About Shiga
Shiga is a shield(s) rising to 2,041 meters (6,697 feet) in Japan's Northwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. No historical eruptions have been recorded, though the volcano is classified based on geological evidence of past activity.
Geography & Climate
Shiga is located in Japan, within the Northeast Japan Volcanic Arc of the broader Northwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. Situated at 36.69° N, 138.52° E in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a temperate climate zone. At 2,041 meters above sea level, Shiga rises above the surrounding terrain into montane or subalpine conditions. The elevation creates distinct ecological zones along its flanks, from forested lower slopes to exposed rocky terrain near the summit. The volcanic landform is characterized as a shield, which describes the physical shape and structure of the volcanic edifice as observed from the surface.
Geological Context
Shiga sits in a subduction zone, where one tectonic plate dives beneath another, creating intense heat and pressure that generates magma. Subduction zones are responsible for many of the world's most explosive volcanoes and deadliest eruptions. For communities in Japan near Shiga, this tectonic setting means the volcano is capable of producing powerful explosive eruptions, pyroclastic flows, and lahars that can threaten populated areas within tens of kilometers of the summit. The dominant rock type is andesite / basaltic andesite, a dark, fine-grained volcanic rock that forms from rapidly cooling, low-viscosity lava. Basaltic eruptions tend to be less explosive and produce fluid lava flows that can travel long distances. While less immediately dangerous than explosive eruptions, basaltic lava flows can destroy structures and infrastructure in their path, and volcanic gases released during these eruptions can affect air quality over a wide area.
GVP Reference Summary
The Shiga volcanic complex immediately north of Kusatsu-Shirane volcano consists of a group of small andesitic shield volcanoes and pyroclastic cones. A large lava plateau was erupted between about 200-300 ka. The latest activity occurred between about 250,000 and 10,000 years ago (Nakano et al., 2001-). The Shiga-Kogen (Shiga Plateau) area is a popular winter sports destination.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
0 Recorded Eruptions
No eruption records available for Shiga.
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Shiga
Is Shiga an active volcano?+
Shiga is not currently classified as active. Its activity evidence is listed as "Evidence Uncertain." No recorded eruptions have been documented. However, no volcano is ever considered permanently extinct.
How high is Shiga?+
Shiga has a summit elevation of 2,041 meters (6,697 feet) above sea level. At 2,041 meters, it is comparable in height to many significant mountain peaks and stands well above the tree line.
What type of volcano is Shiga?+
Shiga is classified as a Shield(s). Shield volcanoes are broad, gently sloping volcanoes built by fluid lava flows. They produce less explosive eruptions compared to stratovolcanoes and tend to have effusive lava rather than violent blasts.
Where is Shiga located?+
Shiga is located in Japan, in the Northwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Northeast Japan Volcanic Arc. Its exact coordinates are 36.688° latitude, 138.519° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Shiga?+
Shiga can generally be visited, but as with any volcano, visitors should check local conditions and any advisory notices before traveling. Japan may have specific regulations for accessing volcanic areas. Guided tours are often the safest and most informative way to experience a volcano.
