KumamotoTravel

A Charming Green Volcano Shaped Like an Inverted Bowl

About this spot

A small volcano that rises gently from the grassland along the Aso Panorama Line, shaped like an inverted bowl. Its entire surface is covered in soft grass, and at its summit sits a small depression—a remnant of the crater—giving it an endearing charm that is one of Aso's most iconic images. According to legend, Kenbanryūmei, the god who reclaimed Aso, piled up rice harvested from across the region to form this mountain, and the depression at the summit marks where he distributed rice to the poor—a heartwarming tale indeed. To protect precious ecosystems, climbing the volcano is prohibited, but viewing this verdant creation from roadsides and viewing areas is breathtaking. The shape changes expression with the seasons and shifting light angles, making it endlessly enjoyable as you drive past.

Tips

Entry onto Kometuka itself is prohibited for ecosystem preservation. Avoid roadside parking; instead, use designated parking areas or observation spaces before viewing. On sunny days, the shadows cast on the rounded form become sharply defined, making for excellent photographs.