An Introduction to Aso's Geosites
What is a geosite?
The term "geosite" refers to sites within the geopark that have been recognized as important elements of the park's natural heritage. Some of these sites have been selected because they provide opportunities to experience the relationship between geology and history, culture, or daily life, as well as for their geological or topographical characteristics.
Thirty-three geosites are located in Aso Geopark. These sites are keys to understanding the land and people of Aso Volcano. Visiting them is a great way to learn more about the geology, history, and culture of the park.
※Geo is a prefix that can mean earth, land, or ground
Map of Aso's Geosites
List of Geosites
| Number | Geosite Name | Theme | Related Geo-points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Daikanbo Caldera Geosite | Experience a world-class caldera (view from the north) | Aso Caldera, Daikanbo, outcrop of Akahoya ash layer |
| 2 | Nakadake Geosite | Sense the activity of the earth through an active volcano | Nakadake Crater, Sunasenri-ga-hama |
| 3 | Kusasenri Geosite | Grazing land and volcanic activity | Kusasenri-ga-hama, Aso Volcano Museum, Kusasenri-ga-hama Observation Station, Mt. Eboshidake |
| 4 | Komezuka Geosite | Topography and geological features formed by a relatively new volcanic group | Komezuka, Kami-Komezuka |
| 5 | Furubochu Geosite | Volcanic activity and mountain religion | Furubochu |
| 6 | Sensuikyo Gorge Geosite | Rocky peaks and alpine plants | Sensuikyo Gorge, Mt. Takadake |
| 7 | Mt. Kishimadake Geosite | Recent volcanic activity dating to several thousand years ago | Mt. Kishimadake, Mt. Ojyodake |
| 8 | Fumotobochu Geosite | One town's history and culture | Saigandenji Temple, Aso Den'en Kukan Eco Museum |
| 9 | Mt. Ogidake Geosite | An isolated peak on the pyroclastic flow plateau | Mt. Ogitake |
| 10 | Koganotaki Falls Geosite | Falls on the outer rim of the caldera | Koganotaki Waterfall |
| 11 | The Deity of the Volcano Geosite | Seek the roots of the culture centered on Aso Volcano | Aso Shrine, Kokuzo Shrine, Kaminokokura and Shimonokokura Burail Mounds, |
| 12 | Cluster of Springs in Aso Valley District Geosite | Alluvial fan and artesian aquifer | Miyaji and Yakuinbaru district springs |
| 13 | Futaenotouge Mountain Pass Geosite | Myths and history | Futaenotouge Mountain Pass, Sankin-kotai Road, Matoshi (Matoshi teahouse and remains of pond) |
| 14 | Aso Yellow Ocher (Aso Odo) Geosite | Environmental and cultural gifts from the volcano | Aso Yellow Ocher (Limonite) |
| 15 | Uchinomaki Hot Spring Geosite | Historic hot spring town | Uchinomaki Hot Spring |
| 16 | Milk Road Grassland Geosite | Vast grasslands cover the north rim | Grassland scenery |
| 17 | Oshito-ishi Geosite | Fusion of nature and culture | Oshito-ishi |
| 18 | North Outer Rim Pyroclastic Flow Geosite | Understanding the vast pyroclastic flow | Nabegataki Falls, Yusuikyo Gorge, Nanataki Falls, Aso pyroclastic flow deposits (on Yamanami Highway) |
| 19 | Oguni-go Area Hot Spring Geosite | Hot spring village formed by volcanic activity | Minami Oguni hot spring village, Tsuetate Hot Spring, Suzume Jigoku, Waita hot spring village |
| 20 | Ikeyama and Yamabuki Geosite | Sources of spring water | Ikeyama Spring, Yamabuki Spring |
| 21 | Sankin-kotai Road Geosite | Road utilizing natural topographic features | Sankin-kotai Road |
| 22 | Kusakabe Geosite | Kudariyama Shrine, dedicated to the god of Aso | Kusakabeyoshimi Shrine |
| 23 | Camel Mountain (Rakuda-yama) Geosite | Scenery featuring intrusive rocks | Camel Mountain (Rakuda-yama), Minami-Aso Visitor Center, Aso Wildflower Garden, Aso Folk School, Mt. Nekodake |
| 24 | Cluster of Springs in Minami-Aso District Geosite | Springs created by the volcano and the daily life of local people | Minamiaso Village Spring Group, Takamori Spring Tunnel |
| 25 | Jigoku and Tarutama Hot Springs Geosite | Geothermal area and hot springs, explosion crater | Ikenokubo, Jigoku and Tarutama Hot Springs |
| 26 | Nango Valley Geosite | Characteristic topography related to the formation of Nango Valley | Terraced topography of Nangodani Valley |
| 27 | Mt. Rakanyama Geosite | Understand unusual formations | Unusual rock formations at Mt. Rakanyama, Zizo-toge Pass natural dikes |
| 28 | Tawarayama Mountain Pass Caldera Geosite | Experience the grand scale of the caldera (view from the south) | Aso Caldera, Tawarayama Lookout |
| 29 | Tateno Gorge Geosite | Intersection of fault activity | Tateno Gorge, Sugarugatak Falls, Ayugaerinotaki Falls |
| 30 | Shiraitonotaki Falls Geosite | Waterfall formed by lava on the outer rim | Shiraitonotaki Falls |
| 31 | Omine Volcano Geosite | Visit and active fault | Omine Volcano, Takayubaru laval plateau |
| 32 | Soyokyo Gorge Geosite | A beautiful valley created by a volcano and springs | Soyokyo Gorge |
| 33 | Heitate Shrine Geosite | Connect with the world of the gods | Heitate Shrine |
