Mt Hakone is closed due to the volcanic alert warning

Volcanic Alert Warning for Mt Hakone in Resort Area Near Tokyo

TOKYO – The volcanic alert level for Mt Hakone has been increased on Sunday, May 19. The alert was increased from 2 to a 5-point scale. The officials warned people not to approach the carter because the seismic activity in the popular hot-spring area in Tokyo has been increasing.

The alert was increased for the first time since 2015, where some roads were closed. The Japan Meteorological Agency revealed they decided to increase the level from 1 after the volcanic earthquakes increased to 45 on Saturday. Compare to Friday, the number was zero. On Sunday at 3 p.m. the number increased once more to 48.

Visitors are disappointed after the agency warned to look out for the possible eruption and cinders. People who wanted to go to Owakudani were not able to go there, as the site is close. Daisuke Sasaki, a 61-year-old visitor from Yokohoma, expressed his sadness. He said that he wanted to go to Owakudani to enjoy the scenery.

Although volcanic alert has been increased, locals still open their business, with a fear that the alert will affect their business. Masayoki Oki, an 81-year-old hotel manager told the customers that there has been an increase, but everything’s fine. A taxi driver also stated that he told the tourists that not all area in Hakone is dangerous.

Back in 2015, the number of tourists fell by 3.8 million than 2014, due to the volcanic alert warning.