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Aso Volcano "Aso volcano" is made up of 5 mountain peaks - Mt. Nekodake, Mt. Takadake, Mt. Nakadake, Mt. Eboshidake, and Mt. Kijimadake. Mt Nakadake is the only active volcano in the range. You can stand on the crater edge of Nakadake and look down at the stunning green crater lake of steaming lava. It really is breath-taking. Whilst you can reach the crater without leaving your car, the whole ridge route is really recommended. After departing from the crater edge you cross a vast black beach of warm volcanic ash, before scaling the ridge that overlooks the steaming volcano. The views are spectacular! This route finishes by descending down Sensuikyo Ravine (by cable car or by foot). This ravine is especially beautiful in May when thousands of blooming azaleas fill the valley. The easy access to the top inevitably means that it becomes very crowded on weekends. The green lake is not always visible, and sometimes the crater may be closed for viewing because of dangerous gases. Try to avoid weekends - or arrive early to avoid the masses. Visit in late spring, when the mountainside is coated with snow, and the landscape much more beautiful. Phone up the tourist information before you set off to check that the crater will be open for viewing. Don't be put off though - a trip to Aso volcano is without doubt one of the best activities in the prefecture. More Aso walks There are a number of short walks which begin at Kusasenri parking lot for the Aso volcano museum (2 1/2km west of the crater). Take a bus from Aso station to Kusasenri/Aso Volcanic museum bus stop. Circular route B starts at the parking lot, and heads north to the summit of Kijimadake (1321) and then around Komiike crater lakes, before returning to the car-park. Route B takes 2 hours 10 minutes (5.5km) Circular route D again starts at the parking lot, and climbs up onto the ridge around the Kusasenri crater lakes. The highest peak you reach is Eboshidake (1337m). The route takes 1 hour 40 minutes (3.5km) Route E starts at the car-park and heads downhill West to Yunotani spa. It is a 45 minute (2.4km) stroll. Route F starts from the volcano museum, and follows the ridge running alongside the kusasenri crater lakes. The path then splits - take the path downwards to Jigoku and Taratama onsen. It is a 70 minute walk, along wooded paths. It is also possible to walk from the volcano museum to the crater by heading East. It takes 1 hour (2.5km). Another option is to walk from Aso Station to either the crater or volcano museum. From Aso Station it is a 14 minute walk South to Aso Youth Hostel, then a further 32 minutes to the 1st toll gate. After steady climbing you will arrive at the 4th gate - which is about 1km from the crater and 2km from the volcano museum. The entire route takes about 2 hours 10 minutes. Crater walk. Take a bus to Aso-san nishieki bus-stop in front of the Aso Sanjo Station (West). It is 7km walk up to the crater, around the ridge, and down Sensuikyo ravine to the bottom of the Aso-san Higashi Station. It should take about 2 1/2 hours. This can be shortened by over an hour by taking both ropeways West and East. From the ridge you have the option of continuing East to Takadake (1592m) a further 1km away. These routes can be combined to provide anything from a leisurely stroll to a full day mountaineering. Rail From Kumamoto Station to Aso Station there is an express train (1 hour). It costs 2180\ and leaves at 8:29, 13:01 and 16:52. It leaves Aso at 10:22, 14:55 and 19:37. There are also local trains for half the price which take 1 - 1/2 hours. There are 16 runs a day. Road You can take the Aso toll road virtually to the summit of the crater. Following the 325 (south Aso) follow the signs after Nakamathu Station. The small crater-top car-park quickly becomes full. There is a lower carpark by the Nishi (west) cable-cars. From here it is a 30 minute walk or 5 minute cable-car ride to the crater. Alternatively take Route 57 (north Aso), and just before Miyaji Station take the signposted road up to the Higashi (east) ropeway station. Public transport/walking Buses run hourly from Aso station to both Aso Nishi (west) and Aso Higashi (east) cable cars. The last bus from Aso Nishi back to Aso station is at 5pm. A taxi would be about 3000\. Alternatively take the bus that runs from Akamizu Station to Aso Nishi. To reach Aso Nishi by foot take the train to Nakamathu Station. From here it is a 5km walk uphill to the cable cars. Alternatively, take the train to Aso Station, and walk from here. This route is described in the Aso hiking trails - it takes about 2 hours. To reach Aso Higashi by foot, take the train to Miyaji Station. From here it is also a 5km uphill walk to the cable cars. Bikes are available for rent from Aso Station and from Kumamoto Station. 600\ for 4 hours and 900\ for more than 4 hours. Available 9am-5pm. South Aso The mountain ridge to the south of the Aso range is more difficult to get to, but also less crowded. Option 1 Take a train to Aso Shirokawa station. From here it is a 7km uphill walk to Shimizutoge (1000m climb). It is then a 2 hour ridge walk to Nakazakatoge (5.5km). Further along the ridge, take the path downhill to Takamori station (5km). Allow about 7 hours (17.5km) Option 2 A full ridge walk lasting 9 1/2 hours and stretching for 26.5km can be undertaken if you're feeling adventurous. Take a bus from Yabe to Inaono. From here the walk heads east - and finishes at Kokuminkyoka mura rest facility. This is a 10 minute taxi ride from Takamori. Option 3 Take the train to Takamori station, and then a bus to Hinoutoge (15 minutes). From here it is a 1km walk to Takamori toge on the ridge. Here you can walk either west along the ridge to Nakazakatoge 40 minutes (1.8km), or north to Murayama 1 hour 40 minutes (4.9km) away. From Murayama you can take a bus back to Takamori (3 mins). Option4 Alternatively, start your route at Murayama. Hinoutoge is a 2 hour 50 minute (10.1km) walk down a small road. From Hinoutoge you can walk west to Takadake (3km) or east to Neko dake (1408m) (2km). Continuing north, Miyaji station is a further 2 hours away (6km) Mountains/Hills in Kumamoto Mount Kimpo Option 1 One hiking course takes in Mt Kimpo, as well as the 500 stone Buddha site. Take a bus from the Kumamoto Kotsu center to Gakuniji temple (15 minutes). From here it is just over an hour (uphill 5.5km) to the car-park at the base of Mount Kimpo. It is a short 30 minute hike uphill to the top of the 665m mountain. Take the path west from the mountain top down. It is a 3.1km, 50 minute walk round the west side of the mountain to the 500 stone Buddha site, viewing area and car park. You can catch a bus from here back to the Kotsu center. The route takes about 3 hours 10 minutes (9.6km). Option 2 Start from the car-park at the bottom of Kimpo-san. Follow the Kyushu hiking route up the mountain and down as far as the 500 stone Buddha site. Then carry on to Node along the 101. From here you can pick up the old stone pathway through a bamboo forest. This route takes in both Ni no dake and San no dake (685/681 meters). From the stone Buddha site allow an extra 3 hours 20 minutes to reach the summit of San no dake. The route then heads steadily downhill past a couple of good viewpoints. A good finish point is Tabaruzaka station, a further 2 hours and 11km away. The route takes about 7 hours (26.1km) Tamana The Tamana course starts at Tamana hot springs. The first short section is along the 165, until Maruyama park and viewpoint. There are then paths all the way to scale first Tsutsugadake and then a further peak (501m). The route finishes at this peak. From here you can take a bus to Tamana station (5 minutes). It is a further 5 minute bus ride from the station to Tamana onsen. The total course takes about 4 hours 20 minutes (12km). Takabuto Amakusa The hiking trail runs right down the eastern side of the upper island. The trail runs along a ridge of hills. Option 1 It is only a 1.5km walk from Matsushima town center to Takabuto mountain top. From here it is a 5km wooded walk to Mutatoge. (1 1/2 hours). It is then a 3.5km walk to Imazu shogakko mae (elementary school). Here you can take a bus back to Masushima (5 mins). Option 2 A longer route continues along the ridge past Mutatoge, and finishes at Nibentotoge. From here it a 1km walk to Hime. From here you can take a bus back to Matsushima (30 mins) 14.5km and about 5 hours. Naminoo Ogidake Mt Ogidake observation post (843m). Naminoo Ogidake is at the centre of the triangle formed between Mt Kuju (Oita) Mt Aso and Mt Soba (Oita/Miyazaki). So there are some pretty amazing views to be had no matter which direction you're looking in. Sunrises/sunsets are particularly breath taking. If you are really lucky you may experience the "Sea of clouds" - where the peaks of the mountains poke through the cloud cover. Mt Kunimidake The highest mountain in Kumamoto (1739m). It is located south of Yabe town. Directions: Take the 218 from Matsubase towards Yabe town. Turn right onto the 445. Mt. Sengan This 162meter high mountain is situated in the southern part of Matsushima with a great view over the surrounding area. It is a designated "national beautiful place in Japan." From the top of the mountain you can look across to the Ariake Sea, and have great views of the volcano at Unzen in Magasaki Directions: It is only 1.3km From Route 266. From Matsushima town take a taxi to the parking spot halfway up the mountain. Mt Kuratake This is the highest point in Amakusa (682m) and has great views of the surrounding area. It takes about 2 1/2 hours to hike up. There are bungalows for rent at the top. See the accommodation section. Directions: Take the 266 from Hondo, through Kuratake. After passing through a tunnel, take a left at second stop. Follow the blue and white signs to the mountain. Ryugatake Mountain There is a BBQ area, an observatory, and a camping area at the summit. Directions: From Ryugatake town follow the signs to the mountain. Mt. Takabuto This "mountain" (120m!) also offers good views of the surrounding area. The Ariake Sea, Unzen area and Aso mountains are all visible. This mountain is also is the start of the Kyushu hiking trail (see the hiking section) Directions: It is only 0.8km From Route 266 - it is a short walk from Matsushima city center. Daikanbo Peak Daikanbo is north of the Aso volcano. It offers fantastic views of both Mt. Aso and the Kujyu mountains in Oita. Directions:�@It is 10km north from Uchinomaki St. Take a bus from Aso Station, and get off at Daikanbo iriguchi (30 minutes 470\). Mt.Tawarayama The mountain is west of the Aso volcano. There are good views of the Aso mountains, Kumamoto city, and across the sea to Unzen. You will see many paragliders using the slopes of Mt Tawarayama to launch themselves into the skies. Directions: The mountain is near Nishihara village. It is a 2.7km drive from Rt. 28. The closest railway station is at Choyou (10km away) Mount Rokurouji This is the second tallest point in Amakusa. It is in Fukami in the Ushibuka area. It is in the flight path of migrating cranes as they leave from Izumi in Kagoshima in March. Directions: Immediately after crossing the border between Kawaura and Ushibuka on Rt 266 heading north, turn left at the sign to Fukami. Follow the signs to the look-out point. Mount Tomiyama Located between Ushibuka city and Kutama. On the mountain there are grassy fields, a picnic area and a Japanese Garden. Visit the mountain to see the blooming daffodils in March. Directions: It is on the road between Ushibuka and Kutama. Mt Kimpo Walking is easy - you can expect to reach the summit in less than an hour. The footpath winds through the wooded hillside. At the top there is a small temple (and a large radio mast). There are also fantastic views of the city, the surrounding countryside, and across the sea to nearby Nagazaki. This is one of the best ways of seeing the ken. Directions; Mt Kimpo is less than a 30 minute west on Route 1 from the city center. Follow the signposts off Rt 1 to the car park and to the beginning of the trail. Juuman mountain (220m) There are great views of the surrounding area from the lookout at the top. It takes about 45 minutes to reach the summit. Directions: Look for the signposted turn, as you head south past the Sunlive store. |
