If you’re planning a visit to Mt. Aso’s famous Nakadake crater, take note: the Sunazengahama (砂千里ヶ浜) black sand plain and the area around the Nakadake crater are currently closed to the public due to emergency construction works. The closure runs from Monday, June 15 through Friday, July 31, 2026. The announcement was made by the Aso Volcano Museum, citing the works as the reason for the temporary restriction.
The good news for hikers is that you can still reach Nakadake and Takadake (高岳) — you’ll just need to take a different path. Two alternative routes are available during the closure:
- Sarazanyama Detour Route (皿山迂回ルート) — a bypass of the usual Sunazengahama trail
- Senjogahara Route (仙酔峡ルート) — an alternative approach from the Senjogahara side
Route maps are available on the Aso City official website and the Aso Visitor Center website. It’s worth checking those pages before you head out, as the closure dates may be subject to change depending on how the construction progresses. The Aso Volcano Museum has said it will post updates if the schedule is revised.
Mt. Aso is one of the world’s largest active volcanic calderas, and access to the crater area is already subject to frequent volcanic alert restrictions — so it’s always a good idea to check current conditions before visiting. The Nakadake crater is one of Aso’s most dramatic sights, but safety and on-the-ground conditions come first.
If you’re coming to Aso for the first time and want ideas beyond the crater, pick-your-own fruit farms in Aso are open through the warmer months and offer a completely different (and very family-friendly) side of the region.
Source: 阿蘇火山博物館
