Located at the center of Aso-Kuju National Park in Kumamoto and Oita prefectures, Mt. Aso volcano is a popular tourist destination, whose caldera is one of the largest in the world. There are five prominent mounts, including the active Mt. Naka-dake. Also, many hot spring villages are located around the national park. The beautiful mountain resort town of Takachiho is about midway between Nobeoka on the east coast and Mt. Aso. It is one of the most sacred places in Japan, and is the setting for many ancient myths and legends. Must-sees include the Ama no Iwato-jinja shrine and Takachiho Gorge.