A Kamenoi Hotel trip where you can choose from the charms of Japan

Aso UNESCO Global Geopark

Kumamoto / Aso area

Tourist attractions

UNESCO
Global Geopark

The fusion of magnificent nature and culture - the charm of Aso UNESCO Global Geopark

Geoparks are places designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as places where people can enjoy and learn about the nature, culture and history of a region while protecting geologically important sites and beautiful scenery. Japan has many areas designated as geoparks, with 10 of the 213 designated geoparks worldwide (as of March 28, 2024).

"Aso Geopark" is located in the area centered on Aso-shi Kumamoto, and is characterized by the magnificent topography and rich natural environment formed by the activity of Aso volcano. It was certified as a Global Geopark in 2014, and then officially became an official UNESCO project, and was certified as a UNESCO Global Geopark in 2015.
Thanks to the existence of Aso UNESCO Global Geopark, the rich benefits of Aso 's nature and geology are deeply rooted in the local life and culture, including volcanic worship, traditional festivals, agriculture, livestock farming, and Hot springs culture.
The area is symbolized by one of the world's largest gigantic calderas, which was created by a tremendous eruption about 90,000 years ago at Mt. Aso, which still has active volcanic activity today. Ash fell at the time and covered the entire country of Japan, and pyroclastic flows are said to have reached Yamaguchi about 170 km away, across the sea.
The geopark encompasses a wide area centered around Aso, but the most popular spots to visit are Gairinzan and Kusasenrigahama Beach, both of which offer beautiful scenery.

By visiting these precious places that have both scientific and cultural value, you can experience their magnitude and their impact on Japan and humanity, and experience not only the beauty of nature but also the history of the Earth and the culture of the region.

Aso UNESCO Global Geopark

location	Aso-shi, Aso Village, Takamori Town, Oguni Town, Minamioguni Town, Ubuyama Village, Nishihara Village, Yamato Town
Access	・About 90 minutes by car from Kumamoto City to Aso-shi ・Approximately 90 minutes from Kumamoto Station to Aso Station on the JR Hohi Main Line ・Express buses also operate from Kumamoto city to Aso region.
Contact information	Aso Geopark Promotion Council 0967-34-2089
Website	http://aso-geopark.jp/

The published information is as of the time of publication of the article and may differ from current information.
When using the service, please check the latest information on the official website etc. in advance.

Enjoy Aso 's nature and Hot springs

KAMENOI HOTEL ASO
Front desk staff

KAMENOI HOTEL ASO is located about a 40-minute drive from Aso Nakadake Crater and about a 30-minute drive from Daikanbo.
There are also local buses running from JR Aso Station to Kusasenri (in front of the Aso Volcano Museum) and Mount Aso Terminal.
Enjoy the great outdoors of Aso, and if your body is tired from trekking, be sure to soothe it in our hotel's Sensuikyo Hot springs which is filled with the blessings of the active volcano Aso.

customer's voice

KAMENOI HOTEL ASO

I stayed here for one night with my elderly mother. My mother was impressed by the view of the five peaks Aso and the clouds that appeared and disappeared from the room. Food was buffet style so everyone could choose what they liked. It is close to the summit of Mt. Aso and Daikanbo, so it is a highly recommended hotel for those who want to enjoy nature.

I was impressed by the sheer scale of the view of the five peaks Aso. I was able to spend a happy time walking around the hotel in the early morning, breathing in the fresh air.

The room, the food, the bath, the magnificent natural scenery, everything was excellent. The inn was clean and the staff were kind. I'm grateful that I was able to spend a comfortable time here. I hope to stay with you again.

Neighborhood information

Aso

Aso, the symbol of Kumamoto, the "Land of Fire," is made up of five beautiful mountain ranges and an outer rim. The five mountain ranges are known as Aso Five Peaks (Dake Nekodake, Takadake, Nakadake, Eboshidake, and Kishimadake).

Aso has one of the largest calderas in the world, with a diameter of about 25 kilometers and a circumference of about 100 kilometers. There are several crater cones in the center, and active volcanic activity continues to this day. The crater of Nakadake is a popular tourist attraction.

Somma

The outer rim of Aso caldera is 900-1,000m above sea level, and the mountains surrounding it form a huge circle with a diameter of about 25km. Daikanbo in particular is a famous observation spot on the outer rim of Aso, offering a 360-degree panoramic view of both inside and outside the caldera. There are several hiking trails, allowing you to enjoy the spectacular views while walking through the vast natural scenery that is home to a diverse range of plants and animals.

Kusasenrigahama Beach

This vast grassland spreads inside the caldera of Aso, and was formed by volcanic activity. It is also used as grazing land, and you can enjoy beautiful scenery every season, from fresh greenery in the spring to autumn leaves in the fall. You can also take a horseback ride across the vast grassland.