World · East Asia & Pacific · 1 hr ago
Japan’s Yugama crater lake reopens after more than eight years
Japan reopened the area around Yugama crater lake on Tuesday after more than eight years of restrictions.
The lake sits on Mount Kusatsu-Shirane, which spans Gunma and Nagano prefectures in eastern Japan.
The restrictions began in April 2018, when Japan’s Meteorological Agency raised the volcano alert to level 2 and advised people to stay away from the crater.
The agency lowered the alert to level 1 in May this year, the lowest on its five-point scale, but says the volcano remains active.
Visitors returned in large crowds, filling trails and an observation deck and causing traffic jams nearby.
The reopening followed the lower alert level, allowing people to see the lake while the area remains under awareness of volcanic activity.
The area will close for winter on Nov.
9, after remaining open through Nov.
8.
The area around Yugama crater lake in eastern Japan reopened on Oct 13 after more than eight years of restrictions.
The town of Kusatsu lifted entry restrictions after the volcanic alert level was lowered.
Tourists crowded the trails and observation deck, and traffic jams formed on nearby roads.
The lake is on Mount Kusatsu-Shirane, which straddles Gunma and Nagano prefectures.
The area is due to close for winter after Nov 8.
- Who
- The town of Kusatsu lifted the restrictions, and tourists visited the area.
- What
- The area around Yugama crater lake reopened to visitors after more than eight years.
- When
- Oct 13, 2026.
- Where
- Yugama crater lake on Mount Kusatsu-Shirane, which straddles Gunma and Nagano prefectures, Japan.
- Why
- The volcanic alert level was reduced, allowing Kusatsu to lift entry restrictions.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Japan’s Meteorological Agency raised the volcano’s alert level to two, and restrictions were put in place advising people not to approach the crater.
The agency lowered the alert level to one, the lowest on its five-point scale.
Kusatsu lifted entry restrictions to the area around Yugama, which drew crowds of visitors.
The lake area is scheduled to remain open through this date before closing for winter the following day.
- Volcanic alert level
- Lowered to 1, the lowest on a five-point scale
- Restriction period began
- April 2018
- Reopening
- Oct 13, 2026
- Location
- Mount Kusatsu-Shirane, Gunma and Nagano prefectures
- Scheduled winter closure
- After Nov 8, 2026
What people are saying
I heard the news that we can see Yugama after eight years and wanted to come. It was my first time seeing it, and I was struck by how beautiful it was.
Sources
Related news
Eight people injured in stabbing at Incheon supermarket
Japan and US to review off-duty rules after Okinawa killing
Eight people injured in knife attack at South Korean supermarket
Indonesia moves eight endangered orangutans to safety after Borneo fires
Trump says he may meet Kim Jong Un during Asia trip in November
Four-year-old boy dies after choking on frozen jelly at Nara childcare center
Knife attack at South Korean market leaves several people injured
Two applicants caught using AI glasses in Seoul entrance exams
North Korea says tactical missile test upgraded a key weapons component
Charges laid after infant found dead at Adelaide motel
71-year-old Singaporean graduates with Chinese language degree after early struggles
