Fukuoka Airport 1 hr 59
Aso-Kuju National Park (35 min) Mountainous 280 sq. mile national park with a vast caldera, grassland, marshes & hot springs. Mt. Nakadake (34 min) Smoking caldera & lake on Mount Aso with visitor access to the rim, volcanic conditions permitting. Aso shrine (30 min) Various festivals & rituals are held at this Shinto shrine dating back some 2,000 years. Kikuchi Gorge (46 min) Peaceful, forested valley featuring a variety of scenic river waterfalls & nature trails. Mt. Kishima (15 min) Mountaineering, volcano, and mountain Aso Cuddly Dominion (20 min) Zoo featuring many species of bears in basic enclosures & a petting area with cubs & dogs. Aso Farm Land (7 min) Health-focused theme park for adults & kids with athletic activities, a petting zoo & spa services. Aso Volcano Museum (18 min) This compact, time-tested museum offers educational exhibits on volcanoes, along with a cafe. Shirakawa Suigen spring (18 min) Greenery-surrounded river springs with water that can be bottled at the source, plus a shrine. Mt. Aso Nakadake Crater (25 min) Active volcanic crater accessible by car, bus or walk that is sometimes closed due to toxic gas. Mount Aso (33 min) The circumference of this active volcano is around 75 miles & features a cone with 5 distinct peaks. Daikanbo (32 min) Mountaintop reached by car for 360-degree views, including rice fields in the caldera & other peaks. Kusasenri (18 min) Tranquil, grass-covered plateau with paths & views of Mt. Aso, Japan’s largest active volcano. Tawarayama (19 min) Peak with a trail leading past windmills to the top for views of greenery-clad mountains. Isshingyo Sakura Tree (13 min) 400-year-old, 14-m.-high cherry tree located in Isshingyo Park, famous for its full bloom. |