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
1
(134)
•Hard
•4.6 mi
Mount 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.
2
(124)
•Hard
•4.0 mi
Mount Yufu: Main Trail (East Peak) 由布岳: 正面登山口ルート(東峰)
This route takes you to the East Peak of Mount Yufu. From the trail and mountain, you will have wonderful views of the Yufu Basin and its surrounding mountains.
Note: There are two trails to head the West Peak and the East Peak around the summit.
3
(114)
•Moderate
•2.4 mi
•Est. 1h 32m
Kusasenri Parking Lot - Mount Eboshi Loop (草千里駐車場 - 烏帽子岳ループ)
Kusasenri-ga-hama is a vast grassland located at the site of a crater in the northern foot of Mount Eboshi. It is one of the most famous tourist spots in Aso, where you can see the majestic mountains of Aso, including the smoking Nakadake. In this course, you will head to Mount Eboshi from Kusasenri Parking Lot.
4
(84)
•Moderate
•5.8 mi
Mount Nakadake - Mount Takadake Loop (中岳 - 高岳ループ)
This route leads you to Mount Nakadake and Mount Takadake of Aso five Mountains. Mount Nakadake is located in the center of the Central Crater Group and is the most active volcano.
Mout Takadake is the highest peak of Mount Aso. You can enjoy the dynamic landscapes created by volcanic activity on the trail.
5
6
7
(49)
•Hard
•8.3 mi
•Est. 4h 28m
Kusasenri-ga-hama - Mount Aso Loop (草千里ヶ浜 - 阿蘇山ループ)
This route leads you to Mount Nakadake of Aso five Mountains from a vast grassland, Kusasenri-ga-hama. Mount Nakadake is one of the mountains that forms Mount Aso, is located in the center of the Central Crater Group, and is the most active volcano.
Kusasenri-ga-hama is a vast grassland located at the site of a crater in the northern foot of Mount Eboshi. It is one of the most famous tourist spots in Aso, where you can see the majestic...
8
(51)
•Hard
•3.2 mi
Mount Tsurumi (鶴見岳) is an active volcano and is part of Aso Kuju National Park. It is a popular mountain that is worshiped as the guardian deity of Beppu Onsen (Hot spring), which spreads to the east and enjoys stunning sceneries throughout the four seasons.
Many people visit this mountain as it can be reached by ropeway. From the summit, you can see the city of Beppu and Beppu Bay, and Mount Yufu, and in the distance Kuju Mountain Range.
9
10
(43)
•Hard
•6.1 mi
•Est. 3h 38m
Mount 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
Where is the best place to hike in Aso Kuju National Park?
According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Aso Kuju National Park is Mount Takadake - Mount Nakadake, which has a 4.7 star rating from 134 reviews. This trail is 4.6 mi long with an elevation gain of 1,486 ft.
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.
How many trails are in Aso Kuju National Park?
There are 80 trails in Aso Kuju National Park. These trails have an average 4.5-star rating from 1,070 AllTrails community reviews.
Which trail has the most elevation gain in Aso Kuju National Park?
If you're looking for elevation gain, Aso Kuju National Park has you covered. Mount Kuro-dake - Mount Mimata - Mount Hossho boasts the most elevation gain with 6,568 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Mount Yufu - Mount Tsurumi, which will get you 5,780 ft of elevation gain.
Are there camping trails available in Aso Kuju National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 26 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 22 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 43 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 Tengugajo - Miike Pond.
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 Tengugajo - Miike Pond, Mount Nakadake - Mount Tengugajo - Makinoto, 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.