ASO SANJO TERMINAL — Attraction in Minamiaso

We have visited aso a few times, it has been shy once, another time it was active and dangerous - this time we picked a sunny autum day, and we're not disappointed - we drove - hired a car and what a spectacular view of the whole mountain range, Worth the time and cost!

Must do if you like beautiful scenery with a smouldering crater on top -

Plan your trip and enjoy!

The Sanji terminal has been refurbished after the Kumamoto earthquake - it's all modern and clean, a lovely building - plenty of nick nacks for touristy purchase - ice cream is unique and the food is well placed

I'd say plan and enjoy your trip - around aso there is not a lot of shops so if your coming from Kumamoto you'll have to be prepared - there are road stations etc,

If your taking the bus up via the train, or foolishly riding your bicycle up - then make.sure to pack food and water etc - We have tried bicycle car and bus / train - Riding is great but it's no easy feat as the climb will take 3-4 hours from aso or about 8-10 via Kumamoto Train takes about 3 hours via Kumamoto plus the bus trips another 2 hours so you don't get much time Renting a car takes about 2.5 hours via Kumamoto and a stop or two.

Check if the peak is open as it is prone to being an...

As good as a bus terminal can be!

The Nakadake/Takadake trail starts down and around the old dilapidated building. It took us a while to find it, the cartoony maps in the parking lot are difficult to figure out. There are trail shepherds for the first few turns to get you pointed in the right direction once you find the trail😅

Coming from Kumamoto we took the bus so we could get there a few minutes sooner than the train, so we could que for the first Aso Sanjo bus.... but the bus was delayed 10 minutes and we didn't think we would make it, but the bus did arrive 5 minutes before the bus to the top left. We were able to use our IC card on the bus without buying a ticket. Some folks from the same bus from Kumamoto qued to buy tickets and didn't make the first bus. Have your IC...

High up on the slopes of the volvanic mt. Aso, this little rest stop has a continuous ebb and flow of tourists scaling the oft dangerous volcano. After having traveled here either by your preferred form of transport, you can choose to either hike your way to the top or take a bus. That is, if the mountain allows it, as it is not always keen on visitors.

If not, or on the way back down from looking into the deep, sweltering pit at the top, the terminal also offers plenty of delicious or otherwise curious foods, snacks, drinks and merchandise, all locally sourced and themed. A perfect distraction while waiting for your...