ITINERARY
Experience the Grasslands and Volcanic Grandeur of Mount Aso
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Surrounding Mount Aso is one of the world's largest calderas, or volcanic craters, where grasslands have flourished for more than a millennium. Learn about nature's cycles of destruction and rebirth on an awe-inspiring journey through Aso-Kuju National Park.
Itinerary Highlights
- Enjoy a Japanese taiko drumming performance set against the spectacular scenery of Mount Aso.
- Join an Aso trail walk or grassland cycling ride, visiting pastures that are usually off-limits. Ride a trolley train that lets you immerse yourself in nature.
- Take a scenic helicopter flight for an aerial view of one of the world's largest calderas.
A breathtaking taiko performance with a beautiful backdrop
Arrive at Kumamoto Airport in the morning and travel onward to the Mount Aso Visitor Center. The scenic environs of the center are the perfect place to get situated for the journey ahead. Learn about the science and history of the Aso Caldera and Aso-Kuju National Park before you have a laidback lunch.
In the afternoon, attend an outdoor performance by DRUM TAO, a globally acclaimed drum and dance ensemble that will blow your mind and set a tone for the exciting days to come. You won't forget this riveting taiko drum performance with a view of Mount Aso in the background.
*March to November: Doors open at 1:30 p.m. / Performance starts at 2:00 p.m. (For summer performances, doors open at 4:00 p.m. / Performance starts at 4:30 p.m.)
After that wraps up, take a car to Aso Uchinomaki Onsen, stopping by the lookout point called Daikanbo along the way. From Daikanbo Lookout, you can get a spectacular view of the five peaks of Mount Aso that are said to resemble a sleeping Buddha.
Aso Uchinomaki Onsen is a lively hot spring resort where many famous Japanese writers have stayed in the past. Wind down for the day and find a spot for dinner. Don't forget to take a dip in the onsen, with waters purported to soothe muscle pain and other chronic conditions while revitalizing the skin with natural minerals.
Experience an Aso trail walk or grassland cycling ride, plus the Minami Aso Railway trolley train
Head out from your hotel in the morning and go to the meeting point for the Aso trail walk and grassland cycling ride tours. These guided half-day tours allow you to explore vast grasslands with special permission through a trail walk or electric mountain bike activity. You'll get to enter pastures usually off-limits to visitors.
In the afternoon, board the Minami Aso Railway trolley train. With its open, windowless cars, the trolley allows you to experience Aso's distinctive caldera landscape, water sources, and satoyama countryside breeze.
*Service operates mainly on weekends and holidays from March to November.
Once this experience ends in the late afternoon, return to your accommodations in Jigoku Onsen for some more rest and relaxation.
A scenic helicopter ride to Mount Aso to experience the living earth
In the morning, travel by car from your accommodations to the Minamiaso Visitor Center, where you will learn about the local birds and plant life of Aso. Then hop into a helicopter for a thrilling ride straight to Mount Aso, where you'll be able to see the plumes of the volcano from up on high. Viewing one of the world's largest calderas from this vantage point is simply an incredible and unparalleled experience.
*Flight duration: 4-15 minutes depending on the course
After descending from the sky, gather your belongings and get ready to travel back to Kumamoto Airport. The sweeping vistas of Aso-Kuju National Park will fill your mind even as you fly away on your return journey.