Crater lake in eastern Japan draws crowds after 8-year closure

MAEBASHI, Japan (Kyodo) -- An emerald-green crater lake nestled in eastern Japan captivated a wave of tourists on Tuesday as the nearby area resumed operations following an eight-year hiatus due to a decrease in the volcanic alert level. The town of Kusatsu, located in Gunma Prefecture, lifted entry restrictions to the vicinity of the Yugama crater lake atop Mt.

Kusatsu-Shirane, which spans both Gunma and Nagano prefectures. Crowds flocked to the surrounding trails and observation deck to witness the lake, causing traffic congestion on nearby roads. Yoichi Takeshita, a 59-year-old visitor from Saitama Prefecture near Tokyo, expressed his amazement, stating, "I heard the news that we can see Yugama after eight years and wanted to come.

It was my first time seeing it, and I was struck by how beautiful it was." The entry restrictions had been in place since April 2018 when the Japan Meteorological Agency increased the volcano's alert level to 2, cautioning people against approaching the crater. The agency subsequently reduced the alert level to 1, the lowest on its five-point scale, in May this year, which still emphasizes the need for awareness that the volcano remains active. The crater lake area will remain open until November 8, after which it will close for the winter.