Nakadake Volcano and Kusasenri Plateau in Aso — Online Webcam
Volcanic Landscape of Aso: Where the Camera Is Located
The camera is installed on the grounds of the Aso Volcano Museum in Kumamoto Prefecture, Kyushu Island. From here, you get a panoramic view of the active stratovolcano Nakadake — the most active cone in the Aso group — and the adjacent Kusasenri Plateau. This is one of the few spots where you can simultaneously see the crater, green plains, and mountain ridges of Aso-Kuju National Park.
The stream is broadcast in real time, allowing you to observe changes in weather, lighting, and crater visibility. On clear days, fumarole field haze is visible from this observatory, while on cloudy days, clouds envelop the peaks, creating dramatic landscapes.
Nakadake: Eruption History and Current Activity
Nakadake is the most restless cone of the Aso volcanic complex. Over the past decades, it has repeatedly demonstrated powerful activity. The strongest eruptions in modern history occurred in 1979, 1984–1985, 1988–1989, and 1993–1994. The largest eruption in recent decades occurred in October 2016, when an ash column rose to a height of over 11 kilometers. A significant eruption was also recorded in 2019.
The Nakadake crater features a characteristic turquoise pond with acidic water, whose temperature fluctuates around 50–60 °C. The water color changes depending on volcanic activity and mineral content. During periods of heightened activity, access to the crater is closed, and the camera becomes the only way to observe the processes without health risks.
Kusasenri Plateau: A Green Sea at the Bottom of the Caldera
The Kusasenri Plateau was formed at the bottom of the giant Aso caldera — one of the largest in the world with a diameter of about 25 kilometers. This is a unique landscape formation: a flat green plain that emerged after a series of catastrophic eruptions in ancient times, now adorned with two volcanic ponds and herds of semi-wild horses of the Saimon-uma breed.
The horses graze here year-round, creating a rare ensemble for volcanic territories — a combination of geothermal activity and pastoral landscapes. The Kusasenri-ga-hama ponds are of volcanic origin and are fed by groundwater heated by magmatic chambers. In summer, the plateau is covered with emerald grass, and in winter — with a snow blanket, making it attractive to tourists in any season.
Aso-Kuju National Park: What Else to See
Aso-Kuju National Park, established in 1934, covers not only the Aso volcano but also an extensive mountainous area. The park's main peak is Mount Kuju, at 1,791 meters, which is the highest point of Kyushu Island. Its alpine meadows and mountain ridges contrast with the volcanic plains of Aso.
The park features healing onsen — hot springs, including Uchimaki Onsen, known for their therapeutic properties. Waterfalls, hiking trails, and observation decks make the area popular among trekking and photography enthusiasts. On clear days, the Kusasenri observatory offers a view of the Kuju mountains on the horizon.
Aso Volcano Museum: Science and Education
The camera used for the broadcast is installed on the roof of the Aso Volcano Museum (阿蘇火山博物館). Inside, there are interactive exhibits: a scale model of the Aso caldera, monitors with live streaming from the Nakadake crater in real time, volcanic rock samples, and a reconstruction of the volcano's internal structure.
Of particular interest is the exhibition about the magma chamber structure — a vast underground reservoir of molten rock that feeds Nakadake's eruptions. The museum operates daily and serves as an educational center for tourists and volcanology researchers.
Kusasenri Observatory: Panoramic Views
From the Kusasenri observatory, you can see the Nakadake crater, the Kusasenri Plateau with its ponds, and, in clear weather, the Kuju mountains on the horizon. This is a popular viewing point with a parking area, visitor center buildings, and paved walkways. The tourist infrastructure includes fences, signs, and information boards.
The observatory is accessible by car and public transport. Hiking trails to the crater and into the depths of the plateau start here. During periods of heightened volcanic activity, access to the crater is restricted, but the observatory remains open to visitors.
How to Get to Kusasenri
You can reach the Kusasenri Plateau by car via Route 45 from the city of Aso or from Kumamoto Prefecture. The parking area is designed for cars and buses. Public transport is provided by buses from Aso Station (JR Hohi Line) — the journey takes about 40 minutes.
An alternative route is the Aso-san Ropeway, connecting the museum area with the crater area. However, during eruption periods, the ropeway is closed, and bus service becomes the main way to transport tourists.
What the Camera Shows
The camera broadcasts a panoramic view of the volcanic landscape with green grassy plateaus and mountains in the background. In the foreground — a parking area with visitor center buildings, paved roads and paths. In the distance, volcanic peaks with green slopes, open areas, and characteristic volcanic landforms are visible. Green hills and plains stretch to the mountain range. Tourist infrastructure is observed: parking, buildings, fences. This is a popular viewpoint with a panoramic view of the volcanic complex.
Depending on weather conditions and time of day, the image changes: in the morning, the slopes are bathed in soft light; during the day, terrain details are visible; in the evening — sunset tones. In rainy weather, clouds may obscure the peaks, creating atmospheric shots.
