3 Best Sights in Kyushu, Japan

The Aso Volcano Museum on the 2nd and 3rd floor of the building is showing its age, and only a small percentage of the exhibits have English descriptions. However, the video presentation in the five-screen multipurpose hall has subtitles and is an interesting introduction to vulcanology and the various giant calderas around the world. On the first floor a new visitors center and café has a lot of fascinating information in English and Japanese. The museum and visitor center is beside the Kusasenri parking lot and rest area.

During summer, in this bowl-shaped meadow you'll find cows and horses grazing around a marshy pond on the lush grass. In early March the old grasses are burned, leaving the landscape looking desolate, but it allows fresh and tasty green grass to vigorously grow back. Depending on volcanic conditions, and if you have time, hike along an easy trail that goes 5½ km (3½ miles) around the base of Kijima-dake. It takes an hour or so, and provides excellent views of the otherworldly terrain. You could also march the 3 km (2 miles) straight across the rugged lava plain to the foot of Naka-dake. For several other trails in the area, pick up the "Aso Trekking Route Map" at the information center in JR Aso Station. In summer it is possible to sit on a horse and be led for a slow walk around the grassy meadow. It is a popular option for those who have never ridden a horse before.

For many visitors, the smoldering crater of Mt. Aso's Naka-dake is the highlight of a visit to the Aso-Kuju National Park. Inside the crater, a churning ash-gray lake bubbles and spits scalding, reeking steam. The Nakadake cable car was closed following an eruption for 2016. A shuttle bus from the parking area to the crater runs when there is limited volcanic activity, but this service was halted after the October 2021 eruption. If rumbling turns to shaking, and steam and smoke turn to sizable ash fall, there are bunker-like concrete shelters located across the area.