Nango Valley

The Nango Valley sits inside the Aso caldera, covering 23 square kilometers along the banks of the Shirakawa River. The natural terraces that line the valley are thought to have formed when ancient lava flows entered Tateno Gorge downstream, partially blocking the river and raising water levels before they subsided. The river exits the caldera through Tateno Gorge, the only opening in the caldera wall. The valley includes grasslands used for livestock at the foot of Mt. Nakadake, agricultural fields growing cold-resistant vegetables near Mt. Nekodake, and a cluster of onsen in the western section. The combination of volcanic landscape and pastoral activity is distinctive.