Mount Aso is an active volcanoin the center of Kyushu island which most recently erupted in 2021 and 2016. Aso's ancient caldera ranks among the world's largest, with a diameter of up to 25 kilometers and a circumference of over 100 kilometers. In the center of the caldera stand the mountain's active volcanic peaks, including Nakadake, whose spectacular crater is accessible to tourists.
However, that the crater area is often partially and sometimes fully closed to visitors due to poisonous volcanic gases, bad weather or the risk of volcanic activity. Even when the area around the summit is open, gases can be intense, and people with respiratory problems should refrain from approaching the crater.
Japan is basically a risk adverse country and many warnings and alerts are put in place as a result of its constant struggle to control to uncontrollable, AKA Mother Nature. As a single young male when I first came to Japan, this level of control frustrated me to the core, but now as a father and a business owner I fully understand and participate with all the rules and precautions that I face on a regular basis.
On this day, our party of 8 unfortunately missed out on the spectacular views from the Mount Aso lookout as a result of too many poisonous gases being emitted. Of course there was disappointment but the drive up to the peak and resulting drive on to the Hot Spring resort town of Kurokawa helped soften this blow.
Please check out the location of Mount Aso here on a map below:
Please click on these photos below to enlarge:
Wide open spaces
Warnings
Closed on this day
Countryside
Lots to see
Was a little smokey in places
Please click on these videos below to see more about the drive up to and from Mount Aso:
Yesterday when I checked the status of the Nakadake Volcano online it said it was closed so you should have seen the smile on my face when suddenly access opened up. I am sure the Shinto Gods heard my wishes and constant prayers to visit this incredible site.
Please check out these photos of one of the most active craters in the world.
Many warnings for people with cardiovascular issues
A shelter?
Alerts are everywhere
A shrine to say a little prayer
It was very windy!
Inside the crater
Incredible landscape
Check out these videos to see the real power of the Aso Nakadake Crater
One of the most amazing locations in all of Kyushu is without a doubt the Karatsu Castle. It is located on an island overlooking the Karatsu Bay with the Black Pine Forests of Niji no Matsubara in close proximity. Everything about this place screams Japanese! The history, the culture the architecture and of course its purpose, to crush any uprising and discontent in the ranks of its people and rival factions.
The original castle was built in 1608 by Terazawa Hirotaka, the first lord of the Karatsu Domain. The present castle keep tower was newly built in 1966 and you can overlook the Niji No Matsubara Pine Grove and the Karatsu Bay as well as the downtown area of Karatsu City from the top floor.
The castle tower reopened after renovation in July, 2017. The history and culture of Karatsu City is exhibited with AR (Augmented Reality) equipment in the new exhibition room. This room showcases Samurai arms and armor including swords as well as the regions famous ceramic wares which are well known throughout Japan. In fact, I spent as much time checking out all the displays, even more than the actual view from the tower, which is a rarity for me.
Karatsu Castle is also well known as a viewing spot for cherry blossoms and wisteria during Spring. In the photos provided, my visit with my son was in summer, so i will attempt to return again next year in spring to check out the flowers and colors of this time of year.
Karatsu Castle is located approx. an hours drive away from Fukuoka and is an amazing place to visit on a Day Tour or as package 2 or 3 day tour of Kyushu Island. I am sure you won`t be disappointed even if you are here for just an hour because your time here will satisfy all your sightseeing needs.
Please check out Karatsu Castle below:
Please click on the photos below to enlarge:
Photo Opportunity
Warning, there are stairs.
English phamplet
Children's Art
Plenty of Exhibits
Katana
So beautiful.
360 degree views
How it was constructed
Kunchi Festival
Roof tiles
Please check out these video below to see more information about Karatsu Castle:
