Day 5: Mt. Aso, Helicopter Ride, Kusarenri Observatory, Mt. Aso Museum, Daikanbo Observatory.

Journey to Mount Aso: A Scenic Adventure

Today’s drive to Mount Aso is an exhilarating adventure, characterized by a series of steep hairpin turns over a 1.5-hour journey. This drive can be quite challenging, especially for those unfamiliar with mountain roads, so we strongly recommend that drivers ensure they are well-rested the night before embarking on this trip.

Preparation and Safety
Before setting off, it’s essential to check your vehicle’s condition, including brakes, tires, and fuel levels. The roads leading to Mount Aso, while well-maintained, can be demanding, and you want to avoid any unnecessary complications. Also, keep in mind that weather conditions in the mountains can change rapidly, so be prepared for any situation by packing a few essentials like water, snacks and spare plastic bag (in case of car sickness).

The Drive
As you begin your ascent, you’ll encounter a series of sharp, winding turns that offer both thrills and spectacular views. Each bend in the road reveals new vistas, from lush valleys to rugged peaks, making the journey itself a memorable part of your visit to Mount Aso.

Mount Aso is Japan’s most active volcano and one of the largest in the world. Its vast caldera, one of the largest globally, is truly awe-inspiring. Driving around Mount Aso offered us stunning landscapes with dramatic volcanic features. It was a humbling and exhilarating experience, making it a must-visit for any traveler exploring Kyushu.

The Nakadake Crater

Upon reaching Mount Aso, you’ll be greeted by one of the world’s largest active volcanoes. The Nakadake Crater, with its billowing plumes of smoke, is a sight to behold. The crater area is accessible by car, with ample parking available. Here, you can walk around the crater rim, visit the museum to learn about the volcano’s history and geology, and enjoy the unique landscape that has been shaped by volcanic activity over thousands of years.

Helicopter Ride: We decided to book a helicopter ride with Ariair, and it turned out to be one of the most unforgettable experiences of our trip. Opting for the ‘6 Minute Helicopter Tour’ at 12,600 yen per person due to budget constraints, each ride accommodated a maximum of three persons. Despite its brevity, the aerial view of Mount Aso’s expansive, active caldera was truly breathtaking. Seeing one of the world’s largest volcanic calderas from above allowed us to appreciate its scale and dynamic beauty, leaving us in awe of nature’s grandeur. For anyone visiting Kyushu, this exhilarating helicopter ride offers a uniquely stunning perspective on this natural wonder and comes highly recommended.

Website: https://ariair.arila.co.jp/cruising-new/kumamoto/day/

Operating Hours: 10:00 to 16:00

Flight Fee: (1-3 passengers) 12,600 yen (tax included)

Number of passengers Price per person
3 people 12,600 yen/person
2 people 18,900 yen/person
1 person 37,800 yen/person

Meeting Place: Aso Sensuikyo Heliport
Address: 6029-1 Miyaji, Ichinomiya-cho, Aso City, Kumamoto Prefecture, 869-2612

Scenic Stop: Kusasenri Observatory / Mount Aso Volcano Museum

We stopped at Kusasenri Observatory and Mount Aso Volcano Museum, offering stunning views and dining options. At the observation deck overlooking the active Nakadake Volcano, we were mesmerized by billowing steam adding an other-worldly touch to the landscape. For lunch, we enjoyed a local specialty, Kumamoto Beef Bowl, and a refreshing Espresso Affogato from Costa Coffee. Though we missed exploring the Mt. Aso Museum due to time constraints, we opted to savor the drive and soak in the majestic surroundings at our own pace.

Mount Aso Volcano Museum Website: http://www.asomuse.jp/

Opening Hours: 9:00-17:00 (Last entrance at 4:30PM)

Address: 1930-1 Akasui, Aso City, Kumamoto Prefecture

Scenic Stop: Daikanbo Observatory

Daikanbo Observatory is another scenic stop on our journey. Here’s a tip for capturing the perfect shot: just before reaching the main tourist spot and car park, pause at the large open space. The gentle incline offers an ideal vantage point for capturing the sweeping panorama of the valley. It’s a spot that guarantees breathtaking views, capturing the essence of Mt. Aso’s natural beauty.

Website: https://www.city.aso.kumamoto.jp/tourism/

Enjoying the Experience

Take your time to savor every moment of this journey. The drive is not just a means to an end but an integral part of the adventure. Allow yourself ample time to stop, take photos, and simply enjoy the stunning surroundings. Remember, the goal is not just to reach the summit but to immerse yourself in the natural beauty that surrounds you. Drive safely, appreciate the journey, and embrace the incredible views that Mount Aso has to offer.

We wrapped up our exploration of Kumamoto over Days 3 to 5 with a relaxing drive back to the hotel, where the hubby enjoyed a well-deserved soak in the hotel onsen. Kumamoto captivated us with its stunning natural beauty. We visited iconic sites like Kumamoto Castle, enjoyed window shopping at the lively Shimotori Shopping Arcade and Sakura Machi Mall. The highlights were the boat rowing at Takachiho Gorge and the scenic open-air train ride on the Takachiho Amaterasu Railway. As we bid farewell to Kumamoto, we look forward to sharing our adventures in Yanagawa and Itoshima. Stay tuned!