Aso Nakadake Crater 1 — Attraction in Aso

Aso Crater, nestled in the heart of Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan, is a geological marvel that left me utterly awestruck. This volcanic wonder is one of the world’s largest calderas, boasting a diameter of over 25 kilometers and offering an unparalleled experience for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.

The journey to Aso Crater is an adventure in itself, as you wind through picturesque countryside, passing lush fields and charming villages. Upon reaching the crater’s rim, the panoramic view is simply breathtaking. The immense expanse of the caldera floor, dotted with vibrant flora, captivates the eye, while the colossal Mount Aso looms majestically in the center.

Exploring the crater’s interior is an unforgettable experience. Hiking trails of varying difficulty levels lead to the heart of the volcano, where you can witness active fumaroles emitting steam and gases, a testament to the Earth’s incredible power. The feeling of standing within the ancient crater is humbling and surreal.

Aso Crater offers more than just scenic beauty and geological wonders. The surrounding region boasts hot springs, charming towns, and delectable local cuisine, making it a complete and enriching travel destination.

In conclusion, Aso Crater is a geological masterpiece that invites visitors to witness the Earth’s dynamic forces in action, all within a backdrop of stunning natural beauty. It’s an experience that should be on every traveler’s...

Breathtaking views of the crater and the Martian like walkways. The black sand was very fine and you might find sand in your face whenever there is a gust of wind though. Nearby, there is a helicopter ride service since which is advertised as giving you a look into the crater, but this viewing spot let's you view into the crater in its entirety, so coming here first is recommended.

Most visitors drive here but buses are quite convenient too! There's 3 main buses I noticed going to the aso SANJO terminal, Aso crater line (from aso jr terminal buy a day pass for 2000yen), airport limousine bus (either kumamoto jr terminal or airport), and a random limited express bus (seems to be same route as airport limo bus but more frequent?). From the SANJO terminal, the crater is about 1km away but at an incline. The bus to the crater is quite pricey at 700 yen for less than a 5 min ride.

No matter your choice of transport, it's an experience you shouldn't miss if...

Nature at it's finest!

Where to start??? This whole place is just insane, with so many photo opportunities.

There are so many different compositions in this area that you can pretty much just point the camera in any direction and come away with bangers!

Read through to the end to a few of my favourite images.

The Nakadake crater is a must see but the area offers beautiful views from pretty much every angle. There are many hiking routes that are, mostly, well maintained. There was still some small signs of the damage from the earthquake in 2016, but you can see there has been a lot of repair work carried out.

Access was pretty easy from all directions but I would advise staying in the Michi-no-Eki in Aso, as it is only a 20 minute drive from the National Park Centre.

For more beautiful landscape shots, head over to instagram my page, @foto.43 and hit the follow button.

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