From Fukuoka: UNESCO Aso Volcano & Takachiho Gorge Day Tour

Depart Hakata and explore
Aso and Takachiho in one day

At 8:00 AM, meet your guide at the meeting point in front of the Lawson Oriental Hotel Fukuoka store near Hakata Station and set off by coach. This day trip crosses the volcanic plateau of Kumamoto to Miyazaki, the land of myths, and the first stop is about 3 hours away.

Stand on the rim of Aso's Nakadake Crater

Around 11:00 AM, arrive at the Nakadake Crater of the Aso caldera, which stretches about 25 km from north to south, and stay for about 30 minutes. See the volcano up close as steam rises from the crater lake below and the smell of sulfur fills the air.

Access to the crater is controlled by the authorities based on real-time volcanic gas levels and weather, so entry is not guaranteed. If the crater cannot be visited, you can choose a full refund or continue the tour and visit observation points around the caldera instead.

Walk the Kusasenri grassland and have lunch

Around 11:50 AM, spend about 60 minutes at Kusasenrigahama, a wide grassland that was once a crater floor. Walk the paths with Mt. Aso behind you, watch horses grazing, and have lunch at a restaurant beside the meadow. Lunch is not included, so please bring cash or a card.

Follow the Takachiho Gorge trail to Manai Falls

Around 2:20 PM, arrive at Takachiho Gorge and stay for about 60 minutes. Emerald water flows between columnar cliffs formed from volcanic rock deposited by Aso's eruptions and carved by the Gokase River, and you can walk along the trail to the roughly 17 m Manai Falls. Rowboats are operated separately at the gorge and are not included.

After sightseeing, return to Fukuoka and get off at the original Hakata meeting point around 6:30 PM. Arrival time depends on traffic, so please keep your evening plans flexible.

※ Departure time and route may change due to traffic, weather or volcanic activity (departure time changes stay within 30 minutes and all key stops are kept).
※ Scenery depends on the weather and views are not guaranteed.