MIYAKE ISLAND -- More than 300 people returned to their homes here Tuesday for the first time since being forced to evacuate a year ago due to worsening volcanic activity.

Innkeeper Masayoshi Inuma searches his business for a client address book during a visit to Miyake Island.

While some 70 islanders whose properties were severely damaged in mudslides were allowed to inspect their homes in July, the visit Tuesday visit marked the first time the general population was granted a temporary visit.