Safety
Mount Tokachi Volcanic Alert Raised to Level 3
Japanese authorities have elevated the alert level for Mount Tokachi in Hokkaido to Level 3, citing increased seismic activity and potential eruption risks.
According to reports from Khaosod Online, citing the Sapporo Regional Meteorological Office, the alert level for Mount Tokachi in Hokkaido, Japan, has been raised to Level 3 on a 5-level scale. This decision follows a notable increase in seismic activity near the 2,077-meter volcano since August.
Authorities have restricted access to the area, warning that an eruption could impact a radius of approximately 3 kilometers around the crater. There is a potential risk of volcanic ash and small rocks affecting nearby municipalities, including Furano, Biei, Kamifurano, Minamifurano, and Shintoku. Evacuation orders have been issued for the Fukiage hot spring area and the Tokachidake hot spring vicinity, both located within the 3-kilometer danger zone. Consequently, the Hakuginsou hot spring facility and accommodation have temporarily suspended operations. While the Ryounkaku ryokan remains open, management has advised elderly guests to evacuate as a precautionary measure.
For travelers and residents in the region, this situation necessitates strict adherence to local government directives and restricted access zones. While the alert level indicates a heightened risk of eruption, the exact timing and scale of any potential volcanic activity remain to be confirmed by meteorological experts. Visitors are encouraged to monitor official updates from the Japan Meteorological Agency and local municipal authorities before planning travel to the vicinity of Mount Tokachi.
