Mt Aso 阿蘇山
‘Alive & kicking’ volcano & caldera
Stretching 25km north-south and 18km east-west, Mt Aso’s massive caldera, more or less in the centre of Kyūshū, is one of the largest in the world.
It was created by multiple massive eruptions in the past, but these days, is home to active, smoking volcanic peaks, grazing cows and horses, and even townships.
In the centre of the caldera, the peak of Naka-dake is accessible to visitors and an intriguing experience. Check out the concrete ‘eruption shelters’, useful if your visit gets an unexpected interruption.
Naka-dake is sometimes closed off to visitors due to poisonous volcanic gases, bad weather or the risk of volcanic activity, so make sure to check the current status before traveling there.