After being closed for more than one year due to an increased volcanic activity, the Nakadake crater finally reopened to the public. I was able to get there during the reopening day and to enjoy once more this exceptional scenery.
Measures are in place to avoid the propagation of the coronavirus or Covid19. Every visitor’s temperature is checked by the staff members before you can reach the crater. Signs are there to remind you to respect the social distancing and calls to remind you to wear a face mask are regularly done on speakers all around the crater area.
I also must remind you that the crater is dry and that therefore you won’t able to see the famous lake for now. We will have to wait more before being able to enjoy this view again. So, don’t expect the view to be as the ones you can see everywhere on the web.
Nevertheless, it is a real pleasure to be able to reach the edge of the crater again. This a really fascinating place even if a little scary at the same time. The wind was very strong at that time and my hat almost fly into the crater. I had to ask some member of the staff to get it back. You can realize how strong the wind was by watching the video below. I apologize for the screen shaking but it was difficult to stay still to take this video.
The Nakadake crater is one of these places where you can feel the power of nature. Speaking of the power of nature, the crater will be closed on September 6th and 7th due to the arrival of Haishen which is said to may be the strongest typhoon Japan ever recorded.
The crater can also be closed temporary according to the amount of gas emissions and the direction of the wind. You can check the situation live via this website.
Franck.
