Aso Volcano Museum

The Aso Volcano Museum sits on the grassy Kusasenri plateau inside the vast Aso caldera, one of the largest in the world at 25 km across. Even when the active Nakadake crater is closed to visitors — as it has been during recent elevated volcanic alerts — the museum offers a compelling alternative with live camera feeds from inside the crater, interactive exhibits on volcanism and the caldera's geological history, and panoramic views across the plateau. The surrounding Kusasenri grasslands are beautiful for a short walk, with grazing horses and a seasonal pond backed by volcanic peaks. On clear days the views stretch across the entire caldera rim. The museum is a practical destination when weather or volcanic conditions close the crater itself.