Daikanbo （Great View Point）

Was super foggy when I went so couldn’t see much but nice to read the history of the place. Plus there was a random Mario guy sitting there for photo op!

My family and I drive on scenic and tranquil road, named Milk Road. Like we are driving in the dream. We drive slowly and enjoy the beauty of nature to Daikanbo Lookout. We park our rental vans at free parking lot (大観峰 第1駐車場, mapcode 256 878 415*58) There are gift shop, restaurant and toilet beside parking lot. We walk 10 minute to the Daikanbo (Great View Point). Daikanbo lookout means large observatory. We can view 360 degree panoramic views of central peaks of Mount Aso, and Oita’s Kuju Mountain range. Daikanbo, 936 meters height, is the highest peak of Mount Aso’s northern outer rim, and the lookout offers a stunning view of the towns and fields of Aso Valley below. This is a must see list.

Great place to view the Mount Aso as well as watching sunset! Located quite near the Kuju Forest Park ski resort, it's perfect to come here right after you finished skiing. Sunset is stunning here as you are on top of the mountain and there nothing blocking your view!

Photos do not do it justice! I considered not going, because after seeing photos on google, I didn't think it was anything more than we'd seen from other lookouts / drives around Aso. We went anyway because we had time and am so glad we did! The 360 view is breath taking - there is nothing like it. Not just the view of the volcano but the rolling surrounding cliff edge hills. Incredible.

We almost skip Daikanbo during Winter. We could see cows and horses grazing on the way up. Relatively easy to drive up, but the views of valleys and claudrons are amazing! Volcanic activities have sunk the ground in the center!