Aso Kujū National Park
National Park in Kyūshū, Japan
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Aso-Kujū National Park (阿蘇くじゅう国立公園, Aso-Kujū Kokuritsu Kōen) is a national park in Kumamoto and Ōita Prefectures, Japan. The park derives its name from Mount Aso, the largest active volcano in Japan, and the Kujū mountains.[1][2] Mount Aso is also one of the largest caldera volcanos in the world.[3]
| Aso-Kujū National Park | |
|---|---|
| 阿蘇くじゅう国立公園 | |
Mount Aso and its caldera | |
  Aso-Kujū National Park Aso-Kujū National Park in Japan  Aso-Kujū National Park Aso-Kujū National Park (Japan) | |
| Location | Kyūshū, Japan |
| Coordinates | 32°53′06″N 131°06′15″E |
| Area | 726.78 km2 |
| Established | 4 December 1934 |
| Governing body | Ministry of the Environment (Japan) |
History
Around 270,000 years ago, a burst of volcanic activity helped shape the area.[4]
Aso Shrine at Mount Aso in Kyushu is a Shinto shrine traditionally held to have been a center of worship before the accession of Emperor Jinmu. The shikinaisha shrine complex at Ichinomiya in what is today Kumamoto Prefecture was said to have been established in 281 BC.[5] The original location of the shrine is uncertain because it was destroyed and rebuilt many times in or near the crater of Aso-san.
- On December 4, 1934, this park was first established as Aso National Park.[6]
- On September 1, 1953, Mt. Yufu, Mt. Tsurumi, and Mt. Takasaki in Oita Prefecture were designated as extensions.
- On May 1, 1956, Mt. Takasaki was separated and incorporated into the Seto Inland Sea National Park.
- On June 25, 1964, the Yamanami Highway was put into service as the "Toll Road Beppu Aso Road".
- On September 10, 1986, the name was changed to Aso Kujū National Park.[6]
- On June 25, 1994, the Yamanami Highway was opened free of charge due to the expiration of the toll collection period.
Activities
- Soak in natural hot springs at Sujiyu Onsen Public Bath.[3]
- Camping is easily accessible with their many campsites, such as Kuju Kogen Soumi and Kokonoe Green Park campgrounds.
- Natural spring water can be collected at the Shirakawa Fountainhead. Water from the Shirakawa River irrigates rice and vegetable farms in Kumamoto.
- Various hiking and biking trails have been established at the park. Horseback rides are also available.
