Things to do in Aso District

2026 Global 50 - Hot Springs Attractions

Kurokawa Onsen

Kurokawa Onsen is nestled in a mountain valley in the Aso region of Kumamoto Prefecture, with about 30 hot spring inns scattered among lush forests and clear streams. The town is built on the concept that the entire hot spring town is like one single inn, with each inn's open-air baths blending into the surrounding rocks, trees, and streams to create a hot spring town with a traditional atmosphere. A signature experience here is open-air bath hopping, where visitors can use a wooden bath pass to choose 3 different hot springs from participating inns to experience a variety of bathing environments. Strolling through the streets in a yukata also allows you to soak in the tranquil atmosphere of this mountain hot spring town. Walking along the stream, you can enjoy the scenery where clear water, green trees, and traditional inns intertwine. The hot springs at different inns each have their own unique characteristics in terms of water quality, bath design, and surrounding environment, allowing you to enjoy a diverse bathing experience while exploring on foot.

No. 4 of Best Things to Do in Kumamoto Prefecture

Mount Aso

Mount Aso is a famous active volcano in Kumamoto Prefecture, Kyushu, with a diameter of more than 25 kilometers and the largest caldera in the world today. The five mountains of Aso stand in the crater, namely, Mount Neko, Mount Takayama, Mount Zhongyue, Mount Wugao, and Mount Kitsima. Among them, Mount Zhongshan still has frequent volcanic activities, and the scenery is very spectacular. There are walking trails around the Nakadake crater of Mount Aso, and when you reach the viewing platform of Nakadake crater, you will be greeted by a scene of white smoke. There is also an observatory nearby where you can take in the magnificent views of Kussenri, Mt.

No. 3 of Fall Viewing Attractions in Kumamoto Prefecture

Kamishikimi Kumanoza Shrine

Kamishikimi Kumanoza Shrine is located deep in the forests of the Aso caldera's outer rim. It is said to have been founded between the late Kamakura period and the Muromachi period. It is generally believed to have been formed by the fusion of ancient rock worship centered on the giant "Uto-iwa" rock and the Kumano faith introduced by mountain ascetics. The animated film "Into the Forest of Fireflies' Light," created by Kumamoto-born manga artist Yuki Midorikawa, used this place as a setting, bringing a large number of fans to the shrine who specifically came to visit the story's scenes. Passing through the torii gate at the entrance, a long stone-stepped approach extends upward through the forest. Nearly 100 moss-covered stone lanterns line both sides. Sunlight filters through the branches into this mossy green world, creating dappled light and shadows, making it a very popular spot for photography. After walking along the approach to the shrine building, climbing another steeper slope leads to the giant wind hole "Uto-iwa" behind the shrine, which is said to have been kicked open by the legendary Kihachi-hoshi. It measures over 10 m in height and width, and many visitors come here specifically to pray for success in exams and victory in their pursuits.

No. 4 of Fall Viewing Attractions in Kumamoto Prefecture

Kusasenri

Caoqianli is a shallow quadrangular prairie extending to the northern foot of Wumao Mountain, with a large pond and grazing horses in the center, a scene full of vitality. Here, tourists can enjoy the beauty of the four seasons. The vibrant spring, thriving summer, golden autumn, and silver-clad winter all make people marvel at its beauty. In addition, you can also take a horse-riding walk here and feel the prairie belt. Come relaxed and comfortable.

Aso-Kuju National Park

Aso-Kuju National Park in Kyushu, Japan, is a national park renowned for its magnificent natural views and rich ecosystem. As one of the representative nature reserves in the Kyushu region, the park attracts countless tourists and nature enthusiasts to explore its unique natural beauty and diverse outdoor activities. The park is known for its volcanic terrain and also boasts a rich natural ecosystem. The grasslands, forests, and wetlands within the park provide habitats for a variety of flora and fauna. In spring, wildflowers blooming across the grasslands paint the entire park in a colorful tapestry, while the fall foliage offers visitors another visual treat. The ecological trails within the park are suitable for hiking, allowing visitors to explore the park's biodiversity while enjoying the natural beauty.Aso-Kuju National Park is also an ideal destination for outdoor activities. The park features multiple hiking trails suitable for hikers of all levels. Visitors can choose from relaxing grassland strolls or challenge themselves with more difficult mountain hiking routes. In addition, the park offers campsites and hot springs, providing a wide range of outdoor experience options.

Shirakawa Spring

Shirakawa water source is a famous place selected as one of the top 100 famous waters by the Environment Agency. The water from the water source can be taken away, and heat-treated water is also sold. The actor Watanabe Fumio in Life Lights] introduced to the whole country that [Shirakawa water source is delicious water in Japan], and in his essay collection [From Travel to Journey], he described in detail the feeling of encountering Shirakawa water source in detail. Plastic bottles for take-out can be purchased at the store where the guardian deity of Ariyoshimi Shrine is enshrined nearby.

Aso Shrine

Nabegataki Falls

This is a beautiful, wide waterfall with a significant drop and rushing water. There is a small pond in front of the waterfall, and the small bridge and paths nearby allow visitors to view the waterfall up close.

Kusasenri Observatory

Aso Farm Land

Aso Farm is a multi-functional and comprehensive leisure park that entertains and entertains. With the three elements of "people, nature and vitality", the farm and nature are integrated into one, scattered in the valleys along the terrain, and buildings with unique shapes are round. The Vaulted Farm is an earthly dwelling for travelers.