Daikanbo

Daikanbo is the highest spot on the rim of Mt. Aso, with an elevation of 939 meters. You can see all five cones of Aso in one view. The view is said to resemble a reclining Buddha statue. It used to be named Toumi Gahara, but Tokutomi Soho, a famous journalist, renamed it Daikanbo when he visited. He was very impressed by the scenery. On a clear autumn morning, you may see a sea of clouds.

Kusasenri

Kusasenri is a green field that spreads about one kilometer on the northern slope of Eboushi Cone. It is the remains of a double volcanic crater. It has a pond in the center, and the peaceful view of horses grazing with no apparent tension is one of the typical views of Aso. In front of you is Nakadake Cone, smoking from the top.

Crater of Nakatake

This is the crater of the active Naka-dake Cone. Around the rim of the smoking crater, you can have a great view of the rugged lava terrain. You can get there via the toll road or by the ropeway. You can also walk up.

Shirakawa Suigen

Shirakawa district in Minami Aso Village, surrounded by Mt. Aso and its southern rim, has many water springs. The Shirakawa River flows northwest along the southern edge of the village, heading towards the distant Ariake Sea. The source of the river is in Yoshimi Shrine, and it is the largest water spring in the district. The daily water output is ninety thousand tons. The temperature is 14 degrees Celsius throughout the year. The water is so clear that you can see it springing up with the sand moving upward. It is said to be ideal for making tea, and many people come here to collect the water. Additionally, the water is used for sake production and bottled water. It is a great contribution to the local industry. It is selected as one of Japan’s 100 best waters.

Takamori-Yusui-Tunnel- Park

Takamori-Yusui-Tunnel Park is a tunnel and park with a water spring producing 32 tons every minute. Many events are held throughout the year. The inside of the tunnel is quite fantastic, with photo spots for social media and a Water Pearl (water drop production device).

Aso Shrine

Aso Shrine enshrines the first pioneer of Aso, Takeiwatatsu-no-mikoto, along with 12 other gods. It is the main shrine in Higo, today’s Kumamoto. It has three sacred halls, a prayer hall, and an entrance gate, all of which give you a magnificent holy impression. It suffered significant damage from the 2016 earthquake.

Isshingyo Sakura

―The Isshingyo cherry tree in Aso are 400 years old and is of the yamazakura variety.

―It is a memorial tree for Tadafuyu Nakamura, who was killed in battle 400 years ago. The remaining family members performed a ritual practice with wholehearted devotion. ‘Isshin’ means ‘wholeheartedly,’ and ‘gyo’ means ‘ritual practice.’

―It is popular because the park showcases the vivid contrast between pink sakura and yellow canola flowers. According to a survey about favorite cherry blossoms in Kyushu, the Isshingyo cherry tree was ranked number three, following Maizuru Park and Kumamoto Castle.

More about Sakura , Click here.

Noyaki

Field burning. The grass is needed for feeding cattle in the pasture in spring and summer and for making hay for the wintertime. However, it doesn’t grow naturally; it is cultivated artificially. People have practiced field burning for several centuries to create good pastureland.

The burning can exterminate harmful insects like fleas, and it is a good way to promote the growth of grass suitable for cattle. Without this burning, the area would be overgrown with grass and not as beautiful as it is now.

 Field burning is one of the seasonal events in Aso. Around the spring equinox, a day with a gentle breeze is chosen for this burning. Once the fire is set in the fields dried out during the previous winter, it spreads very quickly and covers all the fields and mountain areas. It is an impressive show.

Nabegataki Waterfalls

Nabegataki Waterfalls is located in Oguni Town, close to Kurokawa Onsen. It is one of the most scenic waterfalls, but what is unique about this waterfall is that you can go behind it and view the falling water from behind. It was formed by a major eruption that occurred about 90,000 years ago.