Aso volcano is at JMA Eruption Alert Level 3 (入山規制) as of August 14, 2026. Entry is prohibited within approximately 2km of the Nakadake crater, and crater viewing is not currently possible; the road is open to seasonal hours (AM 8:30 - PM 6:00 through October 31) but only to areas outside the restricted zone.
- Restricted radius: 2,000 m
- Crater shuttle bus: Not operating
- Areas affected: Nakadake first crater (中岳火口)
Traffic/Parking (schedule estimate, not live sensor data): Today is school summer break combined with late-morning/early-afternoon timing typically means slower going and a fuller lot than usual.
If it looks busy: The Minamiaso approach (via Nakamatsu) usually bypasses Kusasenri entirely, but that road is normally the first one closed when the crater alert is elevated like it is right now -- don't count on it today. Kusasenri's own parking/viewing area typically stays open even at higher alert levels, but the road beyond it to the summit terminal may not be; check the Aso Crater Access status above before heading up. Aso City publishes specific congestion forecasts ahead of major holiday weekends (Golden Week, Obon) on its website, worth checking the day before if you're coming on one. If Kusasenri's lot is full, Daikanbo and Komezuka are nearby viewpoints with their own separate parking.
Official Aso regulation status ↗
· updated 1 hour ago
