What to do during Volcanic Eruptions in Japan

The islands of Japan sit on a volcanic zone known as the Pacific Rim of Fire. Estimates suggest there are over 100 active volcanoes in Japan with 47 on Honshu (the main island of Japan) alone. The most famous of the active volcanoes is none other than the beloved Mt. Fuji. Despite its active status, over 200,000 people climbed Mt. Fuji in 2018, suggesting that the volcanic classification of the mountain does little to deter people’s holiday agendas. The most recent documented eruption was of Mount Asama on August 7 and 29, of 2019, but before that visitors could go skiing on its peaks and enjoy the natural hot springs nearby.

Whether living in Japan or traveling around Japan, it’s important to be aware of safety precautions and the established warning systems so you can stay safe during your travels. In this article we’ll discuss where to get accurate information during volcanic activity. 

Source: https://www.jnto.go.jp/safety-tips/eng/emergency/volcanic/v01.html

While that’s a general look at the risk levels, the JMA also goes into detail about what precisely to do during volcanic activity. 

Levels 1 through 2 don’t require any action, but levels 3 and 4 requires preparation for evacuation, and level 5 means it's time for immediate evacuation.

After potential volcanic activity is monitored, a warning will be issued to individual agencies that will then pass on that warning to residents near the crater. Warning announcements are sent to all phones in the area with a loud high-pitched sound that cannot be ignored. In addition, cars with speakers will be dispatched within the danger zones making announcements. If you don’t speak Japanese and cannot understand the situation, look out the window to see what people in the neighborhood are doing, and follow the crowd.