Mount Aso is the volcanic area and 5 peaks along the large caldera that was created as the result of 4 large eruptions some 270,000 to 290,000 years ago. Here, inside this world’s largest caldera and volcanic area you’ll find a train line running through the three local municipalities of Aso, Takamori and Minamiaso, towards the 50,000 people who live there.
Daikanbo is located in the inner northern area of the caldera’s grassy plains, offering breathtaking views of the sunken terrain below. It’s home to a 936-meter high plain with views of the sprawling green fields near the Aso townscape, the 5 mountains of Aso, the cliffs of Mt. Kuju and more. Many people say that the view of the 5 mountains of Aso look like the form of sleeping Buddha, whereas some even refer to the view as “Nirvana”. In the early morning of the winter and fall you’ll find the magical sight of a sea of clouds inverted below your eyes.
Long ago the protruding terrain was nicknamed “tomigahana”, literally (“looks like a nose from a far), but is said to have been nicknamed Daikanbo afterwards by the Japanese author Soho Tokutomi.
Highlights
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Observation deck with swooping views out from the Aso mountaintop crater to Somma Volcano
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The crestline of the Aso Five Mountains is often called the “sleeping Buddha”.
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Famous stargazing spot.
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Catch the “unkai”, the sea of inverted clouds in the valley below in early mornings of fall and winter.
