5 Incredible Volcanoes in Asia You Should Visit

Volcanoes are among Earth’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders. Even the dormant ones continue to fascinate and captivate the imagination.

Asia, located within the geologically active “Ring of Fire” that encircles the Pacific Ocean, is a top destination for those eager to experience volcanoes up close. Here are five that should be on your bucket list:

1. Mount Bromo, Indonesia

For non-stop volcanic activity and breathtaking views, Mount Bromo in East Java is tough to beat, both in Indonesia and worldwide. This towering 2,329-meter peak consistently emits sulphuric smoke and is often shrouded in mist, making it a prime destination for photographers.

Mount Bromo is the newest addition to the vast Tengger volcanic complex, which has been around for 820,000 years. From the summit of Mount Bromo, visitors can catch a glimpse of Mount Semeru, Java’s tallest mountain, a highly active volcano known for emitting large plumes of smoke every 20 minutes.

Despite being one of East Java’s most popular attractions and relatively easy to reach (just a 45-minute walk or a short jeep ride from the village of Cemoro Lawang), Mount Bromo is not without its dangers – in 2004, two tourists were tragically killed by rocks from an explosion.

2. Hallasan, South Korea

Mount Hallasan, towering 1,950 meters above sea level, is the tallest peak in South Korea, located within the volcanic region of Jejudo.

In addition to marveling at the 4,000 species of animals and 1,800 types of plants that thrive on Hallasan throughout the year, don’t miss the crater lake Baekrokkdam at the summit. The stunning lake, whose name translates to “Hundred Deer Lake,” is steeped in folklore about fairies descending from the sky to play with white deer. Hallasan draws many visitors in the spring to witness the azaleas blooming along the mountain's slopes.

Hallasan is also a relatively straightforward climb, with a well-marked 10km trail that can be completed in a single day.

3. Mount Aso, Japan

Boasting the world’s largest caldera, Mount Aso is a defining landmark of the Kumamoto prefecture in Kyushu, Japan. It’s also home to a famous shrine and has earned its place as a major tourist attraction and economic asset for the region.

The main draw of the 24-km wide Mount Aso is the bubbling cyan crater lake at Mount Nakadake. Visitors can take a cable car to the volcano’s summit, where they’ll find a lively complex filled with shops and snack stands, and smoothly paved roads leading to the crater’s edge. Aso is also known for its numerous hot spring resorts.

4. Mount Pinatubo, Philippines

Not only has Mount Pinatubo bounced back from its catastrophic eruption in 1991, but it has transformed the disaster site into a sought-after destination for extreme sports enthusiasts.

Nearly two decades later, the towns surrounding Mount Pinatubo continue to thrive on the tourism generated by the iconic eruption, drawing visitors from all over the world.

Angeles City provides thrilling trekking and off-road driving tours through Pinatubo’s lahar flows, which are massive mudslides formed by volcanic debris. The city also offers parachuting, skydiving, and aerial sightseeing experiences.

5. Mount Fuji, Japan

No list of Asia’s must-see volcanoes is complete without Mount Fuji. Known as Fuji-san, this stunning peak is both a beloved national symbol and the tallest mountain in Japan, standing at 3,776 meters tall.

Mount Fuji isn’t just a scenic location for postcard-perfect photos – it’s also a hotspot for thrill-seekers. Each summer, around 200,000 adventurers climb the mountain, with the trek typically taking between four to eight hours. For those craving more excitement, the fifth station Gotemba parking lot also hosts paragliding bases and schools.

If you happen to visit Mount Fuji during one of its frequent cloudy periods, consider heading to nearby Hakone to the east or the picturesque Fuji Five Lakes to the north for a clearer view of this iconic volcano.

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