Discover Kyushu’s Best Natural Gem – Mount Aso & New Kusasenri

Mount Aso, located in Kumamoto Prefecture on Japan’s Kyushu Island, is one of the world’s largest active volcanic calderas and the centre of Aso-Kuju National Park. This massive volcanic basin stretches roughly 18 kilometres across, ringed by five volcanic peaks collectively known as the Aso Five Mountains. Among them, Mount Nakadake remains active, regularly releasing volcanic fumes and drawing visitors eager to witness raw geological power, with designated observation decks to view the crater safely when eruption alerts permit. Kusasenri, widely called New Kusasenri (New Kusasenri / ニュー草千里), is the iconic rolling grassland plain on the northern foot of Mount Eboshi, part of the Aso volcanic massif. Its vast, undulating green meadows stretch out against volcanic mountain backdrops, creating a sweeping pastoral landscape famous across Japan. The New Kusasenri Visitor Centre shown in your photo serves as the key hub for this area, home to the well-loved Aso Milk Factory, which sells fresh local dairy products, ice cream and handmade treats sourced from surrounding ranches. The facility features a large paid car park, a bus terminal for regional sightseeing coaches, gift shops, casual dining and rest amenities, making it the perfect rest stop for self-drivers and tour groups alike. Visitors can enjoy horse riding across the grassland, panoramic walking trails and seasonal scenery: vivid green in summer, golden amber in autumn and occasionally dusted with light snow in winter. As the most accessible gateway to experience both the dramatic volcanic geology and gentle rural grasslands of Aso, Kusasenri remains an indispensable highlight of any Kyushu itinerary, balancing rugged natural wonder with convenient tourist infrastructure. #mountaso #kusasenri #kumamoto #kyushu