Aso (阿蘇 市 Aso-shi) is a smaller town In Japan, Kyushun on the island. However, the name is most often associated with the nearby rising Aso Mountain (阿蘇 山 Aso-san), which is the largest active volcano in Japan. The volcano is the reason for most to stop in Aso.
Understand
The active Aso volcano brings a surprisingly large crowd to this small quiet village-like village. Most want to see a steaming crater, so you can get there by cable car or even for a fee. However, the largest tourist crowd just spins right around the crater. There are several good hiking routes in the area, and there is no information about the crowds on the routes.
Come
By train
Aso is on the JR Hohi line, just over an hour and a half train ride from Kumamoto by local train, or just over an hour away by Kyushu Limited Express train. The local train will survive 1080 yen, while the passenger on the special express train will have to lighten his purse by 2180 yen.
Kumamoto is Fukuoka a direct train connection with the Relay Tsubame special high-speed train, which will still connect these cities until 2010, with the actual Tsubame bullet train connection under construction.
By road
Move
There are two cable cars to the mountain. The Aso Nishi (western) terminal is easily reached by bus directly from Aso train station. The last bus back leaves the terminal at 5 pm. The route also passes the Aso hostel, next to which there is a stop. The road up to the top is chargeable, so if you drive your own car, be prepared to pay tolls.
To go to the Aso Higashi (east) terminal, you should take the local train to Miyaji a couple of stations from Aso. It is a few kilometers walk or taxi ride from the station to the cable car terminal.
See
- Aso mountain is still active and releases excess sulfur vapors through the Nakadake Crater. The summit is more or less fully harnessed for tourism - all the way to the point where you can actually drive along an asphalt road. However, a few hiking trails start from the crater, and you only have to walk a few hundred meters from the top to leave the crowd behind. Sometimes when the winds blow toxic gases suitably from the crater, there is a cable car and the peak is closed. However, this usually doesn’t take long, and the cable car starts as soon as the winds turn. If you want to check in advance, you can call the cable car terminal, or if you live in a hostel, you may want to ask the staff.
Tea
- Several hiking trails runs around Mount Aso. From the friendly staff at Aso Hostel, you will receive a duplicated A4 patch with the main routes and estimated hiking times. Hiking maps are also available at bookstores, for example the Shobunsha series is good, although all entries are in Japanese.
- There are a few hot springs around the city where it is good to bathe your tired feet clean after hiking.
Buy
With the exception of the typical tourist crowd that is on sale at cable car terminals, Aso has little shopping opportunities. The supermarket Lawson Station is a couple of blocks from the station.
Eat
There are a few restaurants and a small ramen noodle spot around the station.
Juo
Sleep
- Ason Youth Hostel, 922-2 Bochu, ☎ 81 967 340804. Although quite ascetic, this hostel is the choice of the budget traveler. Mainly because it is the only cheaper place. The owner is friendly and happy to tell you about the surroundings. You can also get a rough hiking map here. Breakfast is not available, but a few cup noodle packages are available for a small fee. dorm place ¥ 2450.
Stay safe
Stay healthy
Take contact
Continue your journey
- Beppu - The track from Asosta continues east towards the city of hot springs
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