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. 3 of Fall Viewing Attractions in Kumamoto Prefecture

Kamishikimi Kumanoza Shrine

Located in Takamori-cho, Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan, Kamishiro-mi Kumanoza Shrine is a historic shrine that attracts visitors with its unique architectural style and natural environment. The shrine is located in a tranquil forest, surrounded by lush trees, providing visitors with a quiet place away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It is worth mentioning that the shrine is a reference for the scenery in the popular animation "Firefly Forest". One of the famous landscapes of the shrine is its long torii tunnel, and visitors can walk along this path to feel the fusion of tradition and nature. Many tourists come to worship every year, especially during the New Year and other important festivals, when the shrine will hold various traditional events to add depth to the cultural experience. In terms of transportation, visitors can take public transportation from Kumamoto City, and the journey takes about two hours. There is a parking lot near the shrine for self-driving tourists. Visiting Kamishiro-mi Kumanoza Shrine is not only a cultural journey, but also a spiritual baptism. Visitors can enjoy a moment of tranquility here and experience the charm of traditional Japanese culture.

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. 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

No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Miyazaki Prefecture

Takachiho Gorge

Takachiho Gorge is a V-shaped gorge formed by the cooling and solidification of pyroclastic flows from the eruption of Mount Aso, followed by long-term erosion by the Gokase River. The banks are lined with steep cliffs approx. 80–100m high, where columnar joints are clearly visible. The emerald green river water and gray rock layers contrast with each other, creating a striking natural view. Manai Falls, located within the gorge, is approx. 17m high and is a representative view. Visitors can take a rowboat to enjoy the waterfall and cliffs up close from the water, or stroll along the approx. 1 km long trail to view the gorge scenery from different angles. There are viewing spots along the trail, including the Takachiho Three Bridges, where you can see the three arch bridges against the backdrop of the gorge. The Takachiho area has deep ties to Japanese mythology, and the rocks and waterfalls in the gorge are also associated with related legends. In spring and summer, the banks are lush with greenery; in the fall, the red leaves reflect on the emerald water, presenting different seasonal scenery. Boat tours are popular, so it is recommended to plan your time in advance if visiting during holidays.

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