibility in a very rural area where the frequency of public transport, including trains, is limited. If you arrive in Kumamoto by plane, you can rent a car directly at the airport.
How to Get Around the Mount Aso Area
To reach the main tourist area of Mount Aso, where Nakadake Crater is located and where several hiking trails begin, you need to take a bus from JR Aso Station, which costs 730¥. In about 30 minutes, the bus takes you to a large parking area where the lower station of a now-defunct ropeway was once located, called Asosanjo Terminal. From here, access to the active Nakadake Crater can be made via a shuttle service (another 600¥), which replaces the no-longer-operational ropeway. Alternatively, you can hike along a trail that takes about 30-35 minutes. If you arrive by car, you can drive closer to the crater via a toll road that costs 1,000¥.
Mount Aso Map
Guided tours, activities and other things to do
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Download the trail map in PDF
The Komezuka volcanic cone seen from the top of Mount Kishimadake (credits)
The imposing entrance gate of the shrine
Aso Base Backpackers is a family-run hostel located less than 200 meters from JR Aso Station, making it the only budget accommodation option in the area and a key spot for all backpackers staying in Aso. The hostel offers dormitory beds and private double rooms. Shared facilities include bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and a lounge area where guests can socialize. Coin-operated laundry, bicycle rentals, and free Wi-Fi are also available. Since this hostel is often not listed on booking platforms like Booking.com, it is recommended to check availability and make a reservation directly through their official website.
Price range: dormitory beds 2,800¥, private doubles 6,000-7,000¥.
A newly built modern hotel located right in front of JR Aso Station, making it a perfect choice for those arriving by train. The rooms are very spacious, well above the Japanese standard. Prices cater to travelers who prefer comfort and do not have budget concerns.
Price range: double rooms 15,000-18,000¥.
Uchinomaki Onsen is a peaceful and relaxing hot spring town located in the Aso caldera. Here, you will find several ryokan, often more affordable than those in more touristy areas, offering traditional Japanese-style rooms, excellent local cuisine, and stunning onsen baths with mountain views. Although Uchinomaki Onsen is more convenient to reach by car, it is also accessible by public transportation, with a bus connection from JR Aso Station that takes about 15 minutes to reach the heart of the hot spring area. Recommended accommodations include:
Minshuku Asogen is a traditional Japanese guesthouse located about 25 minutes by car from Nakadake Crater, in a peaceful countryside area. Unlike ryokan, which tend to be more luxurious, minshuku offer a simpler experience, similar to a Japanese-style bed & breakfast. At this minshuku, guests can stay in tatami rooms, enjoy homemade meals prepared with local ingredients, and relax in the facility’s hot spring baths (onsen). It is a perfect choice for those who want to experience Japanese hospitality in a warm and traditional atmosphere.
Price range: double rooms 11,000-12,000¥.
Aso Hakuun Sanso is a nature-surrounded hotel, located a 10-minute walk from Akamizu Station and about 30 minutes by car from Nakadake Crater. The rooms feature large windows offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. There are several types of accommodations: standard Western-style rooms, superior rooms that combine Western elements with a tatami area, and independent mini-apartments ("villa"), located on the ground floor in separate buildings. The hotel also has a spacious onsen. Breakfast is usually included in the stay, while those looking for a more complete dining experience can have dinner at the hotel for an additional charge.
Price range: single rooms 12,000-13,000¥, double rooms 19,000-20,000¥.
Grandvrio is a resort immersed in Aso’s natural surroundings, perfect for those seeking a relaxing stay. The hotel is in a secluded location, surrounded only by forests and a golf course belonging to the property, offering an experience of absolute tranquility. The nearest station, Ichinokawa, is about 5 minutes away by car, while Nakadake Crater is around 30 minutes by car. While the hotel is slightly dated, it is well maintained and offers spacious, comfortable rooms with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. The hotel also features a large onsen. For golf enthusiasts, the facility has a 36-hole course. Additionally, the hotel provides buffet meals with a selection of local and seasonal dishes.
Price range: double rooms 25,000-30,000¥.
Kamenoi is a large hotel surrounded by Aso’s nature, located 4 minutes by car from Miyaji Station and about 30 minutes from Nakadake Crater. One of the main highlights of the hotel is its expansive onsen, featuring multiple indoor and outdoor baths where guests can relax while admiring the mountainous landscape. The hotel also offers tennis courts and a golf course, making it perfect for those who want to combine relaxation with sports. While the facility is modern, the rooms are designed in a traditional Japanese style, with tatami flooring and futons. Generally, only full-board packages are available, including breakfast and dinner at the in-house restaurant.
Price range: single rooms 7,000-8,000¥, double rooms 8,000-10,000¥.
