Mt. Aso’s (1,592-meter /5,223-foot volcano) grandeur lies in its magnificent natural formations sculpted by volcanic activity. The rare sight of human settlements within one of Earth’s largest calderas (128 kilometers/80 miles in circumference, covering 350 square kilometers/135 square miles) creates a unique landscape.

At its heart, Aso Gogaku (the Five Peaks of Aso) create a formation reminiscent of a Nehanzu (traditional Buddhist painting depicting the reclining Buddha at the moment of reaching nirvana), their contours forming a silhouette that recalls the Buddha in repose.

Dawn reveals particularly mystical scenes as morning mist blankets the caldera, leaving only the peaks visible above the outer rim mountains. Aso embodies both the “Land of Fire” and “Land of Water,” its powerful yet serene vistas stirring the souls of all who visit.

Getting there: About 30 minutes by car from Kumamoto Airport. Parking available. The Milk Road along the outer rim mountains is recommended.

Photographed: Early October 2021, 6:30 AM to 9:00 AM

Temperature: 11°C (51.8°F)

Text/Kenji Sakamoto
Photo/Kenji Sakamoto
Translation/Yumiko Sushitani