We started with a visit to the Shinto Aso shrine where local farmers pray for their harvest to the god of the mountain. After leaving the sacred gate from the shrine, we cycled up to the top of Mt Aso, the largest active volcano in Japan. This ride was quite a climb up hill to the summit, however, as we were surrounded by beautiful caldera mountain ranges and breath taking views of Mt Aso, we were oblivious to the hard work! That’s meant to be a joke!!! We observed the steaming crater from the top, and cycled down to Kumamoto city.
Accommodation: Hotel Altitude gain: 1000m
