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Best volcano destinations in Asia

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Kagoshima
Volcano views, samurai history and black pork
7.7
Like Naples with Vesuvius, this city sits beside an active volcano, Sakurajima, across Kagoshima Bay. A ferry crosses the bay in about 15 minutes, day and night. Ash sometimes falls on the city and residents collect it in special bags. Hot sand baths at Ibusuki are a train ride south.
Highlights:
  • 🌄 Watch city and volcanic views from Shiroyama Observatory
  • 🌋 Take ferry to active volcano Sakurajima and explore trails
  • 🏯 Tour Sengan-en garden with views of Sakurajima volcano
Kyushu
Volcanoes, onsen and tonkotsu ramen
8.4
Located in southwest Japan, this island has several active volcanoes, including Sakurajima and Mount Aso. Mount Unzen near Nagasaki and Kirishima near Kagoshima are other volcanic areas. Hot springs are common across the island and Beppu and Yufuin are well known for them. Bullet trains link the island with Osaka and Hiroshima.
Highlights:
  • 🕊️ Explore historic Nagasaki Peace Park memorial
  • 🥾 Hike scenic trails at Mount Aso volcanic caldera
  • ♨️ Relax in Beppu’s famous hot spring baths
Aso-Kuju National Park
Giant caldera, active volcano and highlands
8.1
Spring and autumn are mild in this national park and winters are cold. Mount Aso has one of the largest calderas in the world, about 25 kilometers across. Nakadake is an active crater and the rim is closed when gas levels are high. Kusasenri grassland is popular for walks and horse riding.
Highlights:
  • 🐎 Ride horseback across the grasslands of Kusasenri Plateau
  • 🥾 Hike the Kuju Mountains for sweeping views of lush valleys
  • 🌋 Peer into Mount Aso’s active volcanic crater and feel the heat
Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park
Fuji, Hakone, Izu and volcanic islands
8.8
Scenic and varied, this national park near Tokyo combines Mount Fuji, the Hakone hills and the Izu Peninsula. Hot springs, crater lakes and steaming valleys are found across the park. It covers more than 1,200 square kilometers. Many visitors reach it from Tokyo in about two hours.
Highlights:
  • 🥚 Explore volcanic vents and black eggs at Owakudani
  • ♨️ Relax in Hakone’s renowned hot spring baths
  • 🗻 Climb iconic Mount Fuji for sunrise views
Hakone
Onsen town with Fuji views and lake cruises
8.6
As a popular hot spring getaway from Tokyo, this mountain area is easy to reach by train. Owakudani is a volcanic valley with sulfur vents where black eggs are boiled in hot water. Views of Mount Fuji are more likely in clear autumn and winter air. Lake Ashi and hot spring inns are also popular.
Highlights:
  • 🚠 Take a scenic ride on the Hakone Ropeway
  • 🖼️ Explore stunning sculptures at Hakone Open-Air Museum
  • ♨️ Soak in relaxing waters of Hakone Onsen hot springs
Noboribetsu
Steaming hell valley and nine spring types
8.5
Steamy and a little wild, this hot spring town in Hokkaido is built beside Hell Valley. Jigokudani is a crater with sulfur vents, steam and bubbling pools. Many inns in town offer baths with several kinds of mineral water. Demon statues and a short boardwalk make the valley easy to explore.
Highlights:
  • 🐻 Meet Japanese macaques at the Noboribetsu Bear Park
  • 🌋 Walk through the steaming volcanic valley of Jigokudani
  • ♨️ Soak in natural hot springs at Noboribetsu Onsen resort
Fujiyoshida
Fuji's sacred trailhead with the pagoda view
8.1
As the gateway to the Yoshida Trail, this small city is a busy base for Mount Fuji climbers. Chureito Pagoda has a popular view of Mount Fuji with cherry blossoms in April. The Yoshida Fire Festival in late August marks the end of the climbing season. Trains and buses from Tokyo take about two hours.
Highlights:
  • ♨️ Relax in an onsen while admiring views of Mount Fuji
  • 🎢 Visit Fuji-Q Highland and ride its record-breaking roller coasters
  • 🗻 Photograph Mount Fuji framed by the red Chureito Pagoda
Izu
Shuzenji hot springs, wasabi and Amagi hikes
8.1
Winters are mild on this volcanic peninsula, so cherry blossoms appear as early as February. Hot spring bathing is a long custom here and many inns have their own spring. Mount Omuro is a grassy cone with a crater. Jogasaki Coast has lava cliffs and a suspension bridge.
Highlights:
  • 🌸 Walk the Path of Bamboo along Shuzenji's river
  • 💧 Hike to the stunning Joren Waterfall
  • ♨️ Relax in the healing waters of Shuzenji Onsen
Mount Fuji
Japan's highest peak and sacred volcano
Pilgrims have climbed this volcano for centuries and it became a World Heritage site in 2013. It last erupted in 1707. The official climbing season runs from July to early September. Mount Fuji is 3,776 meters high and is the highest peak in Japan. Lake Kawaguchiko is a popular spot for views.
Highlights:
  • 🚣‍♀️ Explore Lake Kawaguchi with stunning views of Mount Fuji
  • 🚠 Take a scenic ride on the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway
  • 🌄 Climb to the summit for sunrise views and achievement
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