Kyushu Kumamoto Sightseeing Bus | Aso Round Trip Bus | Daikanbo, Kusasenrigahama, Aso Shrine, Aso Volcano
- The "Aso Round-Trip Bus" makes sightseeing in Aso even easier, more convenient, and more comfortable.
- This tour allows you to efficiently visit the highlights of Aso without the hassle of transfers or wasting time.
- Limited time offer for February and March! Operates even on public holidays!
- [Important Notice to Participants] Currently, the Aso Mountain Park Road is closed, making it impossible to visit the crater, and there is no prospect of it reopening. Until the Aso Mountain Park Road is reopened, we will adjust the schedule by extending the time spent at Kusasenri, similar to when crater visits are impossible due to gas restrictions.
Package options
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Transfer from meeting point |
| Meal arrangement | Arrange yourself |
| Sightseeing type | Natural sights, Temples & shrines, Bus tour |
| Transport | Bus tour |
Product Info
- Guaranteed departure for 1 person
- Staff who can speak Japanese and Chinese will accompany you (Note: This is a language support staff, not a tour conductor or bus guide.)
- Pick-up and drop-off available at Aso Kumamoto Airport, JR Aso Station, and Kumamoto Sakuramachi Bus Terminal
Daikanbo: A peak on the northern outer rim of the caldera, located northeast of Uchimaki Onsen. With an elevation of approximately 935 meters, it boasts an elevation difference of about 400 meters from the Aso Valley (Aso city) directly below, making it one of Aso's most representative scenic spots. From here, you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view, encompassing the cityscape of Aso, the Aso Five Peaks, and even the Kuju mountain range.
Strolling through the town in front of Aso Shrine: Aso Shrine has a rare horizontal approach to its main gate, which faces this path. Along the approach is a bustling shopping street lined with restaurants, liquor stores, souvenir shops, and more, attracting many tourists. There are also numerous springs (drinking fountains) called "mizuki" scattered throughout the area, and a popular activity is "mizuki hopping," where visitors stroll around searching for these springs.
Visiting the Aso Volcano Crater: The Aso caldera, with its rugged lava rock formations, 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 remains 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. Please note that crater visits may not be possible due to volcanic gas regulations, etc. We will adjust the schedule to allow for more time for sightseeing at Kusasenri.
Kusasenrigahama: One of Aso's representative tourist spots. 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 with each season.
Purchase Notice
[Travel conditions]
Departure point/Destination: Kumamoto
Length of trip: Day trip
Transportation: Chartered bus
Bus company: Kyushu Sanko Bus Co., Ltd. or our affiliated bus company
Meal conditions: Breakfast 0 times, Lunch 0 times, Dinner 0 times
Available accommodation: None
Minimum number of participants: 1
Tour conductor: 0
Guides: 0
[Travel planning/implementation]
Company name: KASSE JAPAN Co., Ltd.
Address: 9F Taiyo Life Kumamoto Building, 4-3 Hanabatacho, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City
Registration number: Kumamoto Prefectural Governor Registered Travel Agency No. 2-276
Travel industry association: Member of the All Japan Travel Agents Association (ANTA)
[Consignment sales]
KKDAY JAPAN Co., Ltd.
2nd Floor, WESTALL Yotsuya Building, 1-22-5 Yotsuya, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0004
Japan Tourism Agency Registered Travel Agency No. 2045
Affiliated organization: Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA)
Reminders
A minimum of 1 traveler(s) are required for the tour to depart. If the number of participants does not reach the minimum requirement, the tour will be canceled. An email regarding tour cancellation will be sent 3 day(s) before the departure date
Travelers with the following conditions or other health issues that could be worsened by excessive stimulation should not participate in this activity: Heart disease, Asthma
If you do not have a reservation by 3 PM, 10 days prior to departure, the tour will be cancelled.
For safety reasons, if we determine that it is not possible to operate due to weather conditions or other factors, we may change the course or cancel the tour.
The bus will operate on a fixed schedule. No compensation will be provided if you miss the bus due to your own circumstances.
This tour may be delayed due to weather, road traffic conditions (accidents or congestion), or other reasons. We cannot guarantee connections to trains, airplanes, buses, etc., after the tour ends. Please be aware of this in advance.
We will adjust the size of the vehicle we arrange according to the number of participants on the day. (Example: Coaster or small bus → medium bus → large bus)
Our vehicles do not have basic luggage compartments. If you have large luggage, please leave it in a coin locker or similar facility beforehand.
On the day of your visit, our staff will guide you to your seat. Please note that if there are many reservations, you may be seated with other customers.
If your child under 3 years old requires a seat, please register them as a Child.
Toxic volcanic gases (sulfur dioxide, SO2) are present around the crater. Visiting the crater is life-threatening for individuals with asthma, respiratory diseases, heart conditions, or other health problems.
Due to gas regulations or other reasons, it may not be possible to visit the crater. In that case, please adjust your schedule by allocating more time for sightseeing at Kusasenri.
The accompanying interpreter is a conversation support staff member; they are not a tour guide or bus conductor.
FAQs
1. Is Mount Aso currently active, and what are the safety precautions for visitors?
Mount Aso is an active volcano with ongoing activity, primarily at its Nakadake crater. Safety levels are regularly monitored and publicly announced by local authorities. Access to the crater area may be restricted based on volcanic gas levels and activity. Visitors should always check the latest volcanic alerts and follow local guidelines, which often include observing from designated safe viewing areas, ensuring a secure and enjoyable visit.
2. What unique natural features and attractions can be found in the Mount Aso area?
The Mount Aso area is renowned for its vast caldera, one of the largest in the world, encompassing several towns and a rich ecosystem. Key natural attractions include the active Nakadake crater, the expansive Kusasenri grassland, and numerous hot springs. The region also boasts diverse flora and fauna, offering unique landscapes that are a testament to its volcanic origins and making it a prominent destination for natural beauty.
3. What makes Daikanbo a popular spot for panoramic views of the Aso caldera?
Daikanbo offers one of the most breathtaking panoramic views of the entire Aso caldera, often referred to as the 'Sleeping Buddha' due to its distinct shape. From this elevated viewpoint, visitors can marvel at the impressive scale of the caldera, the surrounding mountain ranges, and the picturesque landscape, providing an unforgettable vista, particularly during sunrise or sunset when the light creates dramatic scenery.
4. What activities and sights are available at Kusasenrihama at Mount Aso?
Kusasenrihama is a vast, emerald-green grassland plateau located at the foot of Mount Eboshidake, offering a truly unique landscape. Visitors can enjoy activities such as horseback riding, take scenic walks across the open fields, and visit the Aso Volcano Museum which provides in-depth insights into the volcano's history and geology. The area also offers stunning, often close-up, views of the smoking Nakadake crater when accessibility permits.
5. What is the historical background and significance of Aso Shrine?
Aso Shrine is one of Japan's oldest and most significant Shinto shrines, with a rich history spanning over 2,000 years. It is dedicated to the deities associated with the Aso region, including the god of agriculture and volcanic protection. Despite past damage from natural disasters like earthquakes, the shrine continues to be a spiritual and cultural center, showcasing traditional Japanese architecture and deep-rooted local heritage.
6. What are the recommended transportation options for reaching Mount Aso's key sites from Kumamoto?
Traveling from Kumamoto to Mount Aso's key sites can be achieved via public buses or by joining a dedicated tour bus. Public buses offer flexibility but may involve multiple transfers and longer travel times. A more convenient and recommended alternative is to book an Aso tour bus, which provides direct transportation to multiple highlights like Daikanbo, Kusasenrihama, and Aso Shrine, ensuring a comfortable and efficient journey without the hassle of self-driving or navigating public transport schedules.
7. Why is a trip to the Mount Aso region considered a valuable experience for tourists?
A trip to the Mount Aso region offers immense value due to its unique combination of active volcanic landscapes, expansive grasslands, and rich cultural heritage. Tourists can witness powerful natural phenomena, explore serene ancient shrines, and enjoy various outdoor activities. This diverse range of experiences provides a memorable and enriching journey, highlighting Japan's stunning natural beauty and geological wonders in one remarkable destination.
8. What are the practical benefits of joining an Aso tour bus for exploring the region?
Joining an Aso tour bus offers significant practical benefits for exploring the region. It ensures easy, convenient, and comfortable travel to multiple key highlights such as Daikanbo, Kusasenrihama, Aso Shrine, and the Aso Volcano area. This service effectively eliminates the need for navigating complex transfers, significantly reduces overall travel time, and allows visitors to experience Aso's diverse attractions efficiently, even without having a private car.
