Mount Azuma-kofuji

Mount Azuma
Kofuji Crater of Azuma Volcano
Highest point
Elevation1,705 m (5,594 ft)
ListingVolcanoes of Japan
Coordinates37°43′20″N 140°15′49″E / 37.722222°N 140.263611°E / 37.722222; 140.263611
Naming
Native name吾妻山 (Japanese)
Geography
Mount Azuma is located in Fukushima Prefecture
Mount Azuma
Mount Azuma
Location of Mount Azuma in Japan.
LocationFukushima, Tōhoku region, Japan
Parent rangeAzuma Mountain Range
Geology
Mountain typeStratovolcano
Last eruptionDecember 1977
Azuma volcanic group

Mount Azuma-kofuji (吾妻小富士) is an active stratovolcano in Fukushima prefecture, Japan.

It has a conical-shaped crater and as the name "Kofuji" (small Mount Fuji) suggests, the shape of Mount Azuma is like that of Mount Fuji.[1] Mount Azuma's appealing symmetrical crater and the nearby fumarolic area with its many onsen have made it a popular tourist destination.

The Bandai-Azuma Skyline passes just below the crater, allowing visitors to drive to within walking distance of the crater and other various hiking trails on the mountain. There is also a visitor center along the roadway near the crater, where a collection of eateries, facilities, a parking lot, and a stop for buses from Fukushima Station are located.

The Azuma volcanic group contains several volcanic lakes, including Goshiki-numa, the 'Five Colored Lakes'.

Each Spring, as the snow melts away, a white rabbit appears on the side of Mount Azuma. The melting snow shaped like a rabbit is known as the 'seeding rabbit' and signals to the people of Fukushima that the farming season has come.[2]

  1. ^ Takeda T.:Hello! Fukushima, page 68.
  2. ^ Takeda T.:Fukushima - Today & Tomorrow, page 12.