About Niseko
Niseko is a stratovolcano(es) rising to 1,308 meters (4,292 feet) in Japan's Northwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. The volcano is currently active, with its most recent eruption in 4900 BCE. The volcano has produced 1 recorded eruption.
Geography & Climate
Niseko is located in Japan, within the Northeast Japan Volcanic Arc of the broader Northwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. Situated at 42.88° N, 140.66° E in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a temperate climate zone. With a summit elevation of 1,308 meters above sea level, Niseko is a moderately sized peak that remains accessible to hikers and researchers for much of the year. The volcanic landform is characterized as a composite, which describes the physical shape and structure of the volcanic edifice as observed from the surface.
Geological Context
Niseko 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 Niseko, 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.
Eruption History Summary
Niseko has 1 recorded eruption in the geological database, spanning from 4900 BCE to 4900 BCE.
GVP Reference Summary
The Niseko volcano group in SW Hokkaido contains a cluster of andesitic stratovolcanoes and lava domes that extends 25 km E-W and 15 km N-S. The volcanic complex is located NW of Niseko City. The latest dated activity was a phreatic to magmatic eruption about 7000 years ago. Fumarolic areas and hot springs are found at various locations.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
1 Recorded Eruption
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4900 BCE | — | Confirmed Eruption | — |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Niseko
Is Niseko an active volcano?+
Niseko is not currently classified as active. Its activity evidence is listed as "Eruption Dated." The last known eruption was in 4900 BCE. However, no volcano is ever considered permanently extinct.
When did Niseko last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Niseko occurred in 4900 BCE. The eruption was classified as a "Confirmed Eruption." Niseko has 1 recorded eruption in total.
How high is Niseko?+
Niseko has a summit elevation of 1,308 meters (4,292 feet) above sea level. At 1,308 meters, it is a moderately sized volcanic peak, roughly comparable to Mount Vesuvius (1,281m).
What type of volcano is Niseko?+
Niseko is classified as a Stratovolcano(es). Stratovolcano(es) volcanoes have distinct geological characteristics that set them apart from other volcanic types.
Where is Niseko located?+
Niseko is located in Japan, in the Northwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Northeast Japan Volcanic Arc. Its exact coordinates are 42.875° latitude, 140.659° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Niseko?+
Niseko 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.
