Aso Caldera

Enjoy the sunrise and sea of ​​clouds over the Aso Caldera while sipping a hot drink with special permission from the Millennium Grassland Observatory. Why not spend some time in Aso until breakfast at a special place only known to those in the know? On this tour, with special permission, we will take you to a special observation point in the "Millenium Grassland" that is normally inaccessible. Transportation to and from hotels and guesthouses in Aso City is also included, so you don't have to worry about transportation. Depending on the weather, you can enjoy a sea of ​​clouds filling Aso Caldera in the "Millennium Grasslands". Beyond the sea of ​​clouds, the Five Peaks of Mt.Aso lie as a reclining statue, a divine sight in Japan. Our baristas will guide you through the sunrise and the sea of ​​clouds while offering you coffee, tea, and local tea brewed with spring water.

Rated 5 Stars, based on 4 Reviews.

This private tour starts off with you and your English-speaking guide heading to the highest point of the north caldera wall. Here we enjoy the jaw-dropping sight of the five peaks of Mt. Aso and the huge volcanic caldera. After getting a feel for the landscape of Aso we head to one of the small communities that exist in the vicinity of this huge volcano. Here we will explore the true Japanese countryside and meet some of the locals who live here. With their help, we will learn about life and culture in rural Japan, harvest vegetables, cook food, and enjoy a lunch together made from locally sourced ingredients! A true hands-on Japanese farm-to-table experience! This is a half-day tour that gives you the best of two worlds! The amazing scenery of Japan's largest active volcano, but also interaction with local culture! Come and enjoy some of the most beautiful landscapes and heartwarming hospitality that Japan has to offer!

Depart from Fukuoka, take a 2.5-hour drive to Kamishiromi Kumanoza Shrine, the filming location of the movie 'Into the Forest of Fireflies Light'. Then arrive at Aso Volcano, located in the northeast of Kumamoto Prefecture, Kyushu Island. It is the symbol of Kumamoto and is famous for its composite volcano with a large caldera. Kusasenri is a vast grassy plain which offers great views of the volcanically active Nakadake Peak. There is also a large pond in Kusasenri where you can also see horses grazing. This scenic location has become a popular feature of the Aso Geopark. Finally, you can experience the Japanese-style open-air bath at Kurokawa Onsen.

Rated 4.5 Stars, based on 12 Reviews.

After meeting at the entrance of Aso Station, we start the tour with an introduction to Mt. Aso and our grasslands. Then, on to the gear: we’ll take our bicycles for a test before going our way. Beginners are welcome too, must you need help for the bicycle’s use, your guide will explain everything. No need for extreme bicycling skills, as they are electrically assisted! From the bottom of the caldera at Aso Station, at about 500 meter above sea level, to the Aso Nakadake crater (elevation 1,300m), there is an elevation difference of 800m. (2600ft) You then get to enjoy the best views of the mount Aso crater. Going back down, the caldera opens up in front of you. Aso's magnificent nature awaits you here. We’ll end our tour at the entrance of JR Aso Stn, unless you booked a ride to your accommodation. We can also guide you to a hot spring after the tour to unwind and relax in the caldera. *You can leave your luggage with us, so you can enjoy the grasslands of Aso at ease.

Embark on an unforgettable day tour that combines nature, history, and relaxation! Marvel at the majestic Aso Volcano, one of the world’s largest calderas, and explore the sweeping grasslands of Kusasenri with stunning panoramic views. Discover the cultural treasures of Aso Shrine, steeped in history and resilience, before unwinding at Kurokawa Onsen. Here, you’ll immerse yourself in the tranquility of traditional hot springs in a picturesque mountain setting. Perfect for nature lovers and cultural explorers, this tour promises a day of awe and rejuvenation.

Rated 4.5 Stars, based on 4 Reviews.

Aso's knowledgeable guides will take you on an easy-to-understand and enjoyable tour of the Aso Caldera from its birth to the present, from the perspectives of volcanoes, geology, history, culture, and beliefs. By walking down the stone-folded path that descends the northern outer rim of the mountain and entering the caldera on your own, you can really feel the size of the caldera, one of the largest in the world. You can also enjoy spots related to the history, culture, and beliefs of Aso, where people have lived in the caldera for over 2,000 years. On the way, we will have a tea time with yogurt and sweets grown in the grasslands of Aso.

On this tour, with special permission, we will take you to a special outdoor bar in the "Millennium Grassland" with no artificial light. Transportation to and from your hotel or guesthouse in Aso City is also included, so you don't have to worry about transportation. Depending on the weather, you can enjoy a starry sky at the Millennium Grassland. Our guide, who is knowledgeable about the starry skies of Japan's four seasons, will quietly introduce you to the constellations. Of course, quiet time is also available. While looking at the starlight that was emitted hundreds of thousands of years ago, before the Aso Caldera was formed, please think about the eternal past. We also offer local craft beer, wine, and hot drinks to make your Aso night the best it can be. (Up to one drink per person is included in the price. Additional charges apply.) After gazing at the starry sky, depending on the season, enjoy a digital detox around a bonfire and enjoy the night in the grasslands of Aso.

Welcome to Aso! We aim to propose encounters with local farmers on this tour to make your Aso experience unforgettable. The Aso colored sheep are very much the future of Aso and the strawberry farm offers delicious fresh snacks from new year's till early summer. In addition, we'll enjoy bringing you to the best local restaurants so you'll be able to savor the Aso grown vegetables and locally produced food. Depending on the season, the produce and thus the tour's content will vary. We can customize this tour with different options for lunch, pick-up, and other add-on activities. Optional: – We can do the tour bicycling through the caldera, if you are up to some light exercise! – If you have mobility troubles we can organize the tour by car as well. Please feel free to ask, we can make the experience complete with accommodation and a special dinner as well.

◆ This is HIS Original PRIVATE TOUR. ◆ Private charter car will be provided! ◆ The duration of this tour is about 11 hours and the tour will be started from Hakata Station or your hotel's lobby in Fukuoka. ◆ A profesional English Guide will accompany you to explore the area. ◆The itinerary for details, as destinations vary depending on the plan. Please choose Plan 1 Daikanbo or Plan 2 Kamishikimi Kumanoza Shrine when you make a reservation. ◆If you go to Aso, you will efficiently visit sightseeing spots that you definitely want to visit with an English-speaking guide. A perfect tour filled with the charm and nature of Aso! ◆For lunch, we offer the Kumamoto WAGYU sirloin beef, served yakiniku style!

In the field of Aso, one of the world's largest calderas and a national park, you will participate in a variety of activities for three days to refresh your mind and body. Travel by car is kept to a minimum. We will use low-environmental-impact E-MTBs, horses, and your own feet to give you a solid feel for the nature and lifestyle of the Aso caldera. You can also enjoy wellness time with activities such as yoga and zazen. In addition, you will cleanse your body from the inside out by taking a bath in the free-flowing hot springs and eating healthy meals, mainly made with fresh vegetables.

This is a three-day program to learn about the origins of the Aso Caldera and feel the awe of nature of the people living in the caldera. You will be able to fully enjoy the natural attractions of the Aso Caldera, which is recognized as Aso-Kujyu National Park and a Global UNESCO Geopark. We will also introduce you to the unique volcanic beliefs nurtured in Aso, the skills of the artisans, the lifestyle of the farmers, and other attractions of Aso that only a few people know about.