What to do if a volcano erupts while travelling in Japan
If you see an eruption near a volcano or receive an eruption bulletin, stop sightseeing and hiking and protect your head and body. Take shelter in a nearby evacuation facility or move away from the crater as instructed on site. Eruption alert levels show danger zones and required actions in five steps. Level 1 does not guarantee safety. A volcano can erupt suddenly before any warning is issued.
Official sources checked 2026-10-12
If an eruption starts near the volcano
- Do not stay to take photos or move closer to the crater. Cover your head with a helmet or backpack, and watch out for flying or falling rocks.
- Take shelter in a nearby volcano evacuation facility or mountain hut for evacuees. If there is none, protect yourself according to the situation around you, for example behind a nearby rock.
- Move away from the crater as instructed by managers, the police or the fire service. If rocks are falling or the way down is dangerous, you may need to hide nearby first. Whether to descend the mountain at once or take shelter first depends on the situation on site.
- If you need an ambulance or urgent fire-service help, call 119. Tell them the volcano’s name and nearby facilities, and the names written on trail signs, so they know where you are.
Official sources: Japan Meteorological Agency · What to do when you receive a volcanic eruption notice (in Japanese) ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency · What to do when you meet an eruption and volcanic ash on Mt. Mihara (in Japanese) ↗ · JNTO · What to do when a volcano erupts in front of you (in Korean) ↗ · JNTO · Traveller support hotline and ambulance/fire contacts (in English) ↗
Sources checked:
Japanese signs and guidance — how to read them
When you see the Japanese below on signs or phone alerts, check what it means. Do not look at the numbers alone — read together what danger it warns of and which area or section it applies to.
立入禁止
Meaning It means you must not enter that area.
What to do Do not go past signboards or barrier tape. If you are already inside a restricted area, leave it as instructed on site.
Do not enter restricted places even if the volcano alert level is low or other people go in. The photo above is a past example, so check on-site guidance for whether the area is currently restricted.
Official sources: Ministry of the Environment, Chubu Regional Environment Office · Murododaira no-entry signs and barrier bars example (in Japanese) ↗
Checked:
火口周辺規制
Meaning It means entry around the volcanic crater is restricted.
What to do Read the restricted area in the notice and do not enter it.
This wording is used at eruption alert level 2. Restricted distances differ by volcano, so do not approach the crater based on the level number alone.
Official sources: Japan Meteorological Agency · Volcano disaster-prevention terms and cautions (in Japanese) ↗
Checked:
入山規制
Meaning It means entry to or hiking in part of the mountain is restricted.
What to do Do not start hiking in a restricted area. If you are already inside, leave as instructed by on-site staff.
This is generally the wording for eruption alert level 3. Do not stay in a restricted area to take photos or look at viewpoints.
Official sources: Japan Meteorological Agency · Volcano disaster-prevention terms and cautions (in Japanese) ↗
Checked:
噴火速報
Meaning It is a notice that quickly reports that a volcano has erupted.
What to do If you are near the volcano, stop sightseeing or hiking and protect your head and body. Depending on the situation around you and on-site guidance, enter a nearby evacuation facility or move away from the crater.
It does not warn of an eruption in advance. If you see an eruption before any notice, do not wait for the notice.
Official sources: Japan Meteorological Agency · Meaning of the eruption bulletin and what to do (in Japanese) ↗
Checked:
退避壕
Meaning It is a volcano evacuation facility for temporarily protecting yourself from falling rocks and the like.
What to do If one is nearby and accessible while rocks are falling from an eruption, enter it as instructed on site to protect yourself temporarily.
It is different from an overnight evacuation shelter. It does not protect against every volcanic danger, and you need to check on site whether you can enter it now.
Official sources: Japan Meteorological Agency · How Mt. Mihara tourists should handle eruptions, ejecta and volcanic ash (in Japanese) ↗
Checked:
「立入禁止」 means no entry. Even if you cannot read all the Japanese, do not go past X-shaped barrier bars or barrier tape. This is a sign example for the Jigokudani direction at Tateyama Murododaira, and the photo is from 12 April 2018, so it does not show whether the path is open now or how much snow there is.
Source: Ministry of the Environment, Chubu Regional Environment Office 「室堂平の利用について」 · PDL1.0 · used unchanged · Terms of use
Sources and terms checked:
Official sources: Japan Meteorological Agency · What to do when you receive a volcanic eruption notice (in Japanese) ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency · What to do when you meet an eruption and volcanic ash on Mt. Mihara (in Japanese) ↗ · JNTO · What to do when a volcano erupts in front of you (in Korean) ↗ · JNTO · Traveller support hotline and emergency contacts (in English) ↗
Sources checked:
What should I check before visiting a volcano?
Check the warnings for the volcano you plan to visit, and find out whether you may enter the crater and trails. Do not set out based on the alert level number alone — also check whether local governments or facilities have closed any areas.
The Ministry of the Environment’s hiking guidance for Mount Aso (阿蘇山) says not to enter trails closed because of earthquakes, heavy rain or volcanic gas. When visiting other volcanoes, follow that place’s entry restrictions too. Trails can be closed for other dangers even with no eruption warning.
Even if evacuation facilities are shown on a map, check separately whether you can use them now. Do not assume that the presence of evacuation facilities protects you from every volcanic danger.
- Find the volcano you plan to visit on the Japan Meteorological Agency’s site and look at the warning’s issuing time and danger zones. Some volcanoes do not use alert levels, so even without a number, read the danger zone and action guidance written in the warning.
- Find closed trails and viewpoints in notices from local governments, national parks or facilities. On site, do not go past no-entry signs or barrier tape.
- Find nearby evacuation facilities and the way down the mountain in advance on a volcano guidance map. If you save the maps you need and your accommodation’s address on your phone, you can view them even without internet.
- When hiking, take the equipment recommended for that mountain, such as a helmet. If entry is restricted or the needed preparation is difficult, it is better to drop the crater-area plans.
- Find warnings and activity information for your volcano · in Japanese ↗
- View hazard zones and evacuation guidance maps by volcano · in Japanese ↗
- Cash and emergency supplies to pack before travelling in Japan →
Official sources: Japan Meteorological Agency · Warnings and activity information by volcano (in Japanese) ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency · Hazard zones and evacuation guidance maps by volcano (in Japanese) ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency · Meaning of eruption warnings and forecasts (in Japanese) ↗ · Ministry of the Environment · Where not to go on Mount Aso and hiking preparation (in Japanese) ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency · What to do when you meet an eruption and volcanic ash on Mt. Mihara (in Japanese) ↗
Sources checked:
Is it safe to go at eruption alert level 1?
No. Even at level 1, remember it is an active volcano. Volcanic ash and the like can be ejected inside the crater, and there is no guarantee levels rise in order.
The Japan Meteorological Agency reports danger zones and required actions in five eruption alert levels (噴火警戒レベル). Even at the same level, restricted areas and evacuation methods differ by volcano. Do not apply another volcano’s restricted distances or evacuation guidance as they are.
Level 1 · It does not mean it is safe
Check the activity information for the volcano you plan to visit and follow on-site guidance. Depending on the situation, you may not be able to enter the crater.
Level 2 · Do not enter the area around the crater
Look at the danger zone written in the warning and the barrier tape on site, and do not go to the restricted area around the crater.
Level 3 · Stop hiking in restricted areas
Do not enter areas with hiking bans or entry restrictions. You should not keep sightseeing or viewing viewpoints in restricted areas either.
Level 4 · People who need help evacuating should move first
In residential areas subject to evacuation, older people and others who need help evacuate first, and others should prepare to evacuate too. Travellers should also follow the local government’s guidance for where they are.
Level 5 · Leave the evacuation target area
Leave the danger area following the evacuation places and travel methods the local government announces.
A volcano can erupt suddenly with no clear abnormality observed. If an eruption starts in front of you, protect your head and body without waiting for the level to rise or a phone alert.
Official sources: Japan Meteorological Agency · Meaning of eruption alert levels (in Japanese) ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency · Wording used in volcano warnings and cautions (in Japanese) ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency · What to do at each alert level (in Japanese) ↗
Sources checked:
What if it erupts in front of me without any warning?
Protect your head and body without waiting for a notice. Avoid falling rocks by hiding in a nearby evacuation facility or coming down the mountain. How you escape depends on the danger where you are and on-site guidance.
The Japan Meteorological Agency’s eruption bulletin (噴火速報) quickly reports that a volcano has already erupted. It is not a notice that warns of an eruption in advance. It can be issued even for a volcano with no warning when an eruption starts.
If you can come down, descend at once; if you must hide first, take shelter in a nearby evacuation facility or mountain hut, or behind rocks. If you have not entered the mountain yet, stop entering and move away from it. Do not just run for a distant descent route while rocks are falling.
Large rocks flying from the volcano, or a pyroclastic flow — hot volcanic ash and gas flowing down fast — may leave almost no time to evacuate once they occur. Do not enter restricted areas even with a helmet and evacuation facilities.
Do not restart sightseeing or return to a restricted area for your belongings just because smoke from the crater has lessened. Follow the local government’s or facility’s guidance on whether you may return.
Official sources: Japan Meteorological Agency · What to do when you receive a volcanic eruption notice (in Japanese) ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency · What to do when you meet an eruption and volcanic ash on Mt. Mihara (in Japanese) ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency · Meaning of eruption warnings and forecasts (in Japanese) ↗ · JNTO · What to do when a volcano erupts in front of you (in Korean) ↗ · JNTO · What to do when an eruption warning is issued (in Korean) ↗
Sources checked:
「退避壕」 is a volcano shelter for temporarily protecting yourself from falling rocks and the like. It is different from an overnight shelter. This is an example from the Japan Meteorological Agency’s Mt. Mihara guidance, and it does not mean other volcanoes have the same facility or that you can enter it now.
Source: Japan Meteorological Agency 「三原山に登る観光客のみなさまへ」 · PDL1.0 · used unchanged · Terms of use
Sources and terms checked:
What should I do if volcanic ash falls on the town or my accommodation?
Keep windows closed so ash does not get indoors. If you must be outside, protect yourself with a dust mask against ash and dust-proof goggles for your eyes. If you have been instructed to evacuate, you must follow that instruction rather than staying indoors.
Breathing in volcanic ash can cause coughing or difficulty breathing. If it gets in your eyes they can itch, hurt or become bloodshot, so do not rub them. Even with a mask and goggles, do not enter a restricted crater or places with volcanic gas.
The Japan Meteorological Agency’s ashfall forecast (降灰予報) tells you where and how much ash will fall. Look at the issuing time and check whether your area is included and how much is expected. Where and how much ash actually falls can differ from the forecast depending on the wind.
If the forecast says 「多量」, it means a large amount of ash is expected. In that case, refrain from outings and driving. If blowing ash makes it difficult to see, it is better to stop sightseeing or rental-car travel. Wet ash on roads can be slippery too.
- Meaning of the ashfall forecast and what to do when ash falls · in Japanese ↗
- How to protect your body from volcanic ash on JNTO · in Korean ↗
Official sources: JNTO · How to protect your airways and eyes from volcanic ash (in Korean) ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency · Meaning of the ashfall forecast (in Japanese) ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency · What to do according to how much volcanic ash falls (in Japanese) ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency · What to do when you meet an eruption and volcanic ash on Mt. Mihara (in Japanese) ↗ · Tokyo Metropolitan Government · Protecting your body when volcanic ash falls and cautions on roads (in Japanese) ↗
Sources checked:
Can I keep travelling after an eruption?
If you have been told to evacuate, stop sightseeing and evacuate first. Then check whether you can stay at your accommodation and whether transport to your next destination is running. You cannot judge from one volcano’s alert level alone whether to cancel your whole Japan trip or keep going.
If rain falls where ash has piled up, watch out for debris flows too — soil and stones flowing down together. Do not look only at eruption warnings; also check heavy rain information and new evacuation guidance from local governments.
Before setting out, look again at the latest guidance from your accommodation and transport. Having a booking does not mean you can enter your accommodation now or that trains and buses are running.
- Check in the local government’s guidance whether your location and accommodation are evacuation targets. If your accommodation is in an evacuation zone or the way there is restricted, do not set out to go back.
- From a safe place, call your accommodation to ask whether you can stay today and whether the way there is restricted. If you cannot stay, find a place to stay following that area’s evacuation guidance.
- Check on the airline’s website or app whether your booked flight is departing. Separately check whether trains or buses to the airport are running and whether roads are blocked. You may not be able to reach the airport even if the flight is scheduled.
- If it is uncertain whether you can stay at your accommodation or reach your next destination, it is better to cut volcano-area plans first. If you need to change or cancel bookings, ask the company you booked with about the conditions. A disaster does not mean every booking is cancelled free of charge.
- Find evacuation information for your area and open shelters →
- What to do when flights are delayed or cancelled →
- Getting around Japan by public transport →
- Find official disaster and transport websites from JNTO (in English) ↗
Official sources: Japan Meteorological Agency · Wording used in volcano warnings and cautions (in Japanese) ↗ · JNTO · What to do when an eruption warning is issued (in Korean) ↗ · JNTO · Official websites for disaster and transport information (in English) ↗
Sources checked:
Who should I call if I am hurt or need help?
If you need an ambulance or urgent fire-service help, call 119. Once you have evacuated to a safe place, you can contact the JNTO traveller support hotline for help with travel difficulties.
When the call connects, state the volcano’s name and nearby facilities, and the names written on trail signs. If someone is hurt, explain their condition too. If it is hard to describe the location or you cannot make yourself understood, ask nearby staff to help with the call.
The JNTO traveller support hotline is 050-3816-2787. You can enquire in Korean, English and Chinese, 24 hours a day, every day. From abroad, call +81-50-3816-2787. If you need an urgent ambulance, contact 119 before JNTO.
If you cannot stay at your accommodation, tell that to the shelter staff. You can also say what you need when you need water, medicines or interpretation. However, supplies and interpretation cannot be guaranteed on the spot.
Official sources: JNTO · Traveller support hotline and emergency contacts (in English) ↗
Sources checked:
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Do eruption alert levels always rise from 1 to 5 in order?
Not necessarily in order. A volcano can erupt with no clear abnormality observed. Even at level 1, do not enter restricted areas. If you see an eruption, protect your head and body without waiting for a notice.
Official sources: Japan Meteorological Agency · Wording used in volcano warnings and cautions (in Japanese) ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency · What to do when you receive a volcanic eruption notice (in Japanese) ↗
Sources checked:
If I receive an eruption bulletin, must I descend at once?
It depends on the situation. If you can descend, do so at once; if rocks are falling and you must hide first, take shelter in a nearby evacuation facility or mountain hut, or behind rocks. Do not just run for a distant descent route — move away from the crater as instructed on site.
Official sources: Japan Meteorological Agency · What to do when you receive a volcanic eruption notice (in Japanese) ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency · What to do when you meet an eruption and volcanic ash on Mt. Mihara (in Japanese) ↗ · JNTO · What to do when a volcano erupts in front of you (in Korean) ↗
Sources checked:
Should I close windows even when only a little ash is falling?
Yes. The Japan Meteorological Agency advises closing windows even when only a little ash falls. Outside, protect yourself with a dust mask and dust-proof goggles, and do not rub your eyes if ash gets in. If you have been instructed to evacuate, evacuating takes priority over staying with windows closed.
Official sources: Japan Meteorological Agency · What to do according to how much volcanic ash falls (in Japanese) ↗ · JNTO · How to protect your airways and eyes from volcanic ash (in Korean) ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency · What to do when you meet an eruption and volcanic ash on Mt. Mihara (in Japanese) ↗ · JNTO · What to do when an eruption warning is issued (in Korean) ↗
Sources checked:
When the eruption calms down, can I go back to a restricted viewpoint?
Do not enter a restricted area just because smoke from the crater has lessened. Check whether the local government or facility says you may return. Even at the same level, restricted areas differ by volcano, so do not apply another mountain’s guidance as it is.
Official sources: Japan Meteorological Agency · Wording used in volcano warnings and cautions (in Japanese) ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency · Meaning of eruption warnings and forecasts (in Japanese) ↗ · Ministry of the Environment · Where not to go on Mount Aso and hiking preparation (in Japanese) ↗
Sources checked:
When an eruption warning is lifted, are the other dangers over too?
No. There are dangers an eruption warning alone cannot tell you about, such as debris flows when rain falls where ash has piled up. Read heavy rain information and local evacuation guidance together, and do not enter places blocked off on site.
Official sources: Japan Meteorological Agency · Wording used in volcano warnings and cautions (in Japanese) ↗ · JNTO · What to do when an eruption warning is issued (in Korean) ↗
Sources checked:
Can I ask for help while travelling in Japan?
You can enquire in Korean, English and Chinese with the JNTO traveller support hotline 050-3816-2787, 24 hours a day, every day. If you need an ambulance or urgent fire-service help, call 119 first. Contacting JNTO does not mean rescue or shelter supplies and interpretation are provided at once.
Official sources: JNTO · Traveller support hotline and emergency contacts (in English) ↗
Sources checked:
Official sources for this guide
Check current warnings and access restrictions in notices for the area. For whether trains and flights are running, see the latest notices from transport operators.
Official sources: Japan Meteorological Agency · Meaning of eruption alert levels (in Japanese) ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency · Wording used in volcano warnings and cautions (in Japanese) ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency · What to do at each alert level (in Japanese) ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency · Meaning of eruption warnings and forecasts (in Japanese) ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency · What to do when you receive a volcanic eruption notice (in Japanese) ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency · What to do when you meet an eruption and volcanic ash on Mt. Mihara (in Japanese) ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency · Warnings and activity information by volcano (in Japanese) ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency · Hazard zones and evacuation guidance maps by volcano (in Japanese) ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency · Meaning of the ashfall forecast (in Japanese) ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency · What to do according to how much volcanic ash falls (in Japanese) ↗ · JNTO · What to do when an eruption warning is issued (in Korean) ↗ · JNTO · What to do when a volcano erupts in front of you (in Korean) ↗ · JNTO · How to protect your airways and eyes from volcanic ash (in Korean) ↗ · Ministry of the Environment · Where not to go on Mount Aso and hiking preparation (in Japanese) ↗ · Tokyo Metropolitan Government · Protecting your body when volcanic ash falls and cautions on roads (in Japanese) ↗ · JNTO · Traveller support hotline and emergency contacts (in English) ↗ · JNTO · Official websites for disaster and transport information (in English) ↗
Sources checked: