U.S. Issues Updated Travel Warning About Volcano

Travelers to certain cities in Japan are receiving a warning about a volcano and "ash clouds" from the U.S. government.

The U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Japan issued the travel alert on November 20. The Sakurajima volcano "has shown a significant increase in explosive activity since November 16, 2025, with a large eruption sending an ash plume up to 4,400 meters (approx. 14,400 feet)," the alert says.

• The locations for the warning were listed as "Sakurajima (Aira Caldera), Kagoshima City, and surrounding prefectures including Kumamoto and Miyazaki, Japan." Euro Newspublished video of the volcano erupting.
• Multiple flights have been cancelled since the volcano erupted. According to Reuters, the flights were cancelled due to ashfall from the volcano.
• Generally, Japan remains categorized as a safe country for U.S. travelers to visit. The U.S. government has given Japan its safest rating, a level one, which means that tourists should exercise normal precautions when visiting the country.
• However, there have been other concerns. The warning about the volcano comes just days after the U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Japan warned U.S. travelers about the dangers of bear attacks in that country.

The November 12 alert gave the at-risk areas for bear attacks as “Sapporo City, Hokkaido Prefecture, Akita Prefecture, other parts of Northern Japan.”

“Bear sightings and attacks have increased in parts of Japan, especially in municipalities close to or adjacent to populated zones,” the Embassy wrote.

Travelers are Advised Not to Approach the Volcano

The embassy says that travelers should not approach the volcano.

• The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) "maintains the Volcanic Alert Level at 3(out of 5), which signifies a Restriction on Proximity to the Volcano (Do Not Approach the Volcano)," the Embassy wrote.
• The primary danger "near the crater is the ejection of large cinder blocks (volcanic rocks), which were observed falling as far as 1.2 kilometers away," the Embassy says.

"Restricted Area: Entry is strictly prohibited within a 2-kilometer radius of the Minamidake crater," the alert noted.

The Embassy Listed a Number of Suggested 'Actions to Take'

These are the actions that the Embassy suggests travelers take:

• "Do not enter the restricted 2 km radius around the Minamidake crater. Respect all warnings and barricades posted by local authorities."
• "Be Prepared for Ashfall: Residents and travelers in Kagoshima, Kumamoto, and Miyazaki prefectures should be aware of possible ashfall."
• "Wear a mask or covering over your mouth and nose if you are outdoors during ashfall to minimize respiratory irritation."

The Embassy also advises people to "wear protective eyewear (goggles or glasses) to shield your eyes" and suggests that people should "drive slowly as volcanic ash can make roads slick and reduce visibility."

When there is "heavy ashfall," it's suggested that people stay indoors with the windows and doors closed. The Embassy also advises that people check with airlines about flight status, especially if they are traveling to or from the Kagoshima Airport.

"Follow updates from the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) and local Kagoshima Prefecture authorities," advises the Embassy.

The Japan Meteorological Agency has a map online that tracks volcanic eruptions.

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