Aso volcano is at JMA Eruption Alert Level 3 (Restriction on entry into mountain). The crater area within 2km of Nakadake crater is off-limits to visitors; crater viewing is currently not permitted. The park road operates during daytime hours only (8:30 AM-6:00 PM summer hours), but crater access remains restricted.
- 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 2 hours ago
