Mt. Aso Nakadake Crater

阿蘇山中岳火口

Mt. Nakadake is the active peak of Mt. Aso, and its crater is about 600 m wide and 130 m deep. It is one of the few active volcanoes in the world where ordinary tourists can look into the crater. Nearby is Kusasenri-ga-hama, a wide grassy plain with two ponds where horses graze.

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Visitor information

Opening hours: 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM (until 5:00 PM in November). From December 1 to March 19, 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Getting there: You can reach the area near the crater by car or on foot.

Hours and fees can change. Please check the official website before you go.

Good to know

When volcanic activity is high, you may not be able to go near the crater.
Access to the crater can also be closed because of the weather. Check the latest restrictions before you go.

Tips for Muslim visitors

You cannot go near the crater when the volcano is very active. Check the official crater access information on the day before you set out.
Natural sites may have few facilities. Bring water, a travel prayer mat and a qibla app, and check the weather; mountains and lakes can be much colder than the city.
Restrooms for wudu can be far apart on trails. Many Muslim travellers carry a small water bottle for wudu.
Plan your visit around prayer times. Below are today's prayer times for Kumamoto and the verified places to pray nearby.
Food stalls and shops near popular sights usually do not have halal certification. Check the ingredients, or choose from the verified places on this site.