What is a Ryokan? Ryokans are the best way to experience Japanese culture and enjoy the true comforts of Japanese hospitality and service.
Hot springs have a very long history in Japan, and they are an intimate part of Japanese culture. There are over 3,000 "onsen" ,or hot springs, in Japan. Many can be found at the ryokans available on Japanese Guest Houses.
Mount Aso is the central attraction of Aso-Kuju National Park, Kumamoto Prefecture on the island of Kyushu. Rising to an elevation of 1,592 meters (5,223 feet), Mount Aso has the largest active crater in the world. The crater measures 18 kilometers (11 miles) from east to west and 24 kilometers (15 miles) from north to south. It has the world's largest caldera (bowl-shaped volcanic depression) which marks the original crater and contains the active volcano of Nakadake and numerous hot springs. Nakadake is still active and regularly emits volcanic smoke and ash. There are roads and railways in the crater, and its mountain pastures are used for cattle raising and dairy farming. For more information about Mt Aso please see our travel content partner Japan-Guide.
