Oct 21, 2013 - 1 min read

Hiking Tawarayama

The best views of the Mt Aso region

By Mandy Bartok

Community writer

Tawarayama, in the Minami Aso area, is one of the most popular day hikes in Kumamoto. A trail winds straight up the hill past energy-harnessing windmills before flattening out on a grassy plain. It then meanders through an oak and pine forest before one final steep slope brings hikers out on the summit of Tawarayama. On a clear day, the five peaks of the Aso region are clearly visible just across the valley; if you're lucky, you can also catch the far-off peaks of Unzen across the bay in Nagasaki Prefecture. The hike has some tough sections but at three hours round trip, it's more than doable for anyone in decent shape with a good pair of shoes.

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By Mandy Bartok

Community writer

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Tristan Scholze 10 years ago

I've been through this beautiful area a lot, but will have to try the hike next time! These views are much better than that of the road.

Mandy Bartok Photographer 10 years ago

It's a beautiful hike, Tristan, but I am not sure how the current ongoing eruption is affecting the visibility on the southern side of Mt Aso. Allegedly, people in Takamori have had crops ruined and friend told me some people are many wearing masks due to the ash but this peak might be just far enough away to not be too affected.

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