Mount Aso is an active volcanoin the center of Kyushu island which most recently erupted in 2021 and 2016. Aso's ancient caldera ranks among the world's largest, with a diameter of up to 25 kilometers and a circumference of over 100 kilometers. In the center of the caldera stand the mountain's active volcanic peaks, including Nakadake, whose spectacular crater is accessible to tourists.
However, that the crater area is often partially and sometimes fully closed to visitors due to poisonous volcanic gases, bad weather or the risk of volcanic activity. Even when the area around the summit is open, gases can be intense, and people with respiratory problems should refrain from approaching the crater.
Japan is basically a risk adverse country and many warnings and alerts are put in place as a result of its constant struggle to control to uncontrollable, AKA Mother Nature. As a single young male when I first came to Japan, this level of control frustrated me to the core, but now as a father and a business owner I fully understand and participate with all the rules and precautions that I face on a regular basis.
On this day, our party of 8 unfortunately missed out on the spectacular views from the Mount Aso lookout as a result of too many poisonous gases being emitted. Of course there was disappointment but the drive up to the peak and resulting drive on to the Hot Spring resort town of Kurokawa helped soften this blow.
Please check out the location of Mount Aso here on a map below:
Please click on these photos below to enlarge:
Wide open spaces
Warnings
Closed on this day
Countryside
Lots to see
Was a little smokey in places
Please click on these videos below to see more about the drive up to and from Mount Aso:
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