Akita-Yakeyama

Akita-Yake-Yama is an attractive vulcan for travelers located in Akita Prefecture, Japan. This volcano is particularly known for the radioactive nature of its waters, which is why it is important for travelers to keep safety measures on this site. The volcano has a small parasitic lava dome, which is located four kilometers away. Eruptions have been recorded here as far back as 1678, but during more recent historical times, they have been limited to moderate phreatic eruptions. All of which make it an ideal site for travelers who love natural wonders. One of the most fantastic events to have occurred in Akita-Yake-Yama was on May 11th of 1997. According to records, a few days prior to the eruption, tremors were felt at a nearby hot spring occurring up until midnight on May 10th. On May 11th, a party spotted a fast moving landslide on the slope of the volcano, which was followed by a powerful eruption of water, steam, and black smoke around 8:00 am, which was witnessed by a plane above the area. This eruption resulted in a mudflow that moved down a nearby river valley, leaving two destroyed hotels at the foot of the volcano. Fortunately, no fatalities were reported. On August 16th of 1997 a tourist reported a second lesser eruption from the Karanuma crater, which he witnessed a few days after there had been volcanic tremors. This eruption lasted 70 minutes and produced a 20 meter diameter crater on the South-East rim of the Karanuma crater. Overall, Akita-Yake-Yama is a great natural site that certainly appeals to nature enthusiasts and travelers alike. All travelers should however remember to keep safety measures in mind while visiting this area.

Location: Kazuno

Location: Semboku

Elevation above the sea: 1,366 m

Sources: Wikimedia, OpenStreetMap