Aso Caldera, Volcanic caldera in Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan
Aso Caldera is a massive volcanic basin in Kumamoto Prefecture measuring roughly 25 kilometers north to south and 18 kilometers east to west. Inside it stand five prominent peaks called Aso Gogaku, with trails and observation areas surrounding the landscape.
This caldera formed from powerful eruptions roughly 90,000 to 270,000 years ago that released enormous amounts of rock and ash. Those ancient explosions created the deep basin that now defines the region.
The five central peaks hold deep meaning for locals and serve as pilgrimage sites and sources of inspiration for artists today. The annual fire festival shows how this landscape shapes daily life and traditions in the community.
Several trails of varying difficulty and an aerial tramway provide access to higher viewpoints throughout the area. Most visitors find it helpful to start at a local visitor center to get information for navigating the landscape.
About 50,000 people live permanently within the caldera's boundaries, making it one of the few inhabited volcanic basins in the world. This community has adapted over generations to the unique conditions of this place and shapes its character today.
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