August

On the mountainous island of Kyushu in Kumamoto Prefecture lies one of the best scenic areas of Japan. Kumamoto is blessed with beautiful forests, waterfalls, and smoking volcanoes. It’s even known to many as the “Land of fire.” Unsurprisingly, Kumamoto has a strong hiking culture. There are many venues suitable for a more casual stroll, too. Here is a short selection of some of the best locations for a wander. Mount Aso Just an hour east of Kumamoto city, Mount Aso is something of a hiker’s dream. It’s the largest active volcano in Japan and features one of the largest calderas in the world that spans 350 sq. km. In the center of this are five mountain peaks great for hiking. One of the most popular is the Mt. Nakadake-Mt. Takadake loop is a 10 km trek taking in the highest peak at Aso, where you can see stunning views of the city and craters that go 130 m deep. This particular hike takes around three hours. You can also find a range of activities, including horseback riding. Website: Aso Geopark Kumamoto Castle This hilltop castle close to the city center was originally built in 1607 and is considered one of…