Aso is the world’s largest active volcanic caldera, 24 km across, and one of Japan’s major tourist attractions. The active central cone of Naka-dake erupts spectacularly every few years, usually in a Strombolian style. Naka-dake’s impressively large and deep crater has a series of concrete bunkers on the rim to serve as bomb shelters in the event of a sudden barrage of volcanic bombs. However, the road to the crater’s edge is generally closed during eruptive activity due to an unfortunate number of tourist deaths over the years from bomb impacts. During quieter periods the active crater contains water instead of lava and small geyser-like eruptions may occur. Other attractions of the region include Beppu, Japan’s premier hot spring center, and the picture-perfect lava gorge of Takachiho, a renowned beauty spot.

Written by  Mike Lyvers.

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