Aug 27, 2026, 11:00 — from Level 2 (crater area restriction) to Level 1 (be aware it is an active volcano)
At 11:00 on August 27, 2026, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) lowered the Volcanic Alert Level for Mt. Iwate in Iwate Prefecture from Level 2 (crater area restriction) to Level 1 (be aware it is an active volcano). The level had been raised to 2 on October 2, 2024, after crustal deformation indicating inflation at a very shallow depth near Odaigokudani on the western side of Mt. Iwate was detected, and it stayed there for roughly one year and ten months. Three observations support the downgrade: since mid-July 2026, no crustal deformation indicating inflation of the volcanic edifice has been detected; seismic activity has stayed at a low level since mid-July; and no other monitoring data show signs of increased volcanic activity. JMA therefore judged that the likelihood of an eruption affecting the area within roughly 2 km of the assumed crater on the western side has decreased. Level 1 is not an all-clear: it means the mountain is still an active volcano. Ash, volcanic gas and hot water may be discharged suddenly inside the assumed crater, and gas emissions and elevated ground temperatures are still observed near Odaigokudani.
While Level 2 was in effect, access around the crater was in a restricted stage; with Level 1, planning a climb or a trip nearby becomes easier. However, the parties that decide which trails and areas are actually open are the local municipalities and the managers of roads and hiking trails — a lower alert level does not automatically mean every route has reopened. On-site notices and municipal websites are often in Japanese only, so check the latest restrictions before departure using a translation app or a tourist information center. Volcanic gas is dangerous even when invisible and tends to pool in hollows and on windless days. Gas emissions and elevated ground temperatures are still observed near Odaigokudani, so if you feel unwell, move immediately upwind and to higher ground. In an emergency you can call 119 (fire and ambulance); even if Japanese is difficult, stay calm and convey your location and situation.
On Sept 12, 2026 the JMA raised Mt. Tokachidake (Hokkaido) to Eruption Alert Level 3 (do not approach the volcano). Beware large ballistic ejecta within about 3 km of Crater 62-2 — what hikers, travelers and residents should do now.
On September 11, 2026, Japan's Cabinet Office applied the Disaster Victims Livelihood Recovery Support Act to five Chiba cities hit by the August 2026 heavy rain. Households whose homes were destroyed or severely damaged can apply for support payments.
On Sept 9, 2026 Japan's Cabinet Office announced the Disaster Relief Act now applies to Nagoya City, Aichi (from Sept 8) and Yakushima Town, Kagoshima (from Sept 4) after Typhoon No. 24 and frontal heavy rain. Shelters, emergency housing and home repairs are publicly funded — foreign residents and travelers qualify regardless of nationality.
Source:
Japan Meteorological Agency website (Volcanic Alert Level for Mt. Iwate lowered to 1)This article was edited and written by freegent Inc. based on the source above.