Tuesday's volcanic eruption near a ski resort in Gunma Prefecture, which left one dead and injured 11, is also impacting the local economy as visitors from Japan and overseas turn away from the popular travel destination.
Northwestern Gunma Prefecture's Mount Moto-Shirane towers above the town of Kusatsu, which is known for its namesake hot springs. The town has been ranked Japan's most popular hot spring resort for 15 years in a row by sightseeing economy newspaper publisher Kankokeizai News Corp.
"As the volcano is seven kilometers away from this town, it hasn't been affected by lava debris or volcanic ash," said a town official who asked for his name to be withheld. "Visitors can be safe here."