Aso is famous for its dramatic crater hikes—but this 7.7 km loop offers a completely different side of Aso:
wide-open grasslands, rolling volcanic hills, and peaceful scenery shaped by ancient eruptions.
Both Mt.Kishima-dake and Mt.Eboshi-dake can be climbed in under an hour from Kusasenrigahama, making this route ideal for beginners, families, or anyone who wants a relaxing half-day hike.
Contents
1.Highlights
1. Peaceful, wide-open Aso landscapes
From Kusasenrigahama to the caldera rim, you can enjoy Aso’s iconic grasslands, shaped by centuries of volcanic activity.
2. Perfect for beginners and families
Both Mt.Kishima-dake and Mt.Eboshi-dake take less than an hour to climb from Kusasenrigahama.
The trails are straightforward with great visibility, making them easy to navigate.
2.Course Overview
Distance: Approx. 7.7 km
Total Elevation Gain: 559 m
Estimated Hiking Time: 4 hours 08 minutes
Start / Finish: Kusasenrigahama Parking
Peaks Covered: Mt.Kishima-dake (1,326 m), Mt.Eboshi-dake (1,337 m)
Convenience Store: None
Toilets: Kusasenri Public Restroom
Difficulty: Easy–Intermediate
3.Access
By Car
Park at Kusasenrigahama Parking.
By Bus
A bus runs from Aso Station to Kusasenrigahama. Check the timetable here.
4.Bear safety measures
There are no bears living in Kyusyu, so bear safety measures are not necessary.
5.Trail Report
Mt.Kishima-dake
After parking at the Kusasenrigahama parking lot, then start by hiking up Mt.Kihima-dake (from Furubotyu side).
The trail begins with a gentle paved path almost to the summit, making it accessible for most hikers.
The grade never gets too steep, and the views open up quickly.
As the skies cleared, I got a perfect view of Mt.Naka-dake in the distance—still sending up its usual plume of steam.
About 40 minutes later, I reached the summit of Mt.Kihima-dake.
The open 360° panorama was far better than I expected—absolutely stunning.
A foreign hiker was doing yoga at the top, and honestly, I understood the feeling.
I did a counterclockwise loop around the broad crater rim—flat, runnable, and incredibly refreshing.
Descending toward Kusasenrigahama, the path was fully paved and took less than 30 minutes.
Mt.Eboshi-dake
Kusasenrigahama was crowded, as always, but once I ran past the lake toward the ridge, the crowds disappeared.
Kusasenrigahama has restaurants, coffee shops, and souvenir stores, making it a great place to take a break when you’re tired. There’s also an ice cream shop, which kids will love!
The trail to Mt.Eboshi-dake is not paved, but it’s a simple single-track path with no confusing turns.
Some plants are a little tall, but the slope is gentle and beginner-friendly.
I reached the summit in about 20 minutes.
Descending toward the Mt.Naka-dake side, the peaks of Mt.Naka-dake and Mt.Taka-dake were perfectly clear.
After a short break, I was back at Kusasenrigahama.
After the Hike
On the way down the road, I stopped at “Minami Aso Nature Soft” for soft-serve ice cream.
Rich, creamy, and perfect for the warm weather—highly recommended.
6.What I Learned on This Trail
This route is extremely beginner-friendly while still offering excellent views.
If you’re short on time or not confident about your stamina, climbing just one of the two peaks is totally fine.
Personally, I think the crater loop on Mt.Kishima-dake is the highlight—flat, spacious, and incredibly scenic.
Stronger hikers can combine this loop with Mt.Naka-dake or Mt.Taka-dake in the same day.
It’s a great way to enjoy the gentle, peaceful side of Aso—very different from the rugged volcanic terrain of Mt.Naka-dake.
I visited about a month after the controlled burn, so the grass hadn’t grown back yet. From spring to summer, however, this trail turns into a refreshing, lush green trail.
lf this hike makes you want to explore more, here are my favorite trails in Aso and Kuju.
And you can also check out recommended trails, climbing spots, and other activity areas across Japan here!
