Breathtaking Aso Volcano : Panoramas,Crater&Nature Walks
Join me on a private scenic journey to discover the natural wonders of Mt. Aso, one of the world’s largest active volcanoes!
We’ll travel in a comfortable private car, making it easy and relaxing to get between spots. Enjoy stunning panoramic views from Daikanbo, walk across the vast Kusasenrigahama grasslands, and visit the Nakadake Crater if it’s open. This tour is perfect for anyone who loves nature, wants to explore new experiences. Let’s make your day in ASO both memorable and fun!
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Pick-up at your accommodation or agreed location
Daikanbo Panoramic Viewpoint
Daikanbo is a beautiful lookout over the Aso caldera and is considered one of the best viewpoints in Kyushu. From here, you can see the Five Peaks of Aso, the local villages, rice fields, and the surrounding mountains. It’s a perfect spot for photos and enjoying the amazing scenery. Sometimes, you might even see paragliders soaring over the valley, adding an extra thrill to the view!
Kusasenrigahama Grasslands
Kusasenrigahama is a wide, open grassland with beautiful views and a peaceful atmosphere. You can take a relaxing walk, enjoy the scenery, and take photos. You can also ride a horse to explore the grasslands like a local, and enjoy views of small ponds and streams that add to the peaceful scenery. Afterward, you can visit the shops or café to have lunch or a coffee break.
Nakadake Crater
This is the most exciting part of the tour!
"Nakadake Crater" is the only active volcano from an old eruption in the area. You can see steam rising from the crater and feel the raw power of the volcano.
Depending on the smoke, you might even see a blue lake inside. From the viewpoint, you can also enjoy a striking contrast between the lush green mountains on one side and the barren volcanic terrain around the crater on the other.
It’s an exciting and unforgettable spot for photos and a chance to experience Aso’s natural energy up close.
Shin-Aso Ohashi Bridge
On the way back, we’ll stop at Shin-Aso Ohashi Bridge, a 525-meter-long bridge with a maximum height of 97 meters.
The bridge was built in March 2021, just 600 meters downstream from the original Aso Ohashi Bridge, which collapsed during the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquakes.
From here, you can see how the area has recovered after the earthquake. It’s a great spot for photos and a short break before returning.
Return to your accommodation or agreed location
Ending Point
Your accommodation or agreed location
Want to personalize this tour?
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This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Guide Fee
Private transportation with Honda Civic
Gasoline fee
Pick-up/Drop-off
Parking Fees (¥1500)
Lunch Fees (1,500-3,000yen/person)
Horse Ride Fees (¥1500/person)
Tour Important Information
*This tour involves walking on uneven paths and grasslands, so please wear comfortable shoes.
*Nakadake Crater is an active volcano, so access may be restricted depending on safety and weather. If the crater is closed, we will visit another beautiful spot nearby instead.
*The tour is suitable for most ages, but not recommended for those with severe mobility or heart problems.
*Please let me know in advance if you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions for lunch or café stops.
*The tour is for 2–3 people per private car. If your group is larger, please contact me in advance.
*Weather can change quickly in the mountains, so bring a jacket, sunscreen, and hat.
*Horse riding is optional and may require additional fees; children must be supervised.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
About Tour Guide Venus K.
Hi! I am Venus, and I have been living in Kumamoto for over 12 years. Since I realized how amazing this region is, I have wanted people from around the world to visit, experience its beauty, and create wonderful memories.
Kumamoto is full of stunning nature, rich history, and warm-hearted local culture. Whether it’s the breathtaking Aso Volcano, peaceful gardens, or delicious local cuisine, every place has something special to offer.
I truly enjoy meeting new people from around the world, and I am happy to be sharing smiles, good times, and unforgettable moments with my guests.
My guiding style is friendly, flexible, and easy to understand, so everyone feels comfortable and enjoys the journey. I can also take photos for you, so you can fully enjoy the experience and bring home beautiful memories.
To make your trip even easier, I offer private car tours (ideal for 2–3 guests), allowing you to travel at your own pace and visit hidden gems not easily reached by public transport.
I will do my best to make your trip to Kumamoto fun, memorable, and stress-free.
I look forward to welcoming you, sharing smiles, and creating an unforgettable travel experience together!
Reviews
Vincent N.
“Mt Aso tour”
My brother and I had the pleasure of touring with Venus again during our stay in Kyushu. We stopped by Kamishikimi Kumanouimasu shrine for the first part of the tour. It was nice stroll through the forest where we saw a shrine which feels tranquil and spiritual. Then we visited various locations in the areas around Mount Aso. It was a beautiful clear day and the views of the landscapes were absolutely breathtaking. Thanks again Venus for showing us around twice during our trip. I hope we we meet again during a future trip to Kumamoto.
Li leen K.
“Recommend!! ”
Venus was a very friendly and easy-to-talk-to guide. She not only suggested some hidden spots that most tourists don’t know about, but also shared the background and stories behind each location. Although we weren’t able to visit the crater this time, every part of the Aso area was absolutely beautiful and filled with breathtaking views. I’m very satisfied with this trip, and if I have the chance to visit Kumamoto again in the future, I would definitely choose Venus again to continue exploring more hidden spots around Mt. Aso!
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Venus K.
Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful review I’m really happy to hear that you enjoyed exploring the Aso area and discovering some hidden spots together. Even though we couldn’t visit the crater this time, I’m glad the beautiful scenery and atmosphere still made the trip memorable for you. I would be very happy to welcome you back to Kumamoto again in the future, and next time hopefully we can explore even more amazing hidden places around Mt. Aso together
Vincent N.
“Takachiho tour”
My brother, friend, and I had the pleasure of being on a tour with Venus, who is a friendly and welcoming tour guide. We had the opportunity to explore various places including Takachiho Gorge, Amano Yasukawara cave, and Kunimigaoka Southern Lookout. All of the places we saw were absolutely breathtaking. Additionally, we had rode the Amaterasu Railway ride and that was a pretty pleasant ride with a nice scenic view of the land. On the way back from Takachiho Gorge, she offered to let us soak at a public onsen she recommended before we headed back to our train station. Even though it wasn't on the itinerary, she was very thoughtful on offering. We took her up on her offer and we had lovely soak at the onsen after a full day at Takachiho Gorge. If you're looking for a tour guide in the Kumamoto area, Venus is excellent. Thanks Venus for showing us around Takachiho Gorge. If we're ever in Kumamoto in the future and need a tour guide, we'll keep you in mind if you're available!
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Venus K.
Thank you so much for your kind words. I'm grateful for your compliments, and I'm very happy that you, your brother, and your friend had a great time on the tour with me.I hope this becomes a wonderful memory of your trip to Kyushu, Japan.I hope to see you again when you visit Kumamoto in the future!
$369/ per group
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