A Trip to Mt Aso

Mt Aso (阿蘇山) is a 2-3 hour car trip from Fukuoka. It is an active volcano as you can see from the picture (above). The caldera is one of the biggest in the world with a 25km diameter. You can drive to within a very short walk from the crater and can get a very close look. The gases given off by the volcano are poisonous so this is best avoided if you suffer from respiratory problems.   

 Near the Nakadake crater (above) there is a pond and some horses (below). Here you can ride the horses except in winter. There are also some paths you can walk and ride along.

Across the road from here where you can park, are some shops and restaurants for snacks and souvenirs. In the Aso area there are also lots of onsens (hot springs) where you can relax.