Mount Tokachi Volcano Continues to Emit Smoke

Sep 19, 2026 | News On Japan

HOKKAIDO - Volcanic smoke continues to rise from Mount Tokachi (Tokachidake), an active volcano in Daisetsuzan National Park in Hokkaido, one week after its eruption alert level was raised to Level 3, restricting entry to the mountain and prompting a series of cancellations at nearby hot spring inns just before the peak autumn foliage season.

The alert for the 2,077-meter volcano was raised to Level 3, or "entry restrictions," a week before September 19.

The increased volcanic activity has caused concern among tourism operators around the mountain, where the approaching autumn foliage season normally attracts large numbers of visitors. Hot spring accommodations in the surrounding area have reported successive cancellations following the higher alert level.

Authorities are also stepping up preparations for the possibility of an eruption during the snow season. A major eruption at Mount Tokachi 100 years ago killed 144 people, and the government is accelerating construction of protective embankments designed to reduce the impact of volcanic hazards if another eruption occurs when snow is on the mountain.

Source: Kyodo

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