As a Southeast Asian, the concept of a real winter with snow, frozen landscapes, and snowy mountains was foreign to me. The anticipation to touch and step on snow had always been a dream, and finally, my time arrived. I went to the Kusasenri Grassland to see the frozen lake of an old crater. Winter is a marvel itself, but experiencing winter in Aso is nothing short of a blessing.
Welcome back to Michino Eki Aso, it’s Min Min again, let’s enjoy the snowy wonders of Aso through my blog.
Due to a high eruption warning level, the Nakadake Crater has been closed since last week, and we were concerned about the tour experiences for our visitors. Fortunately, Kusasenri grassland never disappoints, showcasing its beauty in every season. For me, visiting Kusasenri in spring, summer, and autumn was enchanting, but winter holds a special place in my heart as my first and favorite season.
The way up to the grassland was amazing, with the pathway blanketed in snow and the trees with snowflakes.
The way the snow hung from the branches was an indelible sight, especially for a girl from a hot country like mine.
After a delightful 20-minute drive, the ice-covered Kusasenri grassland and frosty Mt. Eboshi awaited us. This landscape attracted hiking enthusiasts, embarking on adventures up Mt. Eboshi. What a great time to do an adventure!
But my adventure was exploring the frozen lake. Walking through the snow-covered grassland was both fun and exhilarating, with each step sinking into the thick snow layers.
The iced-up grass along the way added another layer of beauty to the scenery.
Once we reached the frozen lake, my initial concerns about the ice cracking beneath me faded away as I realized the lake was securely frozen, covered by an additional layer of snow. I was jumping on the icy surface, we even cracked a sheet of icy glass.
This is me, standing on the frozen lake with the background of an active volcano and frost-covered mountain. Isn’t it an indelible experience?
On our way back to the car park, we made a stop at the observation deck of Kusasenri grassland. The deck offered a panoramic view of Mt. Kishima、 Mt. Eboshi、 the Nakadake crater, and Kusasenri Grassland.
For me, the highlight was peaking over the outer rim of the caldera from the observation deck.
The way back to Michino Eki Aso provided another opportunity to enjoy the scenery, featuring the adorable Mt. Komezuka and the iconic red cows, symbols of Aso.
Why don’t you consider your winter vacation in Aso?
This is all for today’s blog post, and I do hope to see you soon in Aso.
Min Min
