Best trails in Aso Kuju National Park
Aso-Kuju National Park is home to the Kuju Mountain Range, known as a group of volcanoes, and Mount Aso, Japan's largest active volcano, as well as other spectacular mountains such as Mount Tsurumi and Mount Yufu. Furthermore, these mountains are bordered by volcanic plateaus, with lush grasslands that are a sight to behold. A wide variety of plants and animals live here, and in spring the mountains are decorated with a multitude of wildflowers.
In addition to its many unique hiking trails, Aso Kuju National Park is also known as a hot spring resort blessed by the volcano, with its hot springs offering a variety of health benefits. The Aso Fire Festival is also held in mid-March.
Top trails
- (163)•Hard•4.6 miMount Takadake - Mount Nakadake (高岳 - 中岳) Here is a climbing route that starts from the trailhead of the Aso Park toll road, passes through Mount Nakadake, and heads to Takadake, the highest peak of Mount Aso. You can have a great hike while viewing the magnificent terrain created by the volcanic activity of Mount Aso.
- (137)•Hard•4.0 miThis trail starts with a gentle walk through a beautiful grassy meadow before entering a dense, shady forest. The trail quickly becomes a rugged, rocky, and steep climb. The final part involves scrambling up to the East Peak (Higashi-mine), where hikers must navigate over large boulders. At the peak, hikers are rewarded with a panoramic view, looking down on the town of Yufuin, the famous Beppu Bay, and the entire Kuju mountain range.
- (133)•Moderate•2.4 mi•Est. 1.5–2 hrThe loop begins at the Kusasenri-ga-hama parking lot, a vast and stunning grassland that is the floor of an ancient volcanic crater. The path takes you on a steady, uphill climb to the summit of Mount Eboshi, one of the five prominent peaks of Mount Aso. As you climb, you will be surrounded by Japanese brown cattle and horses grazing peacefully on the vast green meadows. On a clear day, you get a breathtaking view of the entire Aso caldera, the vast Kusasenri plain below, and the smoke rising...
- (89)•Moderate•5.8 miThis trail winds through a raw, lunar-like volcanic landscape. This hike features a rocky and almost entirely exposed climb. The path leads hikers up to Mount Takadake and along the ridge. The main highlight of this hike is the breathtaking view of the active Mount Nakadake crater, which often steams with volcanic gases.
- (87)•Hard•5.7 miThis trail begins from the Sensuikyo and climbs relentlessly up a rugged, rocky ridge. It takes hikers to Mount Takadake, the highest point of the Aso massif, and Mount Nakadake. The main reward is the breathtaking and powerful view looking down into the massive, steaming, turquoise-blue crater of the active Nakadake volcano. This hike is famous for its stunning display of pink Kyushu azaleas that cover the slopes.
- (79)•Moderate•1.8 mi•Est. 1–1.5 hrThis trail begins at the famous Kusasenri parking lot, a vast, beautiful grassy plain that serves as the floor of an ancient volcanic crater. The path takes you straight up the side of the grassy, cone-shaped mountain, which is part of the Aso-Kuju National Park. The main reward for this climb is the panoramic view from the summit. From the top, you get a spectacular close-up view of the steaming, active crater of Mount Nakadake. You also get a perfect bird's-eye view of the entire Kusasenri...
- (59)•Hard•8.3 mi•Est. 4.5–5 hrThis trail takes you through Kusasenri-ga-hama, a stunning and vast grassy plain that is the floor of an ancient, volcanic crater. The first part is a flat walk around the plain, often alongside grazing Japanese brown cattle and horses. The hike continues with a steep climb up the side of Mount Eboshi, one of the five main peaks of Mount Aso. This section is almost entirely on numerous stairs and wooden boardwalks. You will walk through a unique high-altitude grassland, famous for its...
- (61)•Hard•3.2 miThis trail leads to the summit of Mount Tsurumi, the iconic, active volcano that stands guard over the famous hot spring city of Beppu. The path is a beautiful trail that takes hikers up through the Aso-Kuju National Park. Hikers will walk through a forest of native Japanese beech trees. The main reward for the climb is the panoramic view from the summit. From the top, which is home to the Tsurumi Sanjo Gongen shrines, visitors enjoy a panoramic view of the entire city of Beppu, the blue...
- (46)•Hard•6.1 mi•Est. 3.5–4 hrMount Nakadake - Ogigahana Junction - Makinoto (中岳 - 扇ヶ鼻分岐 - 牧ノ戸) A climbing route continues to Mount Nakadake, the highest peak of the Kuju Mountain Range from Makinoto via Ogigahana Junction. Enjoy the superb landscapes created by one of Japan's famous volcanic groups and Kuju's vast nature!
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Frequently asked questions
What is the longest trail in Aso Kuju National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Aso Kuju National Park is Kuju Mountains - Chojabaru Loop. This trail is estimated to be 15.1 mi long.
Are there camping trails available in Aso Kuju National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 27 camping trails in Aso Kuju National Park and the most popular is Mount Nakadake - Mount Kuju - Mount Inaboshi Loop with an average 4.8 star rating from 26 community reviews.
Are there running trails available in Aso Kuju National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 5 running trails in Aso Kuju National Park and the most popular is Mount Nakadake - Ogigahana Junction - Makinoto with an average 4.7 star rating from 46 community reviews.
Are there any trails with scenic mountain peak views in Aso Kuju National Park?
Yes, there are 72 trails with scenic mountain peak views in Aso Kuju National Park, including Mount Takadake - Mount Nakadake, Mount Yufu: Main Trail (East Peak), Kusasenri Parking Lot - Mount Eboshi Loop, Mount Nakadake - Mount Takadake Loop, and Sensuikyo Parking Lot - Mount Aso Loop.
Are there any trails with waterfalls in Aso Kuju National Park?
Yes, there are 3 trails with waterfalls in Aso Kuju National Park, including Oike Pond - Mount Kurodake - Shiramizu Kosen Loop, Mount Kuro-dake, and Mount Hiiji - Mount Taisen - Mount Kurodake Loop.
Are there any trails with weather shelters in Aso Kuju National Park?
Yes, there are 20 trails with weather shelters in Aso Kuju National Park, including Mount Nakadake - Mount Takadake Loop, Sensuikyo Parking Lot - Mount Aso Loop, Mount Nakadake - Ogigahana Junction - Makinoto, Mount Nakadake - Mount Kuju - Mount Inaboshi Loop, and Mount Nakadake - Mount Tengugajo - Makinoto.
Are there any trails with ponds in Aso Kuju National Park?
Yes, there are 19 trails with ponds in Aso Kuju National Park, including Mount Nakadake - Ogigahana Junction - Makinoto, Mount Nakadake - Mount Kuju - Mount Inaboshi Loop, Mount Nakadake - Mount Tengugajo - Makinoto, Mount Tengugajo - Miike Pond, and Makinoto - Mount Nakadake - Omagari Trailhead.
Are there any trails with rivers in Aso Kuju National Park?
Yes, there are 9 trails with rivers in Aso Kuju National Park, including Bogatsuru Wetland - Chojabaru Loop, Mount Sensui - Mount Kuroiwa - Makinoto Loop, Kuju Mountains - Chojabaru Loop, Bogatsuru Campsite - Mount Mimata - Chojabaru, and Mount Taisen - Bogatsuru Wetland - Chojabaru.
Are there any trails with historical ruins in Aso Kuju National Park?
Yes, there is one trail with historical ruins in Aso Kuju National Park: Kusasenri-ga-hama - Mount Aso Loop.
Are there any trails with volcano viewpoints in Aso Kuju National Park?
Yes, there are 14 trails with volcano viewpoints in Aso Kuju National Park, including Mount Takadake - Mount Nakadake, Mount Nakadake - Mount Takadake Loop, Sensuikyo Parking Lot - Mount Aso Loop, Kusasenri-ga-hama - Mount Aso Loop, and Sensuikyo Parking Lot - Mount Takadake.
