Aso Volcano Museum 阿蘇火山博物館

The Aso Volcano Museum offers a great insight into Japanese volcanoes and is a top choice for geography enthusiasts. Located in Kusasenri with a view of the often smoking Nakadake crater, visitors can also watch what's going on with the live video cameras, which take you deep into the crater. On the third floor, you can watch films on topics such as 'Exploring the Secrets of the Eruption' and 'Life and Culture in Aso'.

It is accessible by car.

The Aso Volcano Museum is about 75 minutes west of Kumamoto via National Route 145 and 299. Paid parking in front of the museum. You can also take a bus from JR Aso Station (20 minutes), which stops in front of Aso Volcano Museum.

Most of the display information is in Japanese, but you can make use of the free multi-language audio guide. Films on the third floor display subtitles in English, Chinese, Korean and French. Museum exhibits vary in quality, but there is plenty to entertain and inform, with games to occupy younger visitors. On the ground floor is the Mt. Aso Visitor Centre, and a cafe and souvenir shop.

From an easy walk along the Kusasenri plain to a real high mountain climb, get a free walking map of the area, and go exploring after your visit. Take heed of weather reports, especially in winter, when it can suddenly turn cold and snowy. If the cafe doesn't meet your fancy, some cafeteria-style restaurants serving buffets and the local specialty, horse meat, are a few doors down from the museum.