Kusasenrigahama

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Kusasenrigahama

A breathtaking green grassland where you can clear your mind.

3.45 10

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A vast grassland stretching across the northern foothills of Mount Eboshi, one of the five peaks at the heart of Mount Aso. Celebrated by poets since ancient times and featured in school textbooks, Kusasenrigahama is the landscape that many people picture when they think of Aso.

Located at an elevation of about 3,740 feet (1,140 meters), Kusasenrigahama occupies the remains of a crater formed around 30,000 years ago. The grassland spans about 0.6 miles (1 kilometer) in diameter and contains two ponds where water has collected in the remains of two overlapping craters. With smoking Mount Nakadake in the background, the sight of horses quietly grazing across the seemingly endless grassland evokes the immense power of nature. Yet this grassland is actually maintained through annual controlled burns, making it a joint creation of nature and human hands.

Near the parking lot is the Aso Volcano Museum, where visitors can learn about Aso’s natural environment and formation, as well as view real-time footage of the crater from a monitoring camera. Horseback riding offers another memorable way to take in the scenery of Kusasenrigahama.

Highlights

  • The sweeping expanse of fresh green grassland is one of Aso’s most iconic landscapes.
  • Horseback riding is available for a fee.
  • The Aso Volcano Museum offers insights into Mount Aso.
  • The nearby New Kusasenri observation restaurant serves Aso specialties such as Akaushi beef rice bowls.
  • Summer, when the grassland is covered in green, is the best season to visit, but the snow-covered winter landscape is also striking.

Photos

  • Visitors can also hike to the summit of Mount Eboshi, which stands 4,386 feet (1,337 meters) above sea level

    Visitors can also hike to the summit of Mount Eboshi, which stands 4,386 feet (1,337 meters) above sea level

  • The controlled burn held in March is an early-spring tradition in Aso

    The controlled burn held in March is an early-spring tradition in Aso

  • Kusasenrigahama is also worth seeing in winter, when snow blankets the entire grassland

    Kusasenrigahama is also worth seeing in winter, when snow blankets the entire grassland

  • Horseback riding is available amid the vast natural landscape for a fee

    Horseback riding is available amid the vast natural landscape for a fee

  • The Aso Volcano Museum also explains how Kusasenrigahama was formed

    The Aso Volcano Museum also explains how Kusasenrigahama was formed

Reviews

10

Some reviews are AI-translated.

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    Kusasenri in Aso, Kumamoto, is definitely an attraction you shouldn't miss! As soon as I arrived, I was greeted by a vast, seemingly endless grassland. Everywhere I looked was covered in lush green grass, with rolling mountains in the distance, creating a truly spectacular view. The scenery here is incredibly expansive and completely different from an ordinary city park. Just standing beside the grassland, you can feel the impact of nature, and your mood naturally becomes more relaxed.

    During my visit, what impressed me most was this endless green grassland. There aren't many buildings blocking the view, so you can fully appreciate Aso's unique natural landscape. When the wind blows across the grass, the entire grassland looks especially pleasant. As your gaze extends toward the distant mountains, it feels as if you are becoming part of nature. Many visitors also stop here to take photos. Some walk along the grassland, while others simply stand nearby and enjoy the scenery. The overall atmosphere is leisurely and relaxing.

    In addition to its expansive grassland scenery, Kusasenri also lets you experience the unique appeal of Aso's volcanic terrain. Compared with the temples, shrines, and busy shopping streets commonly seen in Japan, this place offers a greater sense of openness and tranquility. You only understand why it has become one of Aso's most iconic tourist attractions after visiting in person.

    What I liked most on this visit was the lush green grass stretching out in front of me. Simply standing there, enjoying the scenery, and taking photos made the trip feel worthwhile. If you like nature and wide-open views, I really recommend making time to visit and experience the beauty of Aso's grasslands!

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    Driving is the most convenient option. Navigate directly to “Kusasenri Observatory.” There’s paid parking, but it isn’t cheap. You can see Mount Aso in the distance, and the grasslands are beautiful. You can also pay to go horseback riding. The scenery along the drive up the mountain is beautiful. Highly recommended for travelers with a car!

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    The greatest pleasure of driving around Aso is having the freedom to take in the magnificence of Kusasenri at your own pace. On the mountain road from Komezuka to Kusasenri, be sure not to miss the elevated observation deck along the way. After parking, look down from above to see an entire field of autumn silver grass swaying in the wind, with the smoking crater of Mount Nakadake in the distance. The layered scenery is truly majestic.

    After following the mountain road to Kusasenri, I recommend heading straight to the scenic restaurant on the second floor for the local specialty, Aso beef teppanyaki. The tender beef sizzling on the hot plate and its mouthwatering aroma made it the most warm and comforting treat in the autumn breeze.

    After your meal, head down to the first floor. Not only are there many high-quality Aso souvenirs and specialty goods to browse, but it is also home to the popular Kusasenri Coffee Roastery. As a coffee lover, of course I couldn't pass it up. I ordered a rich hot latte along with a classic Aso pudding, made with pure Aso milk and featuring a dense, silky-smooth texture. I found a seat by the window and alternated between bites of pudding and sips of coffee while quietly gazing out over the endless autumn wilderness. This encounter with Aso's autumn silver grass in the Land of Fire left me completely satisfied in both body and mind.

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    Kusasenri in Aso is one of my favorite attractions. Besides the beautiful scenery, it's also not difficult to get to. Even without a car, you can take public transportation, which is very convenient for travelers.

    As soon as you arrive at Kusasenri, you see a vast, lush green grassland, with the magnificent Mount Aso in the distance. It feels like you're being embraced by the mountains, grassland, sky, and breeze. After seeing the volcano, I chose a restaurant where I could enjoy the view. Sitting by the window, I enjoyed my meal while looking at the scenery outside. The window frame was like a natural picture frame, turning the entire view into a painting. The volcano in the distance quietly kept us company, and whenever I saw smoke rising from the crater, I couldn't bring myself to look away.

    There are also horses freely grazing and strolling across the grassland, and horseback riding is available if you'd like to try it.

    On a trip to Aso, even the worries that are usually so hard to let go of seem to rise with the smoke from Mount Aso's crater and drift little by little into the distance on the wind.

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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.

Details

Name in Japanese
草千里ヶ浜
Postal Code
869-2232
Address
Akamizu, Aso City, Kumamoto Prefecture
Phone
0967-34-1600 (Aso Information Center)
Hours
Open at all times
Access
From JR Aso Station, take the Aso Crater Line bus and get off at Kusasenri Aso Volcano Museum-mae; the grassland is just steps away
Official website
Official website (Japanese)
Hokkaido Tohoku Kanto Chubu Hokuriku Kansai Chugoku Shikoku Kyushu Okinawa