From majestic Mount Fuji to an underwater volcano that shaped a brand new island simply final 12 months, Japan’s 109 energetic volcanoes account for round 10 p.c of all the energetic volcanoes on the earth. The explanation why Japan has so many volcanic peaks is as a result of its 6,800 or so islands are strung throughout the Pacific Ring of Fireplace – a zone of serious seismic exercise. As a consequence, Japan could be very vulnerable to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
All of this has had a profound influence on Japanese tradition, in addition to the event of its densely-populated coastal cities. Whereas the smouldering volcanoes have typically been revered and worshiped by locals and represented in numerous artworks and haikus, in addition they make for some fabulous mountaineering and mountaineering. Of its many mountains and volcanoes, it’s the illustrious Mount Fuji that’s the nation’s most necessary and iconic image.
Situated within the west of Hokkaido – Japan’s second-largest island – Mount Usu may be discovered amid some beautiful surroundings in Shikotsu-Toya Nationwide park. Though it solely reaches 733 meters excessive, the stratovolcano’s hulking presence looms over the encompassing forests and countryside. From its summit, which may be reached by a scenic ropeway, guests can take pleasure in panoramic views out over the park and the glimmering waters of Lake Toya, which lie in a caldera beside it. Along with this, the park additionally boasts the distinctive lava dome of Showa-shinzan, in addition to soothing scorching springs and quite a few craters that had been shaped when Mount Usu final erupted in 2000.
The third tallest volcano in the entire of Japan, Mount Norikura towers to a colossal 3,025 meters. A part of the Hida Mountains, the snow-capped stratovolcano may be present in Chubu-Sangaku Nationwide Park, with beautiful valleys, ravines, and rivers throughout it. Hidden away on its slopes are quite a few crater lakes and alpine meadows, whereas hardened lava flows may be discovered nearer its peak. That means ‘using saddle’ in Japanese as a consequence of its lengthy ridge and plateau, Mount Norikura is a highly regarded place to go mountaineering and climbing due to its majestic surroundings and beautiful views.
Mendacity inside the mountainous Nagano Prefecture within the middle of Japan, Mount Yake is likely one of the most energetic volcanoes within the Hida Mountains. As such, a lot of hardened lava fields may be spied upon its slopes, whereas steam and gasoline continues to be emitted from a fumarole close to its peak. Overlooking the reflective waters of Lake Taisho, Mount Yake’s two peaks make for a stupendous sight, and a pleasant little crater lake may be discovered nestled between them. Reaching 2,455 meters at its highest level, Mount Yake is rightfully included among the many 100 Well-known Japanese Mountains – an inventory of the nation’s most celebrated mounts.
Rising dramatically from amid the shimmering waters of the East China Sea, Suwanosejima is the second-largest of the serene and secluded Tokara archipelago’s islands. At its coronary heart is the 796-meter excessive cone of considered one of Japan’s, and certainly the world’s, most energetic volcanoes. Resulting from its frequent and violent eruptions, solely round 50 individuals stay on the island. Quite a few instances in its historical past, it has needed to be deserted when issues received too harmful. The stratovolcano does look spectacular although; its barren slopes stand out in stark distinction to the glowing sea round it. Situated round a nine-hour boat journey from mainland Japan, the subtropical Suwanosejima and its smoking volcano definitely take some attending to.
Boasting a lovely crater, Shinmoedake makes up a part of the Mount Kirishima group of volcanoes that’s clustered collectively on Kyushu, Japan’s third-largest island. Its large crater is definitely its most well-known and fetching function: the evil villain Blofeld used the caldera as his base within the 1967 James Bond movie You Solely Reside Twice. Whereas this as soon as housed an excellent crater lake, it’s now sadly coated up by a lava dome following the volcano’s newest eruption in 2018. Shinmoedake makes for some fabulous mountaineering. From its 1,421 meter excessive rim, you possibly can take pleasure in great panoramas out over the various mountains of Kirishima-Yaku Nationwide Park.
Towering above the onsen city of Kusatsu in Gunma Prefecture, Mount Kusatsu-Shirane is a highly regarded vacation spot as a consequence of its very good surroundings, lofty peak, and wealth of well-marked mountaineering trails. Consisting of a collection of overlapping volcanic cones, its summit reaches 2,171 meters, with three glowing crater lakes tucked away amongst its larger realms. Of those, Yugama – the biggest lake – is the mount’s stand out function as its colourful waters distinction so starkly with the desolate landscapes round it. In summer time and spring, Mount Kusatsu-Shirane’s many mountaineering trails entice a lot of guests, whereas some nice snowboarding may be loved within the winter months. Along with this, the effervescent springs on the volcano’s base are at all times a preferred draw, whatever the season.
The second-highest volcano in Japan after the enduring Mount Fuji, Mount Ontake dominates its environment with its 3,067-metre excessive summit. Dotted in regards to the hulking volcano are 5 shining crater lakes for guests to take a look at, with Nino at 2,905 meters being the very best altitude lake within the nation. Lengthy thought-about to be sacred, Mount Ontake attracts a lot of pilgrims and worshipers, who come to hike its age-old pilgrimage route. This takes you thru some breathtaking nature, with lovely views to be loved from its towering summit. Apart from its excellent magnificence, the magical mount additionally has plenty of magnificent scorching springs and incredible ski resorts on provide. Whereas Mount Ontake is mostly thought-about to be very secure, the volcano erupted unexpectedly in 2014, tragically killing 63 individuals within the course of.
Situated within the middle of Japan’s essential island of Honshu, Mount Asama stands 2,568 meters (8,425 toes) above sea stage, towering over the resort city of Karuizawa. Mount Asama is greatest recognized for an eruption that occurred in 1783, which killed 1,500 individuals. The mountain is Honshu’s most energetic volcano, erupting as just lately as 2009 and sending ash as distant as Tokyo. Regardless of the potential hazard of one other eruption, Mount Asama stays a preferred vacation vacation spot. Guests come to ski on the height’s adjoining slopes and soak within the area’s pure scorching springs.
Overlooking the historic metropolis of Kagoshima on Kyushu Island are the three volcanoes that make up the stratovolcano Sakurajima. Of those, Minami-dake is essentially the most just lately energetic. It often dumps ash on town under. Adventurous vacationers who need an up-close expertise with a stay volcano are hardly ever upset. Whereas guests will not be permitted to climb as much as the sting of the damaging crater, there are wonderful views to be loved from Yunohira Lookout, which may be reached in round two hours on foot or in minutes by automobile.
Close to town of Shimabara on the island of Kyushu lies the group of volcanoes referred to as Mount Unzen. Eruptions from these volcanoes date again six million years, however till just lately, they had been thought to have change into dormant. A nationwide park was established in 1934 and a small village sprang as much as accommodate guests. In 1990, one of many volcanoes, Mount Fugen, started a collection of eruptions. Right now, the mountain lies dormant once more, and guests can climb the 1,359 meter (4,459 foot) peak to take pleasure in panoramic views. To shorten the trek, most hikers strategy the climb from Mount Myoken, which is reached by a three-minute gondola journey from Nita Go.
Mount Aso, or Aso-san, is definitely 5 separate volcanic peaks. Situated on Japan’s southern island of Kyushu close to town of Kumamoto, the Aso-san volcanic space is so large that complete villages lie inside its boundaries. One of many 5 volcanoes, Mount Nakadake, continues to be energetic and is the world’s essential attraction, however when the volcano spews gases, the complete space is shut down. Different peaks are in style locations as effectively. Treks across the area vary from quick walks to day-long hikes. Close to the Mount Aso Museum is a heliport the place guests can organize for breath-taking albeit costly flyovers.
Situated lower than two hours from Tokyo, Mount Fuji is Japan’s most recognizable landmark, visited by hundreds of thousands and climbed by greater than 300,000 individuals every year. Legend says that Mount Fuji was created in a single day; geologically, the present volcano is believed to have shaped excessive of an older volcano round 10,000 years in the past. The climb up Fuji is so in style there’s a submit workplace on the high in order that those that attain the summit can ship a postcard again residence from the crest of the three,800 meter (12,400 foot) excessive peak. It’s a steep and arduous climb, nonetheless. Vacationers searching for a much less taxing expertise can take pleasure in spectacular views of Fuji from close by Tenjo-Yama Park the place a cable automobile takes guests 1,000 meter (3,000 toes) as much as the Fuji Viewing Platform.
Conclusion
The explanation why Japan has so many volcanic peaks is as a result of it strung throughout the Pacific Ring of Fireplace which is a zone of serious seismic exercise. All of this has had a profound influence on Japanese tradition and the event of their densely populated coastal cities.