Japan is a small island country with a distinctive history and culture. Did you know that there are 109 active volcanoes, which accounts for about 10 percent of all active volcanoes in the world. With more than 70 percent of Japan's territory being mountainous, it is not surprising that volcanoes play a significant role in Japanese culture and mythology. From majestic mountain Fuji, to the underwater volcano that formed new island Just last year, volcanoes in Japan offered an impressive spectacle.

Near the city of Shimabara on the island of Kyushu there is a group of volcanoes known as Mount Unzen. These volcanoes erupted six million years ago, and until recently, they were thought to be dormant volcanoes. In 1934 it was created here National Park and even a small village has grown up to accommodate tourists. In 1990, one of the volcanoes, Mount Fügen, experienced a series of eruptions. Today the mountain lies dormant again, and visitors can climb to its 1,359-meter peak for panoramic views. To shorten the journey, most tourists climb from Mount Washim, the top of which can be reached in a three-minute ride on the ski lift at Nita Pass.

2. Mount Aso.


Mount Aso, or Aso San, is actually five separate volcanic peaks. The volcano is located on the southern Japanese island of Kyushu, near the city of Kumamoto. Mount Aso San is so massive that several villages are located within its borders. One of the five volcanoes, Mount Nakadake, is still active and is the area's main attraction, but when the volcano erupts, the entire area is closed to the public. Other peaks are also popular with tourists. Tours in the region range from short walks to multi-day hikes. Next to the Mount Aso Museum is a helipad where visitors can take breathtaking flights over the volcano.

1. Mount Fuji


Located less than two hours from Tokyo, Mount Fuji (or Fuji) is Japan's most recognizable landmark, visited by millions of tourists. Legend has it that Mount Fuji was created in one day. Geologically, the established volcano is believed to have formed on top of an old volcano about 10,000 years ago. The climb to the top of Mount Fuji is so popular that there is even a post office at the top. So those who reach the summit can send a postcard home from the crest of the peak, 3,800 meters above sea level.

This was reported by the Japanese Meteorological Administration.

According to preliminary data, the volcano emitted a column of ash and smoke 4.7 kilometers high. The “explosive” eruption was recorded at 07.20 local time (01:20 Kyiv time). In addition, ejections of large stones were recorded at a distance of 800 - 1 thousand meters from the crater.

Due to a volcanic eruption, those closest to it settlements covered with ash. On this moment danger level 3 out of 5 possible has been declared. It is prohibited to approach or climb the mountain. If the situation worsens, people will begin to be evacuated.

Photo: twitter.com/mokomoko_0403

Photo: twitter.com/mokomoko_0403

Photo: twitter.com/rid_1996_Aerts

The height of the Sakurajima volcano is 1117 meters, and its area is about 77 km². It also has three peaks. Since 1955, the volcano has erupted almost constantly. It is a tourist attraction and has a ferry service.

As Apostrophe reported earlier, as a result of which at least 25 people died and more than 200 were injured.

Nature has generously endowed the Land of the Rising Sun with fabulous landscapes. However, some of these gifts are sometimes not only amazing, but also have dangerous, sometimes even deadly, qualities. It's about about volcanoes, the list of which includes both active and dormant volcanic objects. The danger, which pleasantly tickles the nerves, attracts hundreds of tourists and researchers from all over the world. Conquering the peaks of the majestic fiery mountains of Japan, travelers take unique photos as a keepsake.

Reasons for the formation of volcanoes

Japan is located at the junction of four tectonic plates: the Eurasian, North American, Philippine and Pacific. Colliding with each other, they create faults, tectonic belts and raise the mountain landscape. Almost every minute, the country's seismic stations record powerful tremors, which often develop into destructive earthquakes. This largely explains why Japan has many volcanoes.

Impressive active volcanoes

In the middle of the twentieth century. scientists have more precisely determined how much active volcanoes is located in Japan. According to the latest classification, there are 450 fire mountains in the country, of which 110 are active, located from Hokkaido to Iwo Jima. Here they are:



Dormant volcanoes

Today there are about 1,500 active volcanoes on our planet. Immediately 110 of them are located in Japan. There is nothing surprising here, because this country is part of the “Ring of Fire” - a group of volcanoes located in the waters of the Pacific Ocean.

Where are Japanese volcanoes located?

Considering the large number of volcanoes and the small area of ​​Japan, we can safely say that they are literally “at every step” here. However, by looking at the map, you can easily determine that a significant portion of active volcanoes are concentrated in Eastern Japan. There are quite a few of them here - 89. The rest are located in the west of the country.

How often do volcanoes erupt in Japan?

Do not think that eruptions in the Land of the Rising Sun occur constantly. In fact, only four such cases were recorded here in the entire twentieth century.

However, scientists and local residents are still in constant tension, because even with the help of modern technologies it is not always possible to accurately predict exactly when an eruption will occur.

Consider the case of the Ontake volcano, the last eruption of which dates back to 2014. It was considered relatively safe and hundreds of tourists climbed here every day.

The eruption began suddenly and caused the death of several dozen people. More than a hundred more were injured of varying degrees of severity.

Fujiyama (Fuji)

Mount Fuji (Fuji) is the largest and highest in Japan and is often associated with this country. Thus, it can often be seen in films, as well as in paintings by famous artists and photographs taken by tourists.

Here are a few interesting facts about this giant:

  • The height of the peak is 3776 meters.
  • The last eruption occurred in 1707.
  • The volcano is private since the shogun donated the mountain to one of the temples in the early 17th century.
  • More than fifty sophisticated instruments are constantly located on the slopes of Fuji to help monitor its activity - no other volcano in the world is monitored more closely.
  • Anyone can visit Fuji in the company of a guide during an excursion.

Conclusion

Japan's volcanoes are a unique combination of beauty and danger. Locals treat them with respect and hope to never feel the wrath of these giants.

According to scientists' forecasts, the eruption of even one large volcano located on the territory of the Land of the Rising Sun, can provoke many disasters around the world. It’s not for nothing that hundreds of people monitor their condition.