Mt. Chokai & Tobishima Island Geopark is home to many natural and cultural resources, including scientifically important geology, terrain, rare plants and animals, and the history and culture of the people who live in the region. The guidelines below are designed to ensure that everyone who visits can experience, learn, and enjoy the region’s local resources in a sustainable way.
We ask for your cooperation on the following points so that everyone who visits Mt. Chokai & Tobishima Island Geopark can enjoy a safe and fulfilling geopark experience.

• Mt. Chōkai is an active volcano. If you plan to hike, check the condition of volcanic activity on the Japan Meteorological Agency’s website. If the volcanic alert level is 2 or higher, please refrain from hiking.
• Mt. Chōkai and its surrounding area, as well as Tobishima Island and its surrounding marine area, are designated as Chōkai Quasi-National Park. The natural environment is protected under Japanese laws such as the Natural Parks Act and the Wildlife Protection Act. Please cooperate with environmental protection and conservation.
• Japanese black bear sightings are common in the area. Make sure to check the latest bear sighting information for the areas you plan to visit. (Akita Prefecture, Yamagata Prefecture *Information is available only in Japanese; please view with your preferred translation software.)
• Check out the Mt. Chokai & Tobishima Island Geopark pamphlets before your visit.
• Check the weather forecast before your visit. In the case of bad weather, we recommend rescheduling your trip.
• Check your clothing and equipment. If you plan to hike or do any mountain or marine activities, make sure to bring appropriate clothing and equipment for the season and the weather forecast.
• Check your phone’s service area on your provider’s website.
• Share your travel schedule and contact information with a family member or other emergency contact before your trip.

• Do not take any rocks, plants, or animals etc. without permission.
• When hiking or mountain climbing, stay on the designated paths and hiking trails.
• Do not trespass on private property or enter any prohibited areas.
• Do not damage or write any form of graffiti on rocks, buildings, signboards, or any other surfaces.
• Do not litter. Properly dispose of plastic bottles, cans, lunch containers, cigarette butts, and any other garbage from your trip in designated bins, or take it home with you.
• Camp only in designated camping areas.
• In the case of sudden heavy rain, thunderstorms, strong winds, or other sudden changes in weather, take shelter in a safe place as quickly as possible.
• Because Mt. Chōkai is an active volcano, conditions can change at any time. While you are on the mountain, if there is an increase in volcanic activity such as volcanic earthquakes or gases, or if the volcanic alert level is raised to 2 or higher, come down from the mountain as quickly as possible. Check the Mt. Chōkai volcanic hazard map and find a safe place to take shelter.
• When hiking or walking in the mountain areas, wear a bear bell and make plenty of noise to alert bears of your presence. If you do meet a bear, back away slowly and create distance between yourself and the bear, then quietly leave the area. Do not turn your back to run away! (For more information, check the websites of the municipalities you plan to visit.)

The nature, history, and culture of Mt. Chokai & Tobishima Island Geopark and the Earth that created them are all precious heritage. Let’s protect them together and pass them on to future generations.