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.
Check out Aso Volcano LINK
Afternoon Detour: Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine
On our way back, we wanted to visit Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine (上色見熊野座神社), so we stopped at a supermarket to grab lunch - again, sushi it was!
The shrine is located in Minami Aso, hidden deep in the forests of Takamori Town. It's about a 30-minute drive from the volcano through scenic countryside dotted with hills and traditional homes. The parking at the entrance is free.
The Shrine is dedicated to Izanagi-no-Mikoto and Izanami-no-Mikoto, central deities in Japanese creation myth. The shrine is said to be over 1,000 years old.The current structure was rebuilt in 1722 after being burned down in the 16th century. It has gained popularity on social media and even inspired settings in the anime Hotarubi no Mori e.
What makes this place so unforgettable is the approach to the shrine: a long stone stairway of nearly 300 steps, lined with moss-covered lanterns and towering cedar trees. The light filtering through the trees creates a serene, almost otherworldly atmosphere. On misty or rainy days, it becomes even more magical, as if time slows down while you climb the steps. Many visitors describe it as entering another world - so peaceful that you only hear the subtle sounds of nature, like woodpeckers.
At the top of the stairs, you’ll find the shrine itself - simple yet powerful in its presence. There’s also a massive sacred rock with a ten-meter wide hole called Ugeto Iwaya, which is said to be a place where gods descended. Local legend tells that wishes made here will be heard by the deities. According to legend, it was kicked by Kihachi, a follower of the god who created Mt. Aso - praying here is believed to bring success and victory.
The climb was rewarding but tricky. After passing the shrine, the trail led further uphill toward a boulder where water dripped down the path. On my return, I slipped on the wet stones and almost tumbled down the hill. I was terrified but thankfully stopped safely. My legs shook for a while afterward! Note to future visitors: wear sturdy shoes, and choose stone paths over muddy or soil ones - they can be super slippery.
Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine isn’t crowded like many of Japan’s more famous shrines, so you can really take your time to enjoy the tranquility. Whether you’re visiting for spiritual reasons, photography, or just to experience the calm of nature, this hidden gem in Aso is truly worth the detour.
Evening: Dinner & Downtime
We drove back to town in the afternoon for a group dinner with coworkers - our last social gathering of the day. Dinner was held again at Sakuramachi Shopping Mall. The BBQ place wasn’t really our style tho.
With most shops closing early, our evening wound down quietly, and we retreated to the hotel to rest up for the next day in Yamaga.
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