Usual hours and prices, checked 2026-10-04 against the sources under “What this place is”. They can change for holidays and events — confirm before you go. Official site
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Our guide
Mount Aso is the second-largest active volcano in Japan after Mount Fuji, and one of the largest in the world. What people usually mean by the name is the group of volcanic peaks in the middle of the Aso Caldera, the highest of which, Takadake, reaches 1,592 m. The caldera around them is the thing to take in: about 25 km from north to south and 18 km from east to west, with a rim some 120 km around, though sources differ on the exact figure.
It lies in Aso Kujū National Park in Kumamoto Prefecture, on Kyushu, and is one of the 100 Famous Japanese Mountains. We have not checked a public-transport route to the crater area, so plan the journey on the map, and check current access with the local authorities before you go — this is an active volcano.
Written by japan-spots.com (2026-09-22) from the sources credited on this page. Distances are straight lines between map positions.
Photos
Photos from Wikimedia Commons, each under its own licence — see credits
What this place is
Mount Aso (阿蘇山, Aso-san) or Aso Volcano is the second largest active volcano in Japan after Mount Fuji, and among the largest in the world. Common use relates often only to the somma volcano in the centre of Aso Caldera. It stands in Aso Kujū National Park in Kumamoto Prefecture, on the island of Kyushu. Its tallest peak, Takadake, is 1,592 meters (5,223 ft) above sea level. Mount Aso is in a fairly large caldera (25 kilometers (16 miles) north-south and 18 km (11 mi) east-west) with a circumference of around 120 km (75 mi), although sources vary on the exact distance. It is one of the 100 Famous Japanese Mountains.
Visitor information checked: 2026-10-04 · Aso volcanic disaster council: current crater restrictions · Aso City: crater viewing and park-road hours and fees
Background text from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
What to expect at this type of place: Mountain
Getting there
We do not have step-by-step transit directions for this spot yet. Open the location on Google Maps for routes from where you are staying.
Where to stay nearby
Hotels near Mt. Aso crater on Agoda
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