【公式】みやざき観光ナビ 宮崎県公式観光サイト

阿蘇（熊本県）
Aso (Kumamoto Prefecture)

Aso is one of the largest caldera volcanoes in the world

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The Aso caldera in Kumamoto Prefecture is one of the largest calderas in the world, measuring roughly 25 kilometers north to south, 18 kilometers east to west, and 128 kilometers in circumference. It has been designated a national park, a UNESCO World Geopark, and a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System. Mount Aso (also known as the five peaks of Aso) sits at the center of the caldera, emitting a plume of smoke as one of the main active volcanoes in Japan, and serving as a symbol of Kumamoto. Visitors here are able to see the violent eruptions and dynamic scenes of the still quite active Nakadake Crater at Mount Aso up close (but tours may not be allowed depending on the severity of the eruptions). Yet today, nearly 50,000 people live within the caldera, a rare situation anywhere in the world.
The largest grasslands in Japan is also located around Mount Aso, with cows and horses being raised free range. The Aso area is also blessed with abundant natural resources thanks to the volcano, such as quality hot springs and pure spring water ponds.
Here you will find a plethora of plans allowing you to enjoy that nature, such as paragliding, hot air ballooning, trekking, cycling, and horse riding. There are of course plenty of gourmet options as well, such as local cuisine and the famous Japanese brown beef.
While there are numerous spots that let you gaze down on the Aso caldera, the one we recommend is Daikanbo. You will see a panoramic view of the five peaks of Aso, the grasslands, and the town inside the caldera.
When traveling from Kumamoto to Miyazaki, you absolutely must take a detour to see it.
（​Photo Provided by Kumamoto Prefectural Tourism Federation）

Category #Nature and Scenery #Mythology and History #Outdoor Sports #Tourism Sites #Cuisine and Souvenirs #Hot Springs
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Basic Information

Address 熊本県阿蘇市、熊本県阿蘇郡
Telephone Number 0967-34-1600（Aso-City Tourism Association）
Contact 0967-34-1600（Aso-City Tourism Association）
0967-62-2300（Takamori Tourism Promotion Organization）
0967-67-2222（Minami-Aso Tourist Information Center）
Transport <Access to JR Aso Station>
■ About 50 minutes by car from the Kumamoto Interchange.
■ About 2 hours by car from the Oita Interchange.
■ About 85 minutes on the JR line from Kumamoto Station.
■ About 2 hours from Oita Station on the Trans-Kyushu Limited Express.
■ About 2 hours from Kumamoto Station on the Trans-Kyushu Bus.
Related website Aso-City Tourism Association website
Takamori Tourism Promotion Organization website
Minami-Aso Tourism Bureau website
Aso Regional Tourism Promotion Council Instagram account

＊Information on facilities is subject to change. Please check each official website for the latest information.

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