Aso Mountain Range

Aso Gogaku Mountain Range – Hiking Courses, Tips, and Access

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With its stunning landscapes and rich history, the Aso Gogaku mountain range is an unforgettable destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

In this blog, we’ll explore this beautiful range, offering tips on hiking courses, essential precautions, and information on how to access this hiker’s paradise.

Let’s embark on a virtual adventure together and prepare for your future mountaineering journey.

Features of the Aso Gogaku mountain range

The Aso Gogaku mountain range is a geological marvel, located in the heart of Kyushu, Japan. The range is made up of five peaks, commonly referred to as the Aso Gogaku “Mt. Takadake (1592 m), Mt. Nakadake (1506 m), Mt. Nekodake (1433 m), Mt. Eboshi (1337 m), and Mt. Kishimadake (1326 m)”.

Each peak has unique characteristics, offering diverse terrains and splendid sceneries for hikers to enjoy.

From lush green slopes to distinct volcanic formations, the captivating beauty of Aso Gogaku is unmatched.

The range is centrally surrounding one of the world’s largest calderas, offering dramatic landscapes that are a testament to the earth’s dynamic geological history.

Apart from its breathtaking natural beauty, Aso Gogaku is also home to diverse flora and fauna. Depending on the season, hikers will delight in sightings of colorful wildflowers, a variety of birds, and other wildlife. In autumn, the mountains set ablaze with vibrant fall colors, making for a particularly mesmerizing hiking experience.

Level for hiking courses in the Aso Gogaku mountain range

When planning your hike to any of the peaks in the Aso Gogaku range, you must consider the level of difficulty and estimated completion time. While all peaks are accessible to most hikers, they each present unique challenges and require varying levels of physical fitness and hiking experience.

If you’re a beginner looking for an easier trail, consider hiking Mt. Kijima. This peak is gentle, with well-maintained paths, and it usually takes about 2 hours to reach the summit.

On the other hand, if you’re seeking a challenge, we recommend the Sarayama detour route from the Suna Senrigahama side to Mt. Takatake.

It is a new route created in 2021 and easy to climb but takes approximately more than 5 hours to reach the summit, so you need a local guide and thorough preparation.

Mount Aso Volcano Facts-Live crater of Kyushu, Japan

Mount Aso, known as the “Aso Geopark,” where you can experience the history of massive volcanic eruptions and explore a live crater.

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Tips and precautions for hiking in the Aso Gogaku mountain range

Takadake

When planning a hike in the Aso Gogaku mountain range, it’s essential to keep a few key tips and precautions in mind.

Check the weather and Volcanic Alert Level

Due to Mount Aso being an active volcano, access restrictions are determined based on the Volcanic Alert Level.

And also weather conditions in the mountains can change rapidly. Before starting your hike, check the current weather forecast and plan your hike accordingly.

The Aso Gogaku (Aso Five Mountains) region experiences a somewhat cool and rainy climate throughout the year. The annual average temperature on the central volcanic cone is below 10℃ at locations above 1,000m in elevation, and the annual precipitation exceeds 3,000mm.

Dress in layers

Temperatures can fluctuate significantly in the mountains. Dressing in layers will allow you to adjust your clothing as needed throughout the hike.

In particular, the hiking trails other than Mt. Kijima are covered with rough volcanic rocks, which can cause sneakers or thin-soled shoes to develop holes. Therefore, it is recommended to prepare hiking shoes or similar footwear.

Embarking on a hiking adventure in the Aso Gogaku mountain range is a thrilling experience.

The beauty of the peaks, the diversity of the trails, and the sense of accomplishment when reaching the summit make it a must-do for any outdoor enthusiast.

Remember to respect the natural environment, pack the essentials, and choose the right trail for your skill level.

The mountains are calling; are you ready to answer?

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Ushibuka, a traditional Kyushu port town of Rich History, Seafood in Japan

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Ushibuka Location

Ushibuka, situated at the southernmost tip of Amakusa Shimojima island, is a 3-hour drive (140 km) away from Kumamoto City. The town’s rich history of trade and exchange activities using ships contributed to the development of its port.

Ushibuka Seafood

Ushibuka Port holds the title of the largest fishing base in Kumamoto Prefecture, renowned for its abundant catch of seafood and marine products. The fishery-related industry serves as the mainstay of Ushibuka’s economy, with numerous seafood processing businesses utilizing the locally caught fish.

You can enjoy dishes made with fresh and lively Ise Ebi (spiny lobster) when the Ise Ebi fishing season is open from early autumn to the end of the year. There is a wide variety of fresh seafood, including Urumeiwashi (Japanese anchovy) and mackerel, that you might want to try when visiting Ushibuka.

Ushibuka History

Ushibuka Port, with its preserved old fishing village settlement, offers a multitude of scenic attractions where you can experience the maritime culture.

The narrow land area and the labyrinthine streets with houses close to each other in Ushibuka’s fishing village give the town a unique historical value and a charming aesthetic as a scenic landscape.

Ushibuka was renowned throughout Japan as a bonito fishing port during the Edo period, and in the Meiji era, it shifted its focus from bonito to sardine fishing. In addition to its role as a fishing port, Ushibuka has served as a port of call and a distribution hub. After World War II, it became an important hub connecting Kagoshima, Kumamoto, and Nagasaki, with the introduction of ferry services as a vital maritime transportation base.

Ushibuka Culture

The port culture that has been nurtured and conveyed through trade and exchange activities gave rise to the Ushibuka Haiya-bushi, considered to be the origin of approximately 50 “Haiya-bushi” styles found throughout Japan.

With its origins rooted in the fishing port, Ushibuka also holds festivals such as “Funa-oroshi” (ship launching) when a ship is launched and “Buchi-mori Iwai” where fishing nets are sewn, both of which pray for a bountiful catch.

The Ushibuka Marine Museum exhibits the history and culture of fishing from ancient times to the modern era, providing insights into Ushibuka’s rich fishing heritage.

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Mount Aso volcano

Mount Aso Volcano Facts-Live crater of Kyushu, Japan

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Mount Aso, known as the “Aso Geopark,” where you can experience the history of massive volcanic eruptions and explore a live crater.

Discover the majestic Mt. Aso volcano with its breathtaking location, historical eruptions, fascinating museum, and thrilling trail routes.

Mt. Aso Volcano Location

Mount Aso is located on the island of Kyushu, Japan. The crater is situated on the border of Kumamoto Prefecture and Oita Prefecture. Specifically, it is located between Aso City in Kumamoto Prefecture and Takeda City in Oita Prefecture.

Mt. Aso Volcano Eruption

Here is a summary of the history of crater formation in Mount Aso.

Mount Aso, located in Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan, is known for its large caldera called the Aso Caldera. It was formed approximately 70,000 years ago by a massive volcanic eruption.

Mount Aso has been an active volcano throughout its history, with periodic eruptions. The most recent eruption recorded in October 2021.

The Aso Caldera is one of the largest calderas in the world, with a circumference of around 71 miles (114 kilometers).

The central crater group within the Aso Caldera was formed after the caldera’s initial formation. It is characterized by five peaks known as the “Five Mountains of Aso” (Mount Neko, Mount Taka, Mount Naka, Mount Eboshi, and Mount Kishima).

Mt. Aso Volcano Museum

The Aso Volcano Museum, located in Kusasenri, near the Aso City, Kumamoto Prefecture, is a museum that provides knowledge and insights about the volcanoes of Aso.

It is a fascinating experience for those interested in learning about volcanoes.

The museum showcases exhibits, display panels, and models that offer detailed explanations about the formation, geology, and history of the Aso volcanoes and caldera.

Visitors can observe real-time volcanic activity through video cameras inside the museum, particularly focusing on the Nakadake crater, one of the main volcanic vents of Mount Aso.

One of the highlights of the museum is a kinetic model that presents the 30,000 years of Aso’s volcanic history, showcasing its formation to its current state.

Near the museum, there are also tourist information centers and observation decks where visitors can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Aso region.

Mt. Aso Volcano Trail

While the trail tour allows you to witness the crater of Mount Aso, it’s important to be aware that there are restrictions when the volcano is more active, preventing visitors from approaching the crater observation deck.

Many customers may feel disappointed by not being able to see the crater up close. However, during these restricted periods, it is for everyone’s safety.

 

Despite not being able to see the crater, you can experience the awe-inspiring sight of Mount Aso emitting billowing smoke accompanied by rumblings. So, this also offers a unique and captivating experience.

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