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Kusasenri

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Kusasenri

A vast, wide open green escape to empty your mind and soul.

4.42 6

Last update :
Supervised by :  Kumamoto Prefectural Tourism Promotion Division

Mount Eboshi is one of the 5 peaks found in the center of Mount Aso. Here you’ll find Kusasenri, the breathtakingly vast, emerald green grasslands that expand northwards. Many textbook writings, as well as classical poets and song writers have immortalized its beauty in their works, making Kusasenri one of the most iconic images that people know when thinking of Mount Aso.

Kusansenri is the grassy, circular crater created by a volcanic eruption 30,000 years ago. The picture-perfect, emerald plains sit 1140 meters high in a roughly 1-km diameter basin that’s also home to two crater lakes. With the smouldering Mount Naka at it’s back, the seamlessly endless green plains and the herds of horses galloping across it make for an otherworldly scene that’s truly unforgettable. While rich in nature, the verdant landscape is actually maintained by an annual pasture burning, a necessary blaze and symbiotic link between humans and nature that keeps the beautiful grasslands alive.

Nearby the parking lot you’ll find the Aso Volcano Museum that details the origin of the nature escapes at Mount Aso, and even a realtime volcano stream showing the current state of the active volcano. For horse-lovers you can even try a horse-riding tour across Kusasenri for an all new way to explore the area.

Highlights

  • Home to the iconic backdrop of fresh green grass rolling into the horizon.
  • Horseback riding available (fee applies).
  • Also home to the Aso Volcano Museum, a spot to learn more about Mt. Aso.
  • Try Aso food specials like Aka-gyu Ricebowls at New Kusasenri, the nearby restaurant with a view.
  • The summer season, with idyllic green backdrops is considered the best season, but the winter months blanketed snow are equally stunning.

Photos

  • Enjoy 1337 meters of hiking as you make your way to the summit of Mount Eboshi.

    Enjoy 1337 meters of hiking as you make your way to the summit of Mount Eboshi.

  • The pasture burning in March is an early spring tradition and iconic snapshot in Aso.

    The pasture burning in March is an early spring tradition and iconic snapshot in Aso.

  • Kusasenri transforms into an unforgettable blanket of silver snow in the winter months.

    Kusasenri transforms into an unforgettable blanket of silver snow in the winter months.

  • Try your hand at horseback riding in the middle of wide open nature (fee applies).

    Try your hand at horseback riding in the middle of wide open nature (fee applies).

  • Visit the Aso Volcano Museum to learn about the origin of Kusasenri.

    Visit the Aso Volcano Museum to learn about the origin of Kusasenri.

Reviews

6

Some reviews are AI-translated.

  • 周黛西
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    Leaving Kumamoto and heading toward Aso, as the car slowly left the city, the view gradually opened up. The winding mountain road climbed upward, with rolling hills and endless emerald-green grasslands as far as the eye could see.
    After arriving at Kusasenri, I couldn't wait to run onto the grassland as soon as the car was parked. The sky seemed so distant and high, and the grassland stretched endlessly. Visitors looked like tiny dots scattered everywhere, or strings of little dumplings, and I was one of them. The vast sky, the boundless wilderness, and cattle and horses appearing as the wind bent the grass—Kusasenri truly lives up to its name as a magnificent grassland. Walking across the grassland, the breeze was cool against my face. From a high vantage point, I could gaze at Mount Aso on one side and the vast grassland on the other. I couldn't help but marvel at the wonders of nature. Deep and light greens—dark green, yellow-green, emerald green, blue-green—all kinds of green shifted in the sunlight. So beautiful!
    Back at the parking lot, there's no need to rush off. You can have a cup of coffee at Kusasenri Coffee Roastery and settle your thoughts, or browse the shop next door and stock up for your journey.

  • KEIKO
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    Kusasenri is a stunning volcanic grassland with an extremely magnificent landscape, where you can see horses and an active volcano giving off smoke. The café and gelato there are very popular with visitors. It's also convenient for resting and dining.

  • BobbyJenny
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    On this visit to Kusasenri in Aso, I was amazed by the vast green grasslands before me. The expansive fields and Mount Aso complement each other, creating a magnificent natural landscape that makes you want to slow down and take it all in. Horses grazing peacefully add to the calm, laid-back atmosphere.

    Walking across the grasslands, breathing in the fresh air, and feeling the gentle breeze was incredibly relaxing. From higher ground, you can admire the sweeping view of Mount Aso and the surrounding plains, a stunning reminder of nature's grandeur and wonder.

    This trip to Kusasenri not only introduced me to Kyushu's distinctive natural beauty but also let me experience the vastness and splendor of nature. I hope to return someday to see the scenery in different seasons and create more unforgettable travel memories.

  • Shan Shan
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    The museum ticket isn't expensive, but having Shin-chan and Kumamon around totally makes it worth it!

  • Sunny Wang
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    Last summer, I visited Kusasenri and saw Mt. Eboshi and the lush green grasslands. There were herds of horses strolling lazily across the fields—the scenery was gorgeous and relaxing. You can even go horseback riding here! Next time, I'll bring my daughter to try it out. 🐎❤️

Details

Name in Japanese
草千里ヶ浜
Postal Code
869-2232
Address
Akamizu, Aso City, Kumamoto
Telephone
0967-34-1600 (Aso Information Center)
Hours
Always open
Access
From JR Aso Station, take the Aso Kako Line Bus and get off at Kusasenri Aso Kazan Hakubutsukan-mae to arrive.
Official Website
Official Website (Japanese)
Hokkaido Tohoku Kanto Chubu Hokuriku Kansai Chugoku Shikoku Kyushu Okinawa