This is my 3rd time visit to Mt. Aso (阿蘇山) which is located in Kumamoto Prefecture. It is one of the most famous active volcanoes in Japan and one of the largest in the world with circumference of over 100 kilometers. That’s the region it attracts not only Japanese but foreigner too! There is an official website for Aso-city and tourist info center
If you are in Japan and planning to visit Mt. Aso. Then, here are all the tips you’ll need to know for your first visit to Mt. Aso from Kumamoto.
How to get in: Public Transport
There are various way to go Mt. Aso from Kyushu but the best as well as nearest from Kumamoto and just 1 hour far from Kumamoto Airport as you can see in below map.
There are many Express buses run from Kumamoto on hourly basis for Aso Sta. But, there is no direct bus for Mt. Aso. You need to take a bus from Kumamoto City to Aso Station then, take a local bus for Asosan-nishieki. The total journey takes around 2 hours from Kumamoto Station in the lap of nature. For more details about the bus stop click here…
From Kumamoto Station: Depart (Platform #3)
From Kumamoto Kotsu Center: Depart (Platform #26)
From Kumamoto Airport Center: Depart (Platform #2)
Sightseeing Spots:
There are many but some of them I personally recommend you….
Mt. Aso:
Finally, you are @ Mt. Aso. WoW:) Let me brief about the building which has 3 floor and a roof for “Rope-way riding”.
1st Floor:
1st floor is for arrival and departure for many buses as you can seen in picture. There are several bus line such as bus for Mt. Aso Station; Shuttle bus for Crater (kazanguchi: 火山口). Also has some souvenir shops.
2nd Floor:
It has restaurant. Aso known for “red beef (赤牛)”. It serve delicious Japanese food such as Ramen, Udon, Beef, Pork etc.. must try the test, if you have some time.
3rd Floor:
It has Aso Super-Ring, a Dolby digital video projection mapping of 15 min. that take you on a journey through the time and space. While watching the video, you can image the seasonal beauty of Aso as well as thrilling experience when Aso was in action. So don’t miss it!
Mt. Aso Ropeway:
It depart from the roof of that building. Enjoy the thrilling. For fares details click here…
Cycling in Aso:
Aso is know cycling activity. There are not only Japanese but also many foreigners come here around the world. There are many best recommended route for cycling. To know more about “Cycle Route Guide” click here…
Caution information:
For Asthma or Heart patient; kindly read the guideline before going to Mt. Aso. For more details about volcanic gas click here…
General Information:
Due to weather problem, the Rope-way suspends so its better to check in advance. To know about routes, fare, Rope-way updates, facilities, contact info click here… Oh, forget to say about that if you like horse riding then don’t miss it!
Summery:
If you are in Japan other then Kumamoto and wanna to Visit Mt. Aso then come to Aso Kumamoto Airport by Flight then take a Bus because it is the nearest way to go Mt. Aso. Some of tourist prefer rental car/bike/cycle to enjoy Mt. Aso. Those who love cycling, I recommend to rent cycle from Aso Station and go to Mt. Aso.
Hope it will help you in traveling from Kumamoto to Aso and how to enjoy there! Have a nice journey!
Link & Resources:
travel-kumamoto 