Aso Caldera: Spectacular Scenery of the Great Grasslands Created by the World's Largest Class Caldera

Aso Caldera: The World's Largest Active Volcanic Caldera

"Aso Caldera" in the Aso region of Kumamoto Prefecture is a world's largest class volcanic caldera — approximately 25 kilometers north-south, approximately 18 kilometers east-west, approximately 128 kilometers circumference. Agricultural villages, ranches, and hot spring towns where approximately 50,000 people live spread within the caldera formed by a massive eruption approximately 90,000 years ago.

Scenery Inside the Caldera

Farms, ranches, hot springs, and settlements are scattered inside the caldera, with unique rural scenery against a backdrop of the outer mountain rim spreading. Different expressions can be enjoyed each season including spring rape blossoms, summer greenery, autumn rice ears, and winter snow scenery. Views from the outer rim mountain road called "Laputa Road (Road in the Sky)" are particularly spectacular.

Milk Road and Kusasenri

"Milk Road (Prefectural Route 112)" crossing the Aso outer rim mountains is a popular scenic drive route where pastoral scenery with grazing cattle walking along the roadside continues. "Kusasenrigahama" midway is volcanic grassland scenery with ponds scattered in vast grasslands — spectacular scenery like a picture postcard.

Aso Hot Spring Resorts

Aso has many hot spring resorts including "Uchinomaki Onsen," "Nano Onsen," and "Tarutama Onsen." Various spring qualities including sulfur spring, carbonated spring, and sodium bicarbonate spring can be enjoyed.

Access

Nearest station is JR Hohi Main Line "Aso Station." Approximately 50 minutes by limited express from Kumamoto Station. Or approximately 45 minutes by bus from Kumamoto Airport.