Share this tour
Offered languages
- English
Begin at Kusasenri, a peaceful prairie where horses graze against the stunning backdrop of Mt. Aso. Enjoy a relaxing lunch while soaking in the pastoral scenery.
Crater entry is subject to real-time volcanic gas and weather conditions, confirmed on the morning of the tour,
** If it is unexpectedly closed upon arrival, we will spend additional time at Kusasenri.
When conditions allow, the tour continues to the Nakadake Crater (Pay 1400yen onsite for round-trip shuttle bus between Aso Sanjo Terminal and the crater), where you can witness the dynamic energy of an active volcano up close.
[Oct - Mar Course] As dusk falls, you’ll arrive at Kurokawa Onsen, one of Japan’s most atmospheric hot spring towns.
[Apr - Sep Course] Travel to the magical Takachiho Gorge. Conclude your journey at Amanoyasugawara, a dreamlike cave shrine filled with countless stacked stone towers where visitors make wishes.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Itinerary
-
1Kusasenrigahama
A vast grassland stretching across Mt. Aso’s outer rim, Kusasenri offers breathtaking open landscapes and serene mountain views. In winter, snow transforms the plain into a silver wonderland, perfect for photos and quiet reflection.
1 hour • Admission ticket free -
2Mt. Aso Nakadake Crater
Standing at the heart of Mt. Aso, Nakadake is one of Japan’s most active volcanoes. Visitors can feel the earth’s pulse as they observe the emerald crater lake and white volcanic smoke rising skyward. (**Access to the crater is subject to closure based on real-time volcanic gas levels and weather conditions. If it's accessible, you have to pay 1400yen onsite for Aso Sanjo Terminal <-> Nakadake Crater Shuttle Bus Round-trip) (Please note: If the crater is inaccessible, we will visit Daikanbo Peak or Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine instead.)
30 minutes • Admission ticket not included -
3Kurokawa Onsen
[Oct - Mar Course] Nestled deep in the mountains, Kurokawa Onsen is a beloved hot spring village full of traditional charm. Wooden inns, flowing streams, and warm lights create a nostalgic atmosphere. From December to March, 300 bamboo lanterns illuminate the town during the “Yu-Akari” light-up, casting a gentle glow over the snowy night.
2 hours 30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4Takachiho Gorge
[Apr - Sep Course] Located in Miyazaki Prefecture, Takachiho Gorge is a breathtaking natural wonder deeply intertwined with Japanese mythology. It was formed by ancient lava flows from Mount Aso that rapidly cooled, creating steep, geometric basalt columns along the Gokase River.
1 hour • Admission ticket free -
5
[Apr - Sep Course] A spiritual and dreamlike cave shrine near Takachiho. It is famous for its mystical atmosphere and the countless stacked stone towers left by visitors making wishes.
40 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Crater entry is subject to real-time volcanic gas and weather conditions, confirmed on the morning of the tour,
- * If Nakadake Crater is confirmed closed before departure, the visit will be replaced with Daikanbo Observatory or Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine instead.
Additional info
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Crater entry is subject to real-time volcanic gas and weather conditions, confirmed on the morning of the tour,
- * If Nakadake Crater is confirmed closed before departure, the visit will be replaced with Daikanbo Observatory or Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine instead.
- * If it is unexpectedly closed upon arrival, the itinerary will spend additional time at Kusasenri.
- * If Nakadake Crater is open, you will have to pay 1400yen onsite for round-trip shuttle bus between Aso Sanjo Terminal and the crater
- Warning: Toxic fumes circulate around the volcano crater and may pose a threat to people with asthma, bronchial conditions, or heart disease. Access is strictly prohibited. Please confirm this when registering.
- Due to the large amount of smoke, your eyes or nose may sting. Please be sure to bring and wear a mask.
- In compliance with Japanese law, vehicles cannot operate for more than 10 hours. The tour guide may adjust the itinerary based on real-time conditions.
- Itinerary is subjected to traffic & weather condition. The stay time for each spot may depend on the season and on-site situation.
- Please inform us if you will be bring along a baby stroller or wheelchair.
- Infant is free of charge, no seat available
- Depending on the ryokan, guests with tattoos may be prohibited from bathing, or may be asked to cover small tattoos with a sticker. Please check the ryokan's specific rules in advance.
- Kurokawa has some mixed-gender (konyoku) outdoor baths. Some of these locations also have women-only hours, so please check before you visit.
- Travelers who appear intoxicated may be refused onsen service.
- Traveleres with an infectious disease will not be allowed entrance to the facility. Please be aware that using the onsen may be harmful to the health of guests with heart conditions.
- Notice: Access to the Mt. Aso Crater is currently restricted due to a helicopter accident. During this period, the tour will visit Daikanbo or Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine instead. (We will resume visits to the crater immediately upon the lifting of restrictions.)
- The entire Takachiho Gorge trail is relatively flat, but it is recommended to wear comfortable shoes for long periods of walking.
- Please note that the Takachiho Gorge boat ride is not included in this tour. We do not recommend booking a boat due to the limited time available.
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Your guide to the flawless travel experience
Popular Countries
Company
Get our app
