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It took me two journeys to see Mt. Aso for what it’s. On my first go to, in late 2019, a mixture of unhealthy climate and a distraction in my private life had prevented me from capturing the essence of Kyushu’s most well-known volcano, not to mention the size and majesty of the caldera that swirls round it like a conch shell. My Mount Aso itinerary was extra theoretical than tangible.
After I returned in mid-2021, then again, every thing was totally different—effectively, internally anyway. Whereas I used to be confused and unhappy due to how terrible every thing about life was within the late-Covid period, the Aso-Kuju Geopark was on the peak of its magnificence: Lush emerald vegetation shining underneath a transparent, cobalt sky.
Whether or not or not you’ve been to Aso earlier than, and it doesn’t matter what you’re anticipating, I’ve a sense you’re going to wish to learn my Mount Aso itinerary. I’m excited you’re right here!
How I Got here to Love Aso
As I described within the previous paragraphs, my first time at Mt. Aso was lower than charmed. Not solely had I arrived lower than 12 hours after being dumped (by textual content, no much less); my arrival on the base of the mountain coincided, unluckily sufficient, with my first (and what would find yourself being my solely) cloudy day on that individual journey to Kyushu. For these two massive causes, and a few smaller ones I gained’t go into, I left Aso feeling severely underwhelmed.
The second time, every thing modified—and never simply because I possess the readability of somebody who’s been fortunately single for greater than a 12 months. I particularly timed my journey to 2 days with good climate, which was simple provided that I lived in Kyoto on the time. From sweeping panoramas to the person blades of grass that carpet the crater flooring like a garden trimmed with scissors, seeing Aso in sensible technicolor elucidated its reality to me, even when it did so almost two years too late.
My Favourite Issues to Do Close to Mt. Aso
Hike the Kishima and/or Eboshi Trails
As is the case in case you climb Mt. Fuji, most Aso climbing begins midway up the mountain. Arriving by automotive or bus to Kurasenri Observatory places you on the confluence of the three foremost trails. Given how typically the Nakadake Path is completely or partially closed, I’m going to advise you to decide on between the opposite two: Eboshidake, which provides probably the most straight-on view of the primary crater; or my private favourite Kishimadake, which seems to be down on the caldera flooring and Kami-Komezuka.
Forest bathe at Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine
Whereas my Mount Aso itinerary highlights among the greatest views in Japan—I’ll point out a few others later—not every thing on this a part of Japan is pomp-and-circumstance. For instance, the mysterious Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine (whose existence nobody, not even locals, can actually clarify) snakes by way of a mysterious evergreen forest about half-hour’ drive from the highest of Mt. Aso.
Make pals at Ogi Rice Terraces
Proceed your counter-clockwise drive across the mountain to Ogi Rice Terraces, the place Mt. Kuju rises above lush paddy surroundings, which varies in colour and composition relying upon the season. An added advantage of visiting right here is the close by Yamabuki Springhead, the method to which appears like strolling right into a portray. I additionally advocate Nabegataki Waterfalls, though it was “closed for corona” (to no matter extent nature will be “closed”) the final time I attempted to go to.
Take all of it in on horseback
Mt. Aso (and Kumamoto extra broadly) is legendary for its horses, though not at all times in a way I discover interesting. I’m speaking, in fact, in regards to the delicacy of uma niku, which I don’t ever intent on attempting, despite how oishi it apparently is. The excellent news is there are many alternatives to journey horses relatively than eat them, whether or not at aforementioned Kusasenri, or at many spots alongside the winding street main as much as it.
Benefit from the panorama from Daikanbo (or a helicopter)
The climate had been so unhealthy throughout after I first wrote this Mt Aso journey information that I barely keep in mind what I noticed from atop Daikanbo—it actually wasn’t the legendary keshiki for which the perspective is legendary. This time, I not solely noticed the whole caldera sprawled out underneath pristine skies, but in addition within the morning when the unkai (“Sea of Clouds”) was swirling across the basin like waves and whirlpools. An alternative choice for some Aso-area larger love is to take a helicopter, which prices a cool ¥5,000 for 5 minutes.
The place to Keep in Mt. Aso
I’ll be sincere: Resorts and ryokan within the neighborhood of Mt. Aso go away loads to be desired. Those which can be actually good are far too costly to be sensible for many vacationers; the cheaper ones (and in addition the Base Backpackers hostel) are outdated, uncomfortable and can go away you unable to loosen up, which is particularly problematic if you find yourself collaborating in Aso’s most exhilarating actions.
Though I’m, at greatest, agnostic about Airbnb underneath regular circumstances, I undoubtedly advocate you looking out the positioning for properties close to Mt. Aso. Whether or not you select a whole dwelling, a personal room or a homestay, the properties listed here are extra pleasant, genuine and comfy than any Aso resort I’ve ever stayed in, to say nothing of the truth that they are usually a lot better priced. This may be particularly helpful, relying upon what number of days in Aso you intend to spend.
Different FAQ About Visiting Mt. Aso
Is Mount Aso open?
Though the Aso-Kuju Geopark is open 12 months per 12 months, the primary Nakadake Crater is usually closed, given how lively it’s—it’s been getting ready to eruption, it appears, for years now. I like to recommend that you simply go to this hyperlink within the days main as much as your journey, in addition to on the day of your deliberate go to, to keep away from disappointment (or, extra ideally, to substantiate information).
Is Aso volcano lively?
Aso Volcano is extraordinarily lively, having erupted greater than a dozen instances within the final half-century, most lately (as of this writing) in mid-2019. Even when it’s not technically erupting, plumes of gasoline are virtually at all times spewing out of its foremost Nakadake Crater, which is each picturesque and problematic: For those who can see smoke, you gained’t be capable of method the crater rim.
How do I get to Mt. Aso from Kumamoto?
The excellent news? The JR Hohi Line, which was broken by a extreme 2016 earthquake and closed for a few years consequently, had since re-opened. The not-so-good information? The Aso space lacks good native public transportation, which implies that renting a automotive is the one strategy to see issues in an environment friendly means.
The Backside Line
Mt. Aso finally blew my socks off, even when I didn’t see what the fuss about it was the primary time I visited. Greater than most different locations in Japan, a go to to the Aso-Kuju Geopark calls for nice climate: With out sunny skies, the plush greenery of the volcano and the caldera round it are so muted that neither their scale nor splendor clearly comes throughout. Definitely, I now think about it to be amongst my favourite locations in Kyushu; the view from atop Mt. Kishima might be the perfect I’ve seen wherever in Japan. Planning your personal journey to Japan’s southernmost foremost island, and wish greater than my Mount Aso itinerary? Think about hiring me to plan your journey, and studying from my errors with out having to make them your self.
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