Aso Nakadake Crater

Mt. Aso in Aso-Kuju National Park, central Kyushu, is Japan's most active volcano. The huge caldera stretches 24 kilometers from north to south, surrounded by five peaks known collectively as Aso Gogaku: Mt. Naka, Mt. Neko, Mt. Taka, Mt. Eboshi, and Mt. Kishima. Mt. Naka, with a milky green lake wreathed in smoke, is the most active peak and the main attraction in the region. After the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake, access to Mt. Naka was temporarily restricted, but the tourist route is now open again. It is a rare opportunity to see an active volcano up close. However, approaching the crater is not permitted when volcanic activity is elevated. Check the Aso Volcano Museum or local signage for real-time access updates.