Kumamoto

Travel

Aso Round Trip Bus” will be extended due to popular demand.

2025.06.23

The Aso Round Trip Bus, which was implemented from January to March 2025, will be relaunched in July with a new look, departing from Kumamoto City, due to popular demand.

Daikanbou peak

Photo courtesy of Daikanbo, Kumamoto Tourism Federation.

One of the peaks of the Kitagairinzan (North Outer Rim Mountains), located north-east of Uchimaki Onsen (hot spring). It is approximately 935 metres high, and the difference in elevation between it and the Aso Valley (Aso city centre) directly below is approximately 400 metres, making it one of Aso’s most spectacular spots. From here, you can enjoy a 360° panoramic view of the city of Aso, the five Aso peaks and the Kujyu mountain range.

Aso Shinto shrine

Boasting a history of more than 2,000 years, Aso Shrine is dedicated to 12 deities, including Takeiwatatsunomikoto, and is visited by many worshippers. The shrine grounds are home to a temple and a tower gate, which are designated as important cultural assets of Japan, and offer a wealth of attractions. There is also a “Monzenmachi Shopping Street” along the approach to the shrine, which is lined with many restaurants and souvenir shops, making it a busy place.

Visit to the upper crater of Mt Aso

Photo courtesy of Daikanbo, Kumamoto Tourism Federation.

The Aso caldera, with its rugged lava rock surface, is one of the largest in the world, measuring 18 km east to west and 25 km north to south. Of the five Aso peaks that rise in the centre of the caldera, Nakadake is the most active to date. The huge crater, with a circumference of 4 km, offers a close-up view of its dynamic landscape and the violent white plumes of smoke it produces.

grass cliff beach

Photo courtesy of Daikanbo, Kumamoto Tourism Federation.

One of Aso’s most popular tourist attractions. Located at an altitude of approximately 1,100 m, it is a perfect location from where you can see grazing horses walking leisurely and the dynamic Mt Aso Nakadake (Mt Aso) emitting a plume of smoke. In summer, the area shines with brilliant greenery, while in severe winter, it is enveloped in a fantastic silvery white world! You can enjoy a different look each season.

'Aso Round Trip Bus' tour overview.

Period: Saturday 5 July to Sunday 30 November 2025.
Open on Saturdays and Sundays only.
Fees: Adults: ¥10,000
Children: same price (primary school students)
Free for infants (no bus seat provided; if a seat is required, the same fee as for adults applies).
Vehicle: chartered bus (bus size depends on the number of participants).
Minimum number of participants: 1
– The tour will be cancelled if there are no reservations by 15:00, 10 days before the tour date.
Reservation deadline: If seats are available, reservations can be made until 16:00 on the Friday before the tour date.

>Booking.

> For international OTA sites (e.g. KKday), click here.

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