Aso in Kumamoto

I've always been fascinated by volcanoes and have a deep curiosity about them. After watching Suzume, my understanding of natural disasters has deepened even further. Coming to Kumamoto, a place rich in natural ecology, I couldn't miss the chance to visit. While Mount Fuji is well-known to everyone, Mount Aso should not be overlooked. Located in the center of Kyushu, Mount Aso is a very active volcano 🌋, where you can see thick white smoke billowing from the crater up close. Whether locals or tourists, the number of visitors keeps increasing. It's so crowded that you can see cars lined up waiting for parking spaces from a distance, and the flow of people keeps growing, showing the irresistible charm of Mount Aso. To get to Mount Aso, you can choose the Aso Volcano One-Day Pass (¥1,500) or join a local day tour, allowing you to enjoy the trip without any worries. Despite the strong winds, the rare blue sky and white clouds, and the gentle sunlight, I hiked all the way to the top. Watching the thick smoke rising from the crater, feeling the breeze, and seeing tourists riding horses on the grasslands, I wished time could stop at this very moment, even though the world is just a fleeting cloud of smoke.