8 Aso Volcano

It is hard to admit, but we are still sore of the Ryujin Sugi hike in Yakushima, and we are the only visitors of the camping, with amazing greenery and mountain view, so we decided we would stay in (I mean literally out, under a tree by our tent) and relax for a day. We have had so many experiences the last few days, met people, heard stories, we need digestion time before we go on. So we sat/laid under a small tree and stayed there for a good day, moving our towel one inch/hour around it, as in a very slow ritual dance, to keep us in the tiny shade it gave.  

digestive period

The next day we are full of energy. We go up the hill to conquest the volcano, which is still active, Sounds a bit too adventurous, but as we know everything is super safe in Japan, so  I guess if it's a tourist spot we are safe. We hitch a ride uphill, then we walk for a short time so we are at the crater in less then half an hour. On the way up I am quite surprised to discover the white cloud that I could always see from the campground at the same spot is not a cloud, but smoke coming from the volcano. The crater is something I have never seen before. A yellowish green pond in the center bubbles and smokes and this sulphuric smoke/steam paints the walls of the crater colorful with a yellowish shade. So, this is how an active volcano looks. I stand there in awe, being humbled by Nature for getting such a glimpse and stay alive. It gives a hint of the power that lies within the Earth under the surface. Scary and inspiring at the same time. You kind of wanna do your best if such powers lie within and you are still given the chance to breathe.

the crater

We were quite unprepared for a hike and sore from Yakushima, so we didn't think we would spend the next five hours going up and down steep montain trails, but we couldn't see in the beginning where the road will lead us, so we explored the ridges nearby and had amazing views of the crater, the cities and rivers nearby, and the sea. Going downhill was quite tough on a steep wall covered with sharp stones. I could hardly believe we are still in Japan, the only signs were some yellow arrows sprayed on bigger rocks, other than that no fence, no sign. Maybe the logic is that they put signs in safe places, just to appear nice where many people go , and where it is really hard and demanding, the few people that take the risk have to be smart enough to take care of themselves. Don't get me wrong, I am not complaining. It was a great opportunity to spend some more time with the volcano and the mountains and to feel small and to inhale (not the volcanic gases) but the power of nature.

the cloud of smoke