Mount Asosan, also known as Aso Volcano, is a geological marvel in Japan. Encompassing one of the world’s largest calderas, stretching 25 kilometers north to south and 18 kilometers east to west, Aso is a complex volcanic system. The caldera itself formed through a series of enormous eruptions hundreds of thousands of years ago. Within this vast depression lies a cluster of central cones, with Nakadake currently holding the title of most active.
| Location: | Kyushu, Japan |
| Coordinates: | 32.884800, 131.084915 |
| Volcano Type: | Complex |
Asosan’s Location
Asosan’s Latest Status
2026: Not Active.
Asosan’s Eruptive History
| Year | Overview |
|---|---|
| 2021 | Eruption producing ash plume and volcanic gases. Pyroclastic flows likely occurred. |
| 2016 | Phreatomagmatic eruption on October 8th. This type of eruption involves interaction between magma and water, causing steam-driven explosions. |
| 2015 | Phreatomagmatic eruptions starting on September 14th, with ongoing activity until May. |
| 1884 | Series of eruptions throughout March-April and June, characterized by significant ash fall. |
| 1874 | Eruption |
| 1873 | Ash fall events |
| 1872 | Eruption resulting in fatalities amongst sulfur miners near the crater. |
| 1856 | Ash fall |
| 1854 | Eruption which tragically caused fatalities among a group of pilgrims. |
Asosan Monitoring
For monitoring of Japan’s Volcanoes, please refer to JMA.
Asosan Images
