Wednesday, May 24, 2017

Fugen Volcano Lookout: Unzen, Nagasaki Prefecture

The Fugen Volcano Lookout is without a doubt the most unique view on the Shimabara Peninsular.  The 1990-1995 eruption of Fugen Volcano in Unzen Nagasaki is infamous for the 43 fatalities caused by the unexpectedly large pyroclastic flow on June 3rd 1991. The famous Volcano filmers and photographers Maurice and Katja Krafft and geologist Harry Glicken were among those lost during this tragic event, together with multiple journalists who had joined them in a zone into which entry was not prohibited but was recommended against by the authorities.


From a nature point of view the Volcano is an indescribable phenomenon that permeates and dominated the entire Shimabara Peninsular.  It is viewable from all angles and is best viewed from the lookout in Fukae Town, a view that is worth more than I can put a monetary value on.  On the other hand, Volcano's are serious matters and their ability to destroy and create mayhem is not to be taken lightly.

The 3 cities that circumnavigate the Volcano know this all too well and have held numerous meetings and International Conferences to learn how too live safely and securely as possible within this environment.  In 2008 when the International Conference for Living safely with Volcanoes was held in Shimabara, Nagasaki I was one of the English Teachers that provided English Lessons to the staff members and volunteers of this amazing event and I hope my efforts and those of everyone involved made a strong and positive impact on all the foreign visitors who came from all over to see our wonderful natural but inherently dangerous place we call home.

It is for this reason that we need to learn more about Volcano's and the impact we can have on saving lives when disaster strikes.

Come and check out the Fugen Volcano Lookout on a map!

Click on the pictures below to enlarge:

Amazing Scenery

Lookout point

1st National Park in Japan