Wakwak climbing club attacked Mt. Asama (2,568m) in early November 2001. Mt. Asama is one of active volcanic mountains in Japan. It's characteristic is explosive eruptions. In July 23, 2001, the mountain was opened to public for approaching up to 500 meter from the center volcanic cone.
Red Route
An eruption in year of 1108 blasted upper 1/3 of the mountains and remained first volcanic crater. An eruption in 1783 formed second volcanic crater. First volcanic crater is seen on the left of the grand view of Mt. Asama below. Second volcanic crater and center volcanic cone are sitting at the center.
aerial view of Mt. Asama
First Day
All members moved to Karuizawa area and made an investigation for the approach to the mountain. Stayed in Continental Hotel in Karuizawa.
Autumn in Cherry Park Line
Second Day
Climbing route was waken on an approach along a valley which was formed by water flowing out of an open cut in western part of the first volcanic crater.
Kazankan hut and the outer rim of a first volcanic crater
After passing Kazankan they reached crater basin and from there they saw second volcanic crater.
second volcanic crater
After climbing this second volcanic crater, they reached a point 500 meter from the center volcanic cone. Going further is forbidden for the sake of safety. They watched the smoke rising from the crater.
smoke rising from the center volcanic cone (the 3rd crater)
Instead going further, they climbed the outer rim of second crater. The subzero wind blew very strong.
the outer rim of second crater
The view from the outer rim of second crater was splendid. You can see 360 degree panorama. At far west there are North Japan Alps, Central Alps, and Mt. Kiso-Ontake. At south, you can see Yatsugatake, Kai-Komagatake and Mt. Fuji. At east, huge smoking central crater of Mt. Asama. You can see an open mouth. But most beautiful one is an view of the first volcanic crater wall and its crater basin.
the outer rim of first crater and it's basin looking from the top of the second crater
at the summit of Mt. Asama
Because of safety reason, it is only allowed to climb to the top of outer rim of second crater. Therefore, we couldn't look inside the mouth of active center volcanic cone. Following aerial photo shows the mouth.
2001/11/8
Rev. November 27, 2006