Kyushu Kumamoto Aso Mt. Day Trip | Mount Aso / Kusasenri / Aso Shrine / Mizuki Pilgrimage / All-you-can-eat Seasonal Fruits | Departs from Fukuoka (Private private charter car service available)
- This tour offers the option of group travel or private private charter car, departing directly from Fukuoka to Aso, a convenient day trip that is time-saving, safe, and easy.
- Interview the world-class spectacular Mount Aso and the boundless beauty of the grasslands, and experience the awe-inspiring power of nature.
- Visit Aso's oldest shrine, offer prayers, then take a pilgrimage to the spring (water fountain) and stroll through the Monzencho shopping street, sampling local delicacies and Aso's renowned sweet spring water.
- Introducing seasonal limited-time tours, where you can pick and eat fresh fruit on the spot, experiencing the fun of harvesting and the sweet and delicious taste of the season.
- We offer group tour services with flexible pick-up and drop-off points and more flexible travel schedules.
Package Options
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Minimum participant requirement | 15 travelers |
| Meal arrangement | Arrange yourself |
| Sightseeing type | Natural sights |
| Transport | Bus tour |
Product Info
The content of this product is provided by machine translation and may not reflect the actual information, please take this into consideration before booking.
[Special Note]
- All times are local time in Japan. Itinerary times and attraction order are for reference only and may be adjusted due to factors such as transportation, weather, and attraction reservation availability. The actual itinerary time and order are subject to local arrangements. Please be aware that if you wish to include evening activities, please allow sufficient time. No refunds or compensation will be provided for any losses incurred by travelers due to itinerary delays.
- If the weather is bad or the Mount Aso Nakadake volcano is under alert, the itinerary will be extended by spending more time at other attractions. We apologize for any inconvenience.
- If you are traveling by large bus on the same day, you will need to transfer to the Aso crater shuttle bus. The itinerary order and stop time will be adjusted depending on the shuttle bus reservation time. Please be aware of this.
- The seasonal fruit picking experience will be arranged with different farms depending on the fruit season. The itinerary and duration of the visit will be adjusted according to the order of the farms booked. Please be aware of this.
- If you require different departure times or different pick-up/drop-off locations, we will provide services as a group tour. Please select the "Private Private charter car" option when making a reservation. After the reservation, someone will contact you to confirm. Online reservations do not guarantee successful booking; confirmation is subject to a response from our customer service staff. Please be aware of this.
- Meals are not included in this tour price; breakfast, lunch, and dinner are at your own expense. The tour guide may adjust the order and duration of visits to attractions based on weather and traffic conditions. This tour includes opportunities to enjoy local Aso cuisine and purchase souvenirs in areas such as Asokusa Senri and the Aso Shrine shopping street.
Map of Mount Aso Nakadake crater / Mt. Aso Nakadake map
Mount Aso (Nakadake): Located in northeastern Kumamoto Prefecture, Kyushu, Mount Aso is a famous active volcano in Japan, boasting a caldera landscape rarely seen in the world. It is also one of the few scenic spots where you can view an active volcano up close. You can look down at the crater from a close distance, gazing at the plumes of white smoke rising continuously, and feel the astonishing power and spectacular beauty of nature. (Photos provided by Kumamoto Prefectural Tourism Federation)
Daikanbo: Located northeast of Uchimaki Onsen, one of the peaks in the northern outer rim of the Aso Mountains, it offers the best panoramic view of Mount Aso, boasting a 360-degree vista of the Aso town, the Aso Five Peaks, and the Kuju mountain range. The Aso Five Peaks seen from here resemble a reclining Buddha, hence the name "Nirvana Statue." With luck, one can also witness a sea of clouds during autumn and winter. Daikanbo also features souvenir shops and restaurants, and is a popular spot for astronomical observation.
Aso Grassland: A vast grassland located at the northern foot of Mount Eboshi. In the center of the grassland is a pool formed by rainwater, and cattle and horses graze freely. The scenery changes throughout the year. Strolling leisurely across this 20,000-hectare expanse of green grassland, watching the free-roaming cattle and sheep, and breathing in the fresh mountain air will refresh your mind and give you the illusion of being in a fairyland. (Photos provided by: Kumamoto Prefectural Tourism Federation)
Rice Mound (viewed from the car window): On the way from Chigusa to Nakadake Volcano, you can see a very important landmark in Aso called "Rice Mound." It's about 50 meters high, with a slightly sunken summit, shaped like an inverted rice bowl. Legend has it that the gods of Aso Shrine piled rice here to help the poor, and the shape of the mountain resembled a mound of rice, hence the name Rice Mound. Especially in spring and summer, the entire mountain is covered in lush greenery, creating a breathtaking natural landscape. (Photo provided by: Kumamoto Prefectural Tourism Federation)
Aso Shrine: An ancient shrine with a history of 2,500 years, dedicated to Kenpan Ryu-no-Mikoto, the founder of Aso. It was the only official shrine in the prefecture before World War II. The main gate of Aso Shrine houses a wooden katana carved with dragon patterns; it is said that if one passes through the gate, the dragon, an incarnation of Kenpan Ryu-no-Mikoto, will cut down all calamities. (Photo provided by Kumamoto Prefectural Tourism Federation)
Aso Ichinomiya Monzencho Shopping Street: Extending from the approach to Aso Shrine, the Monzencho Shopping Street features cafes, souvenir shops, and other stores, allowing you to enjoy a stroll and shopping while exploring the shrine grounds. (Photos provided by: Kumamoto Prefectural Tourism Federation)
A Pilgrimage to the Water-Based Springs (Aso's Longevity Springs): Ichinomiya Town, renowned for its high-quality groundwater, features natural spring-fed drinking fountains known as "Mizuki" along the way. The spring water here has been revered since ancient times as a "divine spring" that brings health and longevity. Local residents have long drawn water with gratitude and have erected 14 water-based stations made of wood and stone, offering travelers free access to the clear, sweet spring water. (Photos provided by: Kumamoto Prefectural Tourism Federation)
Michi-no-eki Aso | ASO Rural Space Museum: Located in Aso City, Kumamoto Prefecture, the Aso Michi-no-eki offers a variety of local specialties, including seasonal fruits and vegetables, meats, dairy products, sweets, and handmade bento boxes. Visitors can also enjoy stunning views of the Aso Five Peaks.
Aso Milk Road, one of Japan's 100 most famous roads, is known as "Kyushu's most beautiful road" (Prefectural Route 339). It offers panoramic views of the Aso Five Peaks and the outer rim of the Aso Mountains, allowing you to fully enjoy the vast and beautiful natural scenery of Aso. *Please note that the route may be impassable depending on weather and traffic conditions.
Purchase Notice
[Tourism Conditions]
Travel departure point and destination: Fukuoka and Kumamoto
Trip duration: Day trip
Transportation: Chartered bus
Bus company name: 日芊観光バス, etc.
Meals: Breakfast 0 times, Lunch 0 times, Dinner 0 times
Accommodation facilities: None
Minimum group size: 15
Team Leader: 1
[Travel Planning/Implementation]
Operating Company Name: LION TRAVEL JAPAN Co., Ltd.
Address: 7th Floor, Toranomon Central Building, 1-7-1 Nishi-Shinbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
License Number: Tourism Authority Registered Travel Agent No. 1892
Name of travel agency: Japan Travel Agents Association (Regular Member)
Reminders
A minimum of 15 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 4 day(s) before the departure date
The itinerary order, arrival and stay times are for reference only. The itinerary will be flexibly adjusted according to the weather and on-site conditions on the day. The actual route and content are subject to on-site announcements.
This itinerary will try to remain as faithful as possible to the original itinerary in terms of transportation and attractions. However, in case of special circumstances (such as weather, traffic, reservation status, facility closure, local activities, etc.), the order of the itinerary may be adjusted or the sightseeing attractions may be changed. The final arrangements will be subject to the actual situation. We appreciate your understanding.
Bus seats are one person per seat. Depending on the number of registrations on the day, you may be assigned a seat of the opposite sex next to you. Seats cannot be specified and are subject to on-site arrangement. We apologize for the inconvenience.
In the event of accidents, traffic congestion, weather, or other factors, the bus arrival time may be significantly delayed. Please carefully assess your travel arrangements before and after departure before making a reservation. We regret that we cannot provide compensation for any losses incurred due to bus delays affecting your self-arranged transportation or other facilities.
If the bus malfunctions or traffic jams and causes delays to the itinerary, and it is necessary to change or cancel the itinerary or activities, passengers shall not object or withdraw on this basis. If the itinerary is delayed or changed due to factors such as severe weather, strikes or unexpected accidents, passengers shall not demand compensation or a refund of the tour fee on this basis.
If the tour cannot proceed due to weather conditions or insufficient participants, a full refund will be issued. However, expenses incurred by the traveler, such as transportation and accommodation, will not be compensated. Travelers who fail to arrive on the day of the tour, leave the group midway, or voluntarily abandon the tour due to personal reasons are not entitled to a refund or compensation.
If the trip is cancelled or terminated due to special circumstances such as severe weather, natural disasters, mechanical failures, traffic accidents, war, coups, strikes, riots, or government orders that are not attributable to the travel agency, a full refund of the tour fee will be issued. After departure, the refund will be issued after deducting the costs already incurred. Under these circumstances, tour members may not object or demand compensation. Travelers shall be responsible for any losses or additional costs incurred as a result of the incident.
Please be sure to follow the safety instructions of the tour guide and staff during the trip. When Mount Aso issues a notice prohibiting entry, the itinerary may be adjusted appropriately for safety reasons. Your cooperation is appreciated.
Our company, drivers, tour leaders, and guides shall not be liable for any loss of money or property caused by theft under any circumstances or in any location. Passengers shall be solely responsible for the safekeeping of all their belongings and documents.
This is a group tour. Therefore, to ensure the safety and well-being of all travelers, if you wish to leave the group during the trip for personal reasons, please inform us in the remarks section when booking or contact LION customer service. On the day of the tour, you must submit a leave-of-group agreement to the tour leader before leaving the group. Any unfinished portion of the itinerary will be considered an automatic waiver, and no refund will be given. Thank you for your understanding.
The bus seats used during the trip may be shared with other members of the tour group, depending on the tour leader's arrangements on the day.
This trip is not suitable for people with asthma, bronchial disease, cardiovascular disease, or general health conditions. The toxic gases from Mount Aso may trigger an attack of these conditions, potentially leading to death. Please be aware of this.
Elderly people and pregnant women are advised to be accompanied by family members. Travelers are responsible for understanding the potential health risks of the trip before departure and taking appropriate measures. Those who are unable to assess the risks themselves must consult a doctor and make full preparations.
Minors or children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult to join the tour. Travelers aged 80 and above must be accompanied by a family member or friend. We apologize for any inconvenience.
To ensure the safety of travelers and protect the rights of other group members, please inform us of any chronic illnesses or mobility issues when registering.
In the event of force majeure (such as weather, traffic conditions, road closures, etc.), for the sake of travel safety and the smooth running of the itinerary, our company reserves the right and obligation to adjust the itinerary, modify activities or cancel the tour. If the tour is canceled, the full tour fee will be refunded.
FAQ
The ideal times to visit Aso Volcano and Kusasenri are generally spring (April-May) and autumn (October-November). During spring, the grasslands are lush green, while autumn offers beautiful foliage. Summer (June-September) is also popular, though it can be warmer. Winter (December-March) can bring snow, offering a different landscape, but crater access might be more limited due to weather conditions.
A day tour to Aso Volcano offers breathtaking experiences including witnessing the world-class active Aso Volcano and the expansive, picturesque grasslands of Kusasenri. Visitors can also explore the historic Aso Shrine, partake in a 'Suiki' (spring water) pilgrimage to taste the famed sweet spring water, and stroll through the Monzenmachi shopping street for local delicacies. Additionally, some tours feature seasonal activities like fresh fruit picking.
Aso Volcano is located in Kumamoto Prefecture, on the island of Kyushu, Japan. It is one of the world's largest active calderas, stretching across an impressive area. The caldera encompasses several peaks, including Mount Nakadake (which often has an accessible crater), and is surrounded by vast, scenic grasslands like Kusasenri, offering unique geological landscapes and panoramic views.
Access to the Aso Volcano crater (Mount Nakadake) is subject to current volcanic activity and gas levels. Local authorities continuously monitor the conditions, and access can be restricted for safety reasons. When conditions permit, visitors can approach observation points near the crater. It's crucial to always adhere to local safety guidelines and warnings, which prioritize visitor well-being.
You can easily book the Aso Volcano day tour departing from Fukuoka through KKday. Booking via KKday offers convenience, allowing you to secure your spot for an effortless one-day round trip to Aso's classic attractions. You can choose between a shared group tour or a private chartered car service, providing flexibility to suit your travel preferences for a comfortable and relaxed journey.
At Aso Shrine, you can visit one of Japan's oldest shrines, immersing yourself in its rich history and spiritual atmosphere. The 'Suiki' (spring water) pilgrimage in the surrounding area allows you to taste the renowned sweet spring water, a local pride. Afterwards, you can explore the charming Monzenmachi shopping street, known for its local specialty foods and unique shops.
Yes, the Aso day tour itinerary offers a seasonal limited option that includes fresh fruit picking. This allows visitors to enjoy the fun of harvesting and savor the sweet flavors of seasonal fruits directly from the farm, providing a delightful and unique experience that changes with the time of year.
For the Aso Volcano day tour departing from Fukuoka, you have the flexibility to choose between two convenient transportation options. You can opt for a shared group tour, which provides a comfortable and economical way to travel, or select a private chartered car service for a more personalized and flexible travel experience with direct transport to all attractions.
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