I recently visited Mt. Aso in Kumamoto to see and hike around one of the largest calderas in the world!
Formed about 70,000 years ago, this massive caldera spans 17 kilometers east to west and 25 kilometers north to south. Even though it is quite large, most visitors convene near the center where the active Nakadake Crater and the five peaks of Mt. Aso can be found. (Mt. Takadake (1,592 m), Mt. Nakadake (1,506 m), Mt. Eboshidake (1,337 m), Mt. Kishimadake (1,326 m), and Mt. Nekodake (1,433 m)).

In this post, learn what it’s like to visit this area and hike the Nakadake peak of Mt. Aso!

- Hiking Mt. Nakadake Travel Vlog
- Mt. Nakadake Hike Overview
- What to Pack
- Access
- The Hike
- Other Activities in the Area
- Final Thoughts
Hiking Mt. Nakadake Travel Vlog
This video shows my first time hiking Mt. Nakadake! The hike starts from the Asosanjoyuryo Parking Lot and follows the mountain trail to Mt. Minamidake and Mt. Nakadake. This hike was done in March.
I also hiked the trail in January when the weather was much harsher and the winds extremely strong.
Mt. Nakadake Hike Overview
The Mt. Nakadake trail traverses across a field of volcanic ash, up a rocky ridge, and around the Nakadake Crater that actively spews plumes of gas into the air.
While the views on a clear day are extremely rewarding, if conditions are not good, the hiking area will be closed off. Before planning your hike, check here for updates on current restrictions.

This is a challenging hike that is only recommended for climbers prepared with the appropriate attire and fitness level.
Distance: 3.9km (one-way via Mt. Sara)
Elevation: 1,506 m
If you are looking for an easier and quicker hike to do instead, I recommend Mt. Eboshidake.
What to Pack
The trail is open and unshaded. On days of heavy wind, ash and sediment can whip in the air. It’s a good idea to bring head and eye coverings like hats and glasses. Near the peak, it can be much cooler than in the parking lots, so pack warm gear if needed. In the winter there can also be snow. Don’t forget to pack:
- Water / Sports drink
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Gloves (winter)
- Camping stove (if you want to cook on the top – I use a small SOTO Amicus stove.)
- Snacks/lunch
- Crampons (winter – might be required based on weather conditions)
- Hiking pole (optional)
Access
From Fukuoka City, the drive to Mt. Aso takes around 2.5-3 hours depending on traffic conditions.
Parking
There are several parking lots to choose from depending on how close you want to start the hike.

- Asosanjoyuryo Parking Lot – This parking lot is the furthest away but is cheaper at 500 yen for a standard vehicle. There are many spaces and restrooms available.
- Sunasenri-ga-hama Parking Lot – This parking lot is small with only about 10 spaces, but is closest to the start of the hike via the boardwalk path. The fee is 1,000 yen for a standard vehicle. The nearest bathroom is at the Asosan Kako Hinan Kyukeisho Parking Lot.
- Asosan Kako Hinan Kyukeisho Parking Lot – This parking lot is close to the previous Sunasenri-ga-hama Parking lot and is the closest to the active Nakadake Crafter. This is also the parking lot where taxis and tour buses come. The lot is a short walk away from the start of the hike via the boardwalk path. The fee is 1,000 yen for a standard vehicle
The Hike
See an overview map of the trail here. The Nakadake Trail is in blue.

The length of the hike varies depending on which parking lot you start from and if you take the longer and steeper mountain trail via Mt. Sara or the easier wooden boardwalk route for the first part.
The wooden boardwalk path starts right by the Sunasenri-ga-hama Parking Lot and gradually leads up to a flat area called the Sunasenri-ga-hama Junction which connects with the mountain trail.


The boardwalk path crosses a volcanic desert where ash and sand can fly through the air.
For a more challenging start to the hike, take the mountain trail that starts near the parking toll booth at the Sarayama Junction. The trail starts gradually but eventually becomes steeper as you climb to Sarayama-no-kata. The path continues to Sunasenri-ga-hama Junction which meets up with the boardwalk path.


The mountain trail offers great views of Mt. Eboshidake and the surrounding area.


This is the Sunasenri-ga-hama Junction where the boardwalk path and mountain trail meet. From here the trail is the same.

Shortly after the junction is the ridge climb, the hardest part of the hike. Here you’ll have to navigate a rocky path and large boulders. Depending on the time of year and weather, the path can be icy, muddy, or slippery.

Take a break from climbing to enjoy the view!

The climb is quite steep. At the top is Mt. Minamidake at 1,496 meters.
Walking along the ridge, there are incredible views of the active Nakadake Crater below.


There can be strong winds and gaseous fumes from the crater.
Signs continue to Nakadake Peak.

The top of Mt. Nakadake is at 1506 meters! Sometimes the view is good, but other times it can be obscured. When I visited in late January, there was snow and heavy winds. Come prepared!


It took about 3 hours to reach the top of Mt. Nakadake with stops along the way and heavy wind resistance.

Even though there were strong winds, I could boil water and enjoy lunch on the mountain. Hot ramen is the best, especially on a chilly day!


Retrace your steps to head back down the mountain to the parking lots.

Other Activities in the Area
See the Nakadake Crater
To see the active Nakadake Crater up close, cross the boardwalk path and turn right up the road.


These lights signal the crater conditions. Blue: Safe, Green: Caution for those with health problems, otherwise safe, Yellow: Warning for those with health problems, otherwise visit with caution, Red: Extreme Danger.

If you have asthma, a pacemaker, or other health conditions, you should not visit the crafter.
Climb a Different Mountain
If you are looking for an easier hike, I recommend nearby Mt. Eboshidake instead. The mountain path is located across from the Aso Visitor Center.

For something even easier, you can walk around Kusasenrigahama and climb the small Komatate-yama Hill.
For a slightly shorter, but more uphill climb, you can try Mt. Nekodake. This hike wasn’t my favorite since the views weren’t as good and most of the hike was uphill, but it’s an option if you want a different mountain to climb.

Relax and Grab a Bite to Eat
There are a few cafes and restaurants near the Aso Visitor Center. The food isn’t amazing, but it’s a good option if you want to sit down with a hot meal near the hiking spots.
At Kusasenri Coffee Roastery, you can pick up a charcoal latte, fitting for the volcanic environment! There is also a small museum about the Aso area nearby.
Shop for Local Products and Try Aso Soft Cream
Near the JR Aso Station is the Roadside Station Aso Tourist Information Center and Farmers Market. You can try Aso soft cream here which is thick and sweet!

Road of 1,000 Cherry Blossom Trees
If you are visiting during cherry blossom season, drive through this road which is lined with cherry blossom trees!

Final Thoughts
The first time I visited Mt. Aso, the weather was pretty gloomy so I didn’t have the best views. In subsequent visits, however, I’ve been able to enjoy the area with much better weather and great sights of the crater from the mountains.
For travelers looking to experience a unique volcanic atmosphere with ample outdoor activities, consider adding a trip to Aso to your itinerary!
You can visit Mt. Aso on a long day trip from Fukuoka or as part of a larger Kyushu trip. If you choose to stay around Mt. Aso, you check out here for accommodations in the area.
Want to see more amazing places in Kyushu? Check out my new book!
This book is a visual introduction to the grandeur of Japan’s Kyushu region. The over 60 pages of photos and text depict various spots for sightseeing, enjoying nature, and experiencing seasonal festivals. Enjoy perusing the pages and discovering some of Kyushu’s less-traveled treasures! Ships Internationally.
For more outdoor adventures in Kyushu, check out these posts!