Mt. Aso

Mt. Aso (阿蘇山, 1,592 m at Mt. Takadake) is an active volcano spanning Aso City and Minamiaso Village in Kumamoto Prefecture, and is counted among the 100 Famous Mountains of Japan. Its caldera — measuring 18 km east-west by 25 km north-south — is one of the largest in the world. The five central peaks (Aso Gogaku) at its centre are Takadake, Nakadake, Nekodake, Eboshidake, and Kishimadake. The smoke rising from the Nakadake crater seen from the summit of Takadake and the grassy plain of Kusasenri below define the Aso landscape. On 21 June 2026 the volcanic alert level was raised from 1 to 2 (restrictions around the crater) and it remains in effect as of August 2026. Entry is restricted within roughly 1 km of the Nakadake First Crater; crater viewing is not possible and the Aso-san Park Road (the toll road on the crater side) is closed. Always check the latest information from the Aso Volcano Disaster Prevention Council before visiting.

From JR Hōhi Main Line Aso Station, Kyushu Sanko Bus operates the “Aso Tozan Line” directly to Kusasenri and the Aso Mountain Top Terminal.

*Timetable last checked: May 18, 2026

1. [Outbound] Aso Station → Kusasenri / Aso Mountain Top Terminal (Sanko Bus Aso Tozan Line)

From JR Hōhi Main Line Aso Station, board Kyushu Sanko Bus’s “Aso Tozan Line” and alight at Kusasenri Aso Volcano Museum-mae (Kusasenri walks and Mt. Kishima trailhead) or the terminus Aso Mountain Top Terminal (Mt. Nakadake / Mt. Takadake trailhead). The journey is about 35 minutes; fare ¥650. Seven trips daily on weekdays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.

Operating period: Year-round (runs as far as the Aso Mountain Top Terminal even during crater-area restrictions; check the operating status)
Travel time: Aso Stn → Kusasenri approx. 26 min | Aso Stn → Aso Mountain Top Terminal approx. 35 min
Fare: Aso Stn → Aso Mountain Top Terminal adult one-way ¥650 (contactless cards accepted)
Note: On 21 June 2026 the volcanic alert level was raised to 2 (restrictions around the crater) and remains in effect as oAugust 202626. Entry is restricted within roughly 1 km of the Nakadake First Crater and crater viewing is not possible. The Aso Volcano Park Road (toll) is also closed, so reach Takadake/Nakadake via Sarayama from Kobochu or by the Sensuikyo route. Buses still run as far as the Aso Mountain Top Terminal. Check the latest restrictions with the Aso Volcano Disaster Prevention Council in advance.

Reference:

Bus TimetableAso Station → Aso Mountain Top Terminal (Aso Tozan Line)

2. [Return] Aso Mountain Top Terminal / Kusasenri → Aso Station (Sanko Bus Aso Tozan Line)

After hiking, board the same Sanko Bus “Aso Tozan Line” from Aso Mountain Top Terminal or Kusasenri back to Aso Station. With 9 daily return trips, descent planning is flexible.

Operating period: Same as outbound (year-round)
Travel time: Aso Mountain Top Terminal → Aso Stn approx. 33 min
Fare: Aso Mountain Top Terminal → Aso Stn adult one-way ¥650

Bus TimetableAso Mountain Top Terminal → Aso Station (Aso Tozan Line)

Photo by Steve