Local Guide
Check the temperature and clothes in Aso and Kokonoe area!

Aso-Kuju National Park is recognized as a World Geopark. Aso City (Kumamoto Prefecture) and Kokonoe Town (Oita Prefecture) are located within the vast national park that straddles Kumamoto and Oita Prefectures. Aso, which has one of the world's largest calderas, Nakadake (1,791 m), Kyushu's highest peak, which is still smoking, the Kujyu mountain range, and Yufudake (Mt. Yufudake).
Aso City and Kokonoe Town range in elevation from about 400 m to 1,000 m. Since the temperature is said to change by 0.6°C every 100 m, there is a difference of about 3.6°C between the lowlands and highlands, so it is necessary to have the right clothing for each elevation.
The climate is typical mountain climate. Although temperatures are cooler and the annual temperature difference is smaller than in the plains, local weather tends to vary widely and clouds and fog are more likely to appear. Summers are cool and pleasant, while winters are bitterly cold.

Kokonoe Town temperature graph

Wild fire
Wild fire

The average temperature in March, when it is still cold, is 8.5℃. Spring in Aso Kujyu National Park begins with the "burning of the fields," in which winter's dead grass is burned in late February and early March, and the grass eventually sprouts and turns green all over.
In early April, pretty flowers such as kisumire and haru gentian begin to bloom, and the area quickly becomes spring-like. In April and May, when you can enjoy viewing wildflowers in the meadows colored yellow, pink, and purple amid fresh greenery, the average maximum temperature is over 20℃. The days of clear skies are perfect for excursions. During the daytime, you can wear a long-sleeved shirt, but after sunset, the lowest temperature often drops below 10°C, so it is recommended to carry a thick cardigan or a windbreaker with high heat insulation.

Miyama-kirishima, which dyes the mountain surface pink
Miyama-kirishima, which dyes the mountain surface pink

The Kujyu mountain range, a popular summer mountain climbing destination, opens in June. Many climbers visit Kujyu to enjoy the spectacular view of the mountainside stained with azaleas and Miyama-kirishima, which are at their best. The temperature is 20.9°C, making it a comfortable time to wear a light shirt. However, the rainy season begins at the beginning of the year, and because the weather in the highlands is changeable, the temperature drops dramatically when it rains. Be sure to carry rain gear and prepare a heavy parka or windbreaker with waterproof and water-repellent functions.
The average temperature in July and August is 26℃. The higher the altitude, the cooler and more pleasant the highland breezes feel, but the sun is strong, so sunscreen and a hat are necessary. The highest average temperature at 400 meters above sea level is over 30℃. Midsummer days are frequent, and short sleeves are sufficient.
Outdoor activities are popular in Aso City and Kokonoe Town in summer. Mountain climbing, trekking, playing in the river, camping, astronomical observation, and taking a hot bath in a cold spring are just a few of the ways to enjoy the great outdoors.

Kujyu mountain range like a brocade
Kujyu mountain range like a brocade

In September, the temperature difference between day and night can be more than 15°C. The average temperature is 21.4°C, and the average temperature is 21.4°C. The average temperature is 21.4℃. In mid-September, the lowest temperatures are 15°C or lower, making the days feel chilly. A light long-sleeved shirt during the day in early October, a sweatshirt in mid October, and a jacket or knit cardigan at night are recommended for a comfortable stay.
Autumn foliage begins in early October. Colors begin near the top of the mountain and move down to the foot of the mountain over the course of a month. The famous "Kyusuikei" (gorge), which is famous for its autumn foliage, turns into a brocade in late October. In November, the grasslands and wetlands are covered with fields of Japanese pampas grass and red maple leaves, and red cows graze on the golden grass in the pastures.
The average temperature during the autumn foliage season is 14.6°C in October and 9.2°C in November, and it gradually gets colder; even in October, the nights are chilly, so it is recommended to wear early winter clothing such as a lined coat or stole, as in November.

Kuju Forest Park Ski Area
Kuju Forest Park Ski Area

The first snow in Aso and Kuju mountains is usually observed in mid-November, and in December, Kusasenri, Kusumi Kogen and other highland areas are covered with more than 50 cm of snow, turning the highland areas into a silver world. Ski resorts open and the highland areas become a silver world. The average temperature is 5.5 degrees Celsius, and the minimum temperature can be minus on some days, so be sure to wear warm innerwear, sweaters, and down jackets for midwinter.
In January and February, when it is cold at the bottom, the lowest average temperature is -3.1°C and the average temperature drops to the 3°C range. Enjoying the famous hot springs in the national park is another great winter activity.
If you go there by car, be sure to equip snow tires or chains and take good winter protection measures when you go outside.

After enjoying sightseeing, spend a relaxing time surrounded by nature at a hot spring inn in Aso Kujyu National Park.

Immerse yourself in the nature created by the caldera.

Guest rooms are detached with Outdoor hot spring. Feel at one with nature.
Guest rooms are detached with Outdoor hot spring. Feel at one with nature.

Approximately 70 minutes by car from Aso Kumamoto Airport. Located in Aso Kujyu National Park at an elevation of 1,000 meters, this hot spring ryokan is a mere 12 detached buildings with outdoor hot springs scattered over an area of 8,000 tsubo. Aso Caldera is one of the largest calderas in the world. Guest rooms are decorated with natural materials nurtured by the caldera, such as tea utensils made of lava rock and tables made of Oguni cedar (Oguni cedar). The luxurious bathing while listening to the chirping of birds, the Japanese-style KAI Local Flavors that allows you to taste the bounty of Kyushu's land, and the Experience program that introduces you to the charms of the caldera will allow you to spend a moment of relaxation surrounded by Aso's great nature.

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Hoshino Resorts KAI Aso
The information in this article is current as of the date of the update. Please check before visiting as they are subject to change.