From Fukuoka: Takachiho Gorge & Mt. Aso Crater and Kusasenri Day Tour

Depart Fukuoka and discover
the nature of Takachiho and Aso in one day

At 8:00 AM, gather in front of the Lawson Oriental Hotel Fukuoka store on the Chikushi Exit side of Hakata Station and set off by coach. This day tour of about 10 hours takes you to Takachiho Gorge, Mt. Aso's Nakadake Crater and the Kusasenri grassland with a multilingual guide.

Admire Manai Falls at Takachiho Gorge

After about 3 hours by coach, arrive at Takachiho Gorge, a National Place of Scenic Beauty. Emerald water flows between columnar basalt cliffs formed when lava from Mt. Aso flowed along the Gokase River and cooled, and the 17 m Manai Falls, one of Japan's Top 100 Waterfalls, plunges into the river. During 2 hours of free time, walk the roughly 1 km trail and see the three bridges spanning the gorge from various viewpoints.

If you chose the boat option, enjoy about 30 minutes on a rowboat for a close-up view of the falls and cliffs from the water. Boat operation depends on conditions. Some parts of the trail have stairs, so please take your time.

Enjoy lunchtime in Takachiho

Around 1:00 PM, have lunch in the Takachiho area. If you chose the lunch option, lunch is provided. Otherwise, explore local restaurants during free time and eat whatever you like (at your own expense).

Visit Mt. Aso's Nakadake Crater and the Kusasenri grassland

Spend 90 minutes of free time at Nakadake, the active crater of Mt. Aso, known for its vast caldera. Feel the energy of the volcano up close at the steaming crater. Access to the crater may be restricted for safety depending on real-time volcanic activity and gas levels.

Next, stroll the Kusasenri grassland, where horses graze peacefully against a backdrop of volcanic peaks. If you like, visit the Aso Volcano Museum (admission not included) to see volcanic rock samples, VR experiences and live camera footage of the Nakadake Crater. Depart for Fukuoka around 4:00 PM and arrive at the Lawson Oriental Hotel Fukuoka store around 6:30 PM.

※ The itinerary may be adjusted due to weather, traffic, volcanic activity or holiday congestion.
※ If the crater is closed, you will spend more time at Kusasenri or visit another observation point.
※ Kusasenri scenery varies with the season and weather, and views are not guaranteed.