Japan 🇯🇵 - Aso

Tips 👏

• Book your boat rental for Takachiho Gorges online in advance; we got lucky finding a slot, but it gets busy. Ideally also visit during the week. We tried to book it but website wasn't working for us.
• Check the volcanic fume status before driving up to the Mt Aso crater, as access is sometimes restricted.
• If you have the budget, look into booking a helicopter ride over the volcano for a unique view.
• Hikers should consider the 5 hour loop on the ridges overlooking the crater, it looked amazing, though we didn't have time for it (gutted!)

Accommodation 🏠

We stayed at Takenokura Sansou at the bottom of Mt Aso. It was a fantastic choice, primarily because the rooms came with private onsens. Having our own hot spring bath to soak in after a long day of driving and exploring was the perfect way to unwind. The dinner was also INSANE, michelin star level, we couldn't believe it, our favourite during the trip. They were also super nice and friendly, and adapted the menu based on our diet requirement!!!

Restaurants 🍜

• Takachiho Area: We stopped for a traditional lunch where somen noodles are sent down bamboo canals. It is a fun and authentic experience, although not our favourite.
• Aso Hanabishi: Located in Aso town, this spot served amazing slices of local beef (akaushi), must try!
• Tanoya Bakery: Also in Aso town, do not miss grabbing a cream puff here for a snack.

Getting there 🚗

We drove into the region as part of a larger Kyushu road trip. The drive to Beppu took about two hours, and having a car was essential for reaching the geysers and navigating the mountain roads around Mt Aso later on.

Duration ⏱

We spent three days and two nights in the area. This felt like a good amount of time to see the main sights without rushing too much, though one more day would have been nice for hiking.

Beppu Hells Stopover 👹

On our way to the Aso area, we stopped in Beppu to visit the famous seven "Hells" or geothermal basins (5 are close to each other, the last two including the geyser require car/shuttle). You can access most of them by parking close to Umi Jigoku, and the two others from the other parking lot. There were geysers, footbaths, and even spots to cook eggs in the steam. It was a nice stop to break up the drive, but I probably would not make a special trip just for this.

Takachiho Gorges & Trains 🚣

We started our first full day with a drive to Takachiho Gorges. It was packed with tourists, so getting there early or on a weekday is definitely better. We started with the 1km walking path which offers great views overlooking the gorges. Later, we managed to get a boat rental for a 30 minute ride on the water, seeing the waterfalls from below. Note that we went straight to the boat rental to secure a booking three hours later.

After lunch, we drove to the Takachiho railway station. We boarded a retro train (or chu-chu train like Barbara calls them) for a 30 minute ride that stops on an old but very tall bridge. The view of the canyon from up there was incredible.

We ended the day with a visit to Amanoyasukawara, a beautiful and mystical shrine located inside a cave, before heading back to the hotel for a private onsen soak.

Mt Aso & Kurokawa 🌋

Our final day started with a visit to Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine, which features a long staircase through the woods leading to a cave at the top. It has a very mystical atmosphere super scenic, with lots of steps as always, good for cardio!

From there, we drove into the Aso volcanic area, to the parking lot at the top (not always open due to the fumes). We stopped at various observatories to see the peaks and the volcano nearby before parking at the crater area to walk around the viewpoints.

We then drove to Aso town nearby for food and a little stroll in the small and sleepy city, witnessing a local wedding and visiting the shrine.

We then took a super scenic drive over to Kurokawa Onsen Village with great views on the area. We strolled through the town and stopped for a free footbath and onsen eggs, soaking the vibes, before heading back to our hotel for amazing food and onsen.

Hope this was helpful, you can ask us any questions on Instagram.