🌋 Tokachidake: Eruption Alert Level 3

❓ What changed?

At 09:30 on September 12, 2026, the Japan Meteorological Agency (Sapporo Regional Headquarters) issued a Volcanic Warning (near the crater) for Mt. Tokachidake in Hokkaido and raised the Eruption Alert Level from 2 (do not approach the crater) to 3 (do not approach the volcano). Elevated thermal activity has been observed around Crater 62-2 and the Furikozawa fumarole group, and emissions of volcanic gas (sulfur dioxide) have increased since April 2026. On top of that, large-amplitude volcanic earthquakes originating near the volcanic edifice have increased since August 17. Under the JMA criteria, Level 2 covers eruptions (or the potential for them) affecting an area of roughly 1.5 km from the crater; Level 3 extends that area to roughly 3 km. With this change, people must now watch out for large ballistic ejecta thrown out by an eruption within about 3 km of Crater 62-2. Follow the instructions of local authorities and stay out of restricted areas. On the downwind side, ash and small ejecta may be carried far by the wind. The criteria also state that if the Level 3 conditions are met during the snow season, the situation is judged as Level 4 (possibility of an eruption causing damage to residential areas), and that the level is only lowered roughly one month after the conditions are no longer met.

👥 Who is affected?

• ●Anyone planning to hike or trek on Mt. Tokachidake or in the surrounding Daisetsuzan area
• ●Tourists and drivers visiting or passing near the roughly 3 km warning zone around Crater 62-2
• ●Foreign residents living in municipalities near Mt. Tokachidake, who are covered by local instructions and evacuation information
• ●People in downwind areas who may be affected by ashfall or small ejecta
• ●Travelers touring Hokkaido by rental car or package tour who need to check mountain access restrictions

🌏 Impact on foreign residents and visitors

The most direct impact is on travel and hiking plans. Level 3 means "do not approach the volcano": the area within about 3 km of Crater 62-2 is designated a warning zone, and local authorities restrict entry. Booked climbing tours or trekking trips may be cancelled or changed, so confirm before you set out. The second issue is access to information. Volcanic warnings, ashfall forecasts and municipal evacuation information are usually issued in Japanese, so people who are not comfortable with Japanese tend to notice changes later. The JMA's map pages for volcanic warnings and ashfall forecasts show the situation graphically, which helps you grasp the current status without relying on language. In addition, ash and small ejecta can be blown far downwind, so outdoor activities and driving may be affected even outside the warning zone. If you live nearby, check now how you will receive evacuation information from your municipality — disaster-prevention apps, local emergency radio, or the multilingual pages on your city or town's website.