Japan Aso: Mount Aso Crater, Kusasenri, Takachiho Gorge, Amanoiwato Shrine, and Amanoyasugawara Full-Day Sightseeing Tour [Departing and Returning from Kumamoto]

[Aso Crater] The Aso caldera, with its rugged lava rock face, is one of the world's largest, measuring 18km east-west and 25km north-south. Among the five peaks of Aso (Nekodake, Takadake, Nakadake, Eboshidake, and Kishimadake) that rise in the center of the caldera, Nakadake is still actively erupting. Nakadake has a diameter of 600m and a depth of 130m. In its massive crater, which has a circumference of 4km, you can see the fierce white plumes of smoke and the dynamic scenery up close. *When volcanic activity is high, it may be impossible to approach the crater.

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[Kusasenrigahama] One of the most representative tourist spots in all of Aso. Located at an altitude of approximately 1,100m, it boasts a superb location where you can see horses grazing leisurely and the dynamic Aso Nakadake volcano spewing smoke. In summer, the greenery shines brightly, and in the depths of winter, it can be enveloped in a fantastical world of white! You can enjoy a different view in each season.

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[Takachiho Gorge] Takachiho Gorge, with its beautiful valley scenery, is designated as a national natural monument. A well-maintained walking path makes it convenient for strolling. Rental boats are popular, allowing visitors to view Manai Falls, selected as one of Japan's Top 100 Waterfalls, from up close.

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Asobo no Sato is a roadside station located in Kukino, Minami Aso Village, at the southern foot of Mount Aso, which boasts one of the world's largest calderas and a magnificent outer rim. The vast grounds include a farm produce market, restaurant, park golf course, soba noodle making studio, and dog run, making it popular with families. Events such as food trucks and monkey shows are also held regularly. In addition, there is an "ancient spring" where rainwater that falls on the outer rim of the caldera emerges as groundwater after several years, and a "watermill" that utilizes the flow of that water.

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[Amanoiwato Shrine] Amanoiwato Shrine enshrines the cave known as Amanoiwato, where Amaterasu Omikami, as described in Japanese mythology, hid, and is the setting of the Amanoiwato myth.

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[Amanoyasukawara] This large cave is said to be where, when Amaterasu Omikami hid in the rock cave, the heavens and earth became dark, and the eight million gods gathered on this riverbed to hold a divine council. It is also known as "Gyobogaiwaya." Previously, there was only a shrine here, and it was an object of worship, but over time, people began to pile up stones here to offer prayers. Today, the countless piled stones further enhance the mystical and fantastical atmosphere of Amanoyasukawara.

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