Mt. Azuma erupts!
Earlier this week, a new vent opened up on the southern side of Mt. Issaikyo in the Azuma mountain range of Fukushima Prefecture. This is the first volcanic activity in the range in 25 years, and the peak is now officially off limits to climbers. Here is the description of the hike, so if you’re heading to Azuma anytime soon, it’s best to stick to the western side of the mountain range until further notice. Luckily, the hiking season is just about over, but those heading in for winter treks are asked to exercise caution. This photo was taken from the Jododaira blog, and more information can be found there.
Tags: Hyakumeizan (百名山), japan, Mt. Azuma, Tohoku hikes (東北)
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November 14, 2008 at 4:28 am
Hmm, how interesting – I must see if my RailPass can take me there to have a look. Many thanks for your public-spirited broadcasting of this news!
November 14, 2008 at 9:41 am
So that explains why the route was roped off two months ago. I feel lucky to have made it up there in time.
November 14, 2008 at 12:27 pm
Captain:
If you’re keen on taking a look, the closest station is Fukushima. The Azuma-bandai skyline is closed for the winter, so you’d have to snowshoe or ski in.
Julian:
I think you might be confusing “Asama” with “Azuma”. Why do all of these mountains have similar sounding names?
November 17, 2008 at 3:17 pm
Hi Wesu,
Many thanks for the information. I’ve just got back from Tokyo so I didn’t know. Will have a good search and chat to my sensei so maybe some more information soon!
P.S. Yes, Asama is different – in fact there was an explosion over the summer, maybe July?? It was certainly off-limits the last time I heard…
November 18, 2008 at 8:51 am
I saw that this past Friday morning! It was a clear day and there was a good view of a column of steam, and I had meant to ask a local if that was normal but forgot about it after my morning commute.
I’ve lived in Fukushima for a couple of years, now, and every once in a while I think to myself, “If that volcano ever decides to wake up, we’re gone.”
November 18, 2008 at 1:18 pm
Whoops, yes, I’m confused. I made the same mistake preparing for this year and almost followed the car-navi to Azuma twice (not to be confused with Azuma-yama). I wonder if this eruption means the ski ground on the south flank will be closed this year.