Mount Aso 🚁 — Local services in Aso

It is difficult to find information about this service before I came, but I inquired about the website from the staff and posted an update for their website. This is where you want to go to if you don't want to pay the entrance fee for Cuddly Dominion (2,000+ yen) , a zoo which also offers a similar helicopter ride service. There are more options for rides there while this area only offers 2 courses.

If you're coming from Kumamoto, you can consider taking the AsoBoy! limited express train to Aso Station. You will need to check the schedule online and book in advance as those do book up quite early.

To get to the Heliport, if you're not driving, you can take the shuttle bus from Aso Station (See note below about the timing). You can pay with cash, IC card (suica etc) or buy the 1-day pass for 1500 yen as of writing. It may or may not be worth it to get the pass depending on your itinerary. My intention was only this helicopter ride so the pass was not worth it. If you wish to visit here, the crater and the museum by bus, the pass will definitely likely be worth it. You can also trek along the dirt/paved path from the Heliport to the museum. It's about a 20 minute walk and there are some steep slopes but the view is worth the trek in my opinion. I did the trek to the museum bus stop and there were some good photo spots.

I came on a Monday. With regards to the timeslot, 11am is the time they start the first ride but reservations begin before that. I took the first bus that departed at 9:55am, reached at 10:25am or so, and my scheduled flight was at 12:35 (the 12th ride that day, many had driven here). By 12pm, pretty much all the slots were booked and they began turning away the rest of the queue and directing them to the Cuddly Dominion site. If you can't reach by 11:30pm, I highly recommend you consider other options. While you're advised to come 30 minutes before youe timeslot, I'd recommend you come a little earlier just in case. To return to Aso station, you can board the same bus route but they are infrequent. Do check and plan on the day of arrival.

As a solo traveler, you might be given an option to join an existing group of 2. If you do, you will pay the normal price for 1 person but you will likely get the third seat in the back, facing the other direction. I believe that if this happens, the first to buy the seat will be given priority to decide which seat you want. Conversely, if you're a party of 2, it is possible that a solo traveler be added to your journey. I was given the option but declined. If you decline, you will pay for the price of 2 people but with a small discount (instead of 12,000*2, I paid 22,000 for course B). Obviously, these prices are subject to changes.

In the end, a staff member actually joined my ride but he was quiet the entire journey. I'm think there might be some regulation that requires this, or he could just be wanting a ride along. It was not an issue since I got the front seat. I'm not sure if they would have allowed a group of 2 to join me, but it didn't happen in my case.

With regards to the ride, I strongly believe it's the best way to experience Mount Aso. During the 7 min ride, you get to see Komezuka, Kusasenri and the Nakadake crater. You will probably be able to see all the way into the middle on that day. It's undoubtedly the best view anyone can have. In addition, if like me you've never ridden a helicopter, it's a fantastic first experience.

With regards to payment, they actually accept credit cards but they seem to much prefer cash payment. For peace of mind, I suggest preparing the exact amount of cash beforehand.

I recommend the helicopter ride from here. You don't have to fork out the Cuddly Dominion fee and you can pretty much forgo going down to the crater itself. I set aside my budget to take into account the 22,000 yen I was about to drop on this but if you're going as a pair or group of 3, it's even more affordable on a per pax basis. Highly...

I have to say the experience was unforgettable, although it was my first time taking a chopper. The view is spectacular, especially the volcano view. They have 2 different routes, route A is more worthy, you can see the full view of the area.

Each ride can sit up to 3 person, if you are alone, you have to pay 2 persons price to make the trip works. Or like me ask those groups with 2 people if can join them. As of now is still COVID time, some people may not agree to share the ride. I was lucky enough to get accepted by a couple, but of cough I’m not getting the front seat😝.

I will advise you to make the reservation first at the site, then go to other places for some sight seeing before going back to the...

wow, this is so fun and exciting. good to go grab your slot as early as possible. come back at your allotted time slot and attend a very professionally done briefing. shortly you’ll be ushered to the helicopter boarding area. the pilot was pretty skilled in my opinion. take off, flight, landing was smooth. flew by the sights in a way both sides can have their proper views. was lucky to have a pretty clear day so the scenery was great. not sure if its still worth it if the weather isn’t good. but if its really bad, i think they’ll cancel the flights anyway. i think worth spending the money to have this experience. not the same as seeing the volcano from...