Yugama Crater on Mount Shirane near Kusatsu Onsen, known for its turquoise waters, is visible to visitors again for the first time in over eight years.

The parking lot and short hiking trail to the crater's observation deck (15-20 minutes one way) reopened October 13, 2026, after being closed since 2018 due to heightened volcanic activity, which has since subsided.

The observation deck west of the crater
Zoomed-in shot of the crater

This year's opening period will run until November 8, with the trail open daily from 10:00 to 15:00 and the parking lot closing at 16:00. The road serving the area is scheduled to close for winter around mid November, but early snow may cause both the road and trail to close sooner. After its winter closure, the road is expected to reopen in late April 2027.

Bus operators have not yet announced whether services stopping at Mount Shirane will resume.

Toilets are available at Shirane Resthouse at the parking lot, but the shop and restaurant in the resthouse will remain closed for the year. Also, there are no trash cans, so visitors are requested to take their trash with them.

The cobblestone hiking trail leading to the observation deck
The parking lot

(The photos in this article were taken in October 2012.)