Travel Dates: 2025/08/13-18
We woke up early to meet my husband’s coworker at the rental car company. Taking the tram to Kumamoto Station, the day began beautifully - blue skies and warm sunshine - but I couldn’t help feeling anxious. I had checked the Aso Volcano website earlier and learned that access to the crater area was limited due to high gas emissions. Still, we had our plan, so we hopped in the car and headed out.
The drive took just over an hour, as speed limits were 40–60 km/h, but it was a relaxing journey through peaceful landscapes. Before diving into the mountain area, we stocked up on snacks - always a smart move for remote destinations.
We parked at the Aso Volcano Museum, located in Kusasenri plain with views of the majestic Nakadake crater. Though we didn’t enter the museum itself, the location offers striking scenery and educational value.
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Aso Volcano Museum (阿蘇火山博物館)
Aso Volcano Museum is geology museum established in 1982, situated near Mt. Aso, Japan’s largest active volcano. Inside, visitors can explore a diorama illustrating the formation of the Aso caldera, live video feeds from the crater filmed via controllable cameras, and engaging films about volcanic eruptions and local life on its third floor. The first floor hosts the Mt. Aso Visitor Center, offering information on trekking routes, flora and fauna, and the Aso-Kuju UNESCO Global Geopark.
The Visitor Center on the 1st floor is free to enter and features exhibits about the volcanic landscape, Aso-Kuju National Park, local flora and fauna, and trekking routes. The 2nd floor provides a kinetic diorama detailing the formation of the Aso caldera, along with live video feeds from cameras inside the Nakadake crater - complete with real-time visual and audio streaming.
On the 3rd floor, visitors can enjoy dynamic, immersive films (with multilingual subtitles) that explore volcanic eruptions and Aso’s seasonal culture.
A free multi-language audio guide is available, and exhibitions are designed to engage all ages—perfect for families.
The museum opens daily 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (last entry 4:30 PM). Ticket price: Adults ~880–1100 ¥; children ~440–550 ¥
The museum is about 75 min drive from Kumamoto. There is a paid parking available (500¥ for a small car). Shuttle buses from JR Aso Station also stop at the museum.
We strolled through the grassy terrain around the museum, admiring the plains, two small ponds, and even glimpsing smoke curving upwards from the crater. Horse rentals were available for scenic rides, but seeing the horses outdoors in August made us worry about their comfort - though they appeared well looked after.
Nakadake Crater
The Aso region, with its dramatic landscape and living geology, is a recognized National Park and UNESCO Global Geopark - boasting over 33 geosites that celebrate both natural wonders and cultural heritage.
To enter the crater area, the toll road costs 1000 yen per car. We received a safety notice (mostly in Japanese) with a leaflet explaining the risks. Visitors with heart, lung, or asthma issues were advised not to proceed. A shuttle bus from Asosanjo Terminal to the crater is available, but infrequent and limited, so reservations are recommended.
The uphill walk could take 30-40 minutes and looked challenging in the August heat.
Those who opted to drive found more free parking near the crater. Once parked, the view was stunning: a crater with a pond-like interior, continuous steam, and unfortunately a strong sulfur smell that made breathing and staying close uncomfortable. I felt dizzy and began to cough after a few minutes. You could observe the crater from designated viewpoints labeled A, B, D, E. Helicopters occasionally flew by, giving tourists aerial views of the crater - quite thrilling to see! It was an unforgettable but sobering experience.
The Nakadake crater - one of Mt. Aso’s five peaks is still active and makes for a mesmerizing sight when visible. The crater is about 600 m in diameter and 130 m deep.
Previously restricted, the crater area reopened in July 2024, but access may still be limited due to gas levels or weather.
Strong volcanic gases are a health hazard. Visitors with asthma or respiratory issues should avoid going near the crater rim.
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