Volcanoes of Japan

Nature generously endowed the Land of the Rising Sun with fabulous landscapes. However, some of these gifts sometimes not only shock the imagination, but also have dangerous, sometimes even deadly qualities. It is about the volcanoes of Japan , whose list includes both active and sleeping volcanic objects. Danger, pleasantly tickling nerves, attracts hundreds of tourists and researchers from all over the world. Conquering the peaks of the majestic fiery mountains of Japan, travelers make a unique photo for memory.

Reasons for the formation of volcanoes

Japan is located at the junction of four tectonic plates: the Eurasian, North American, Philippine and Pacific. Faced with each other, they generate faults, tectonic belts and raise the mountainous terrain. Almost every minute the seismic stations of the country register powerful tremors, which often turn into destructive earthquakes. This largely explains why there are many volcanoes in Japan.

Impressive active volcanoes

In the middle of the twentieth century. scientists have more accurately established how many active volcanoes are in Japan. According to the latest classification in the country there are 450 fiery mountains, of which 110 active are located from the island of Hokkaido to Iwo Jima. Here they are:

1. The most active in Japan is the Asama volcano, located 140 km from Tokyo on the island of Honshu. Its height reaches 2568 m. During its history it erupted about 130 times, the last lava release occurred in 2015. The volcano is especially attractive because it constantly smokes.
2. Currently, the largest active volcano in Japan is Aso . It is located in the south-west of the island of Kyushu in Kumamoto Prefecture. The height of this fiery mountain is 1592 m. The diameter of the caldera, where about 50 thousand people live, is 24x18 km. The caldera of the Aso volcano is a popular tourist destination.
3. The most dangerous volcano in Japan is Sarakudzima , which regularly erupts every year. Above the volcano there is always a cloud of smoke, and the last explosion was fixed in 2016. The height of Sarakujima reaches 1117 m, its area is 77 square meters. km. This giant volcano is a popular place in Japan in Kagoshima Prefecture.
4. The most beautiful, drowning in the green islands of the volcano in Japan is called Aogashima . The height of this stratovolcano is 423 m. At the present time in the caldera of Aogashima is the village of the same name. Enchanting landscapes, exotic animals and birds attract millions of tourists here.
5. Another active volcano in Japan - Mikhara appears in several feature films: "Return of Godzilla" and "Bell". At an altitude of 764 m there is a place from which the Japanese, from unrequited love, jumped straight into the crater of the volcano. This brought a fire-breathing grief of glory.

Sleeping volcanoes

Among the mountains, the activity of which is much lower, the following are made:

1. Particular attention of travelers is attracted by the most famous and largest mountain in Japan - the sacred Fujiyama , which is a symbol of the country. It is located on the island of Honshu, 90 km from Tokyo. Fujiyama is also the largest dormant volcano in Japan, whose height is 3,776 m. The probability of awakening Fuji is quite high. The last eruption was recorded in 1707.
2. Very important role in the life of the Japanese is played by an unusual volcano - Osorezan . This peculiar place in Japan has a second name - "Mountain of Fear", and it is quite justified. Landscapes that open from the top, can not be called picturesque. The air here is filled with a thick smell of sulfur, and water is unsuitable for consumption. Osorezan is considered the personification of Buddhist hell.
3. A picturesque corner of nature and a favorite tourist destination for hiking is Mount Takao , which in Japan is respectfully called Takao-san. It is located in the city of Hachioji in the territory of the Meiji National Park. The highest point of Takao is fixed at 599 m. The mountain is covered with dense forests. It is distinguished by a rich variety of flora and fauna.
4. No less famous mountain in Japan is Koya - one of the most important religious places in the country. It is located in the north-western part of the peninsula of Kia, near Osaka . The height of Koya-san is 1005 m. This mountain range is covered with dense thickets of black cedars. Having climbed to the top, you can visit the ancient temple complex. Every year, there are more than a million pilgrims here.
5. In the north of Kyoto, Mount Kurama is located, which for Japan has a great cult and historical significance. Recently, it has become a popular venue for fire festivals . The highest point of Kurama is 570 m. At the top of the mountain, overgrown with age-old cedars, many Shinto and Buddhist temples were built. It is believed that the mountain spirits of Tengu live here.
6. In Gunma prefecture there is a sleeping double volcano with a flat caldera - Haruna , 1391 m high. This mountain of Japan has the second fictitious name - Akin. For tourists there are many trekking routes developed, and from the bottom to the top of the volcano there is a cable car. In the spring Harun mountain is especially attractive due to abundant cherry blossom.