Mt. Aso Volcano and Island Bound


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Asia » Japan » Kagoshima » Kagoshima
June 5th 2010
Published: June 7th 2010
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From Beppu we took an early train to Mt. Aso to stay at Aso Base Backpackers hostel. The people who run this hostel were very helpful and gave us a map of the volcano area and recommended treks to take for the day. We took the local bus to Mt. Aso and road a rail car up to the middle point of the crater. There was a tourist area that many people were at taking pictures, and we decided to take the hikes to get up higher and further away from the people.

The Naka Dake point was our destination. It started out as a very easy hike up pre-made stairs and then got a bit steeper, and then became more like rock climbing. At one point we steered off the path and were climbing up what was basically a giant rock slide and a huge rock rolled down and hit me in the elbow ouch! 😞 After a few minutes of crying I moved on with a sore but thankfully not broken elbow.

We reached the top and took a few pictures, it was a much better view from up there. We also took picture of some weird bugs along the way, they looked like aliens.

Descending back down was just as hard as the climb up but we made it with no serious injuries.
Hungry from the hike we walked around town until we came upon a local ramen shop and enjoyed a delicious and much deserved meal and even got a chance to try one of the few phrases we've leaned on the trip to the chef ( something like," this was a great meal") she smiled, mission accomplished

The next morning after much research we decided to head to Kagoshima to inquire about ferrys to Okinawa Island. Tomorrow we will depart from the Little Asia Hostel to board a huge cargo boat to Okinawa Island. We have 7 days to get there and will stop off at 4 different islands before we arrive at Okinawa. Wish us luck!


Aso Hostel Info:

Aso Base Backpackers

*Brand new, still has the new wood smell
*Great common area and kitchen
*100 Yen every 30 mins internet
*300 Yen Laundry with detergent provided
*Very comfortable and spacious bunk beds
*No AC in the rooms with misquotes getting in when windows opened 😞 dorms may be different
*Shared bathrooms and showers, there are many and very clean
*Helpful staff
*2 minute walk from the station
*Reasonable prices


Kagoshima Hostel Info:

Little Asia Guest House

*Cheap
*Bunk beds not so comfortable but manageable for the price
*280 Yen for a dinner at the hostel which was very tasty and a good way to meet other travelers
*Free internet
*Minutes walk from the station



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8th June 2010

Stay away from the edge during konfu
Enjoyed reading about you and Brad's vacation. But you two be careful close to the edges of those cliffs. Okay? Love, Mom :)

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