The Nakadake is one of the most active volcano in Japan.  Inside its crater lies a beautiful fuming blue lake and it is even possible for you to see it from above.

Because of the toxic gazes released from the crater, the access can be restricted. Please follow this link to check the actual situation. 

You can access the Nakadake crater by car until the top (there is a fee for the last part of the road)  or use a cable-car at the rope-way station. You can also take a bus from Aso train station to the rope-way station.

On the way to the Nakadake crater, there is a place called Kusasenri. It is a very popular spot with an amazing view and a beautiful grassland. If the access to the crater is closed, this is the best place to enjoy a view on the fuming Nakadake.

In addition to the Aso volcano museum and the various restaurants you'll find there, it is also possible to enjoy walking or even horse riding. Kusasenri is a good starting point for trekking on Mount Aso.

You can access Kusasenri by car in about 25 minutes or take a bus from Aso station.

Sunasenri is situated just next to the Nakadake crater. Unlike Kusasenri, there is no grassland here and the place may even look like it is a desert. It is a popular path for everyone who wants to hike on Mount Aso.

The perfectly shaped Komezuka looks like a bowl of rice turned upside down. 

In order to protect the flora, it is not possible to climb the Komezuka.

There is no public transpotation to the Komezuka. But if you stop at Kusasenri and climb the Kirishimadake you'll have a beautiful view of Komezuka (the one on the picture above).