There was a sunshine-y "ah-ha" moment on the hike

There was a sunshine-y "ah-ha" moment on the hike (Photo: Hannah Morse)

Climbing Mount Shirane

In the beautiful area of Kusatsu

Hannah Morse Jul 19, 2013 - 1 min read

There was a sunshine-y "ah-ha" moment on the hike

This was the closest I could get to Yugama that day, because the other path was closed due to volcanic activity

The visitor center

The path up to see Yugama is clear--except from this angle

Climbing up to the observatory might be a hike, but it's worth the effort for view

From the path to the observatory

This is the easy part--some of the paved paths seem to be at a 45 degree angle

Phew! Time for a food break back at the visitor center

The valiant steed taken from the bus terminal to the top of the mountain--also known as "the bus"

Notice

As of January 23, 2018, the summit of the volcano has been off-limits to the public. This closure includes the three crater lakes.

Latest on Mount Kusatsu-Shirane

A visit to Kusatsu demands for a hike up to Mount Kusatsu-Shirane, the area’s active volcano. With just a 30-minute, ¥2000-bus ride to the 2,160-meter summit, visitors have the choice of hiking up to the observatory, around the swamp, or taking one of two paths (or both, if one is not closed due to volcanic activity) to see the icy blue crater lake called Yugama. After, visitors can kick back and relax in the shop and restaurant area or take a bus back to the bus terminal.

More info

Find out more about Mount Kusatsu-Shirane.

Hannah Morse

Hannah Morse @hannah.morse

University of Florida student with a knack for travelling, conservation and writing.