Top 10 Most Scenic Volcanoes

This iconic volcano rises to an elevation of 3,776 meters (12,388 feet) above sea level in Japan. Its symmetrical cone is a popular subject in Japanese art and culture. Only about 70% of the original 6th-century lava flow remains at the summit today due to extensive glacial erosion and weathering. The mountain has been revered as sacred since ancient times and was even considered a potential candidate for a new capital city during the Tokugawa shogunate.

Located on the Big Island of Hawaii, this dormant volcano rises over 4,200 meters (13,792 feet) above sea level. Its summit is home to some of the world's most advanced astronomical observatories due to its clear and stable atmospheric conditions. Over 95% of the mountain's surface area is covered in snow and ice, making it one of the wettest places on Earth. The peak was originally considered active around 2000 BCE but has since been dormant.

This active volcano is located in Washington State, USA, standing at an elevation of 2,549 meters (8,363 feet) above sea level. It gained international attention following the devastating eruption on May 18, 1980, which killed 57 people and affected several surrounding areas. Prior to the eruption, a large area around the volcano was clear-cut for logging due to its stable past few decades of inactivity.

Another active volcano located in Hawaii, this mountain stands at an elevation of 1,247 meters (4,091 feet) above sea level and is the youngest volcano in the world. In recent years, its lava flows have created new land around Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park on the Big Island. The eruption started on January 3, 1983, and has continued ever since with periods of relative calm and outbreaks of intense volcanic activity.

This dormant volcano is located in Tanzania, Africa, at an elevation of 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) above sea level. Its snow-capped peak offers breathtaking views on clear days and attracts thousands of hikers each year to climb its slopes. The mountain's unique ecosystem supports a wide variety of flora and fauna due to its varied climate zones.

Situated in Costa Rica, this active volcano stands at an elevation of 1,687 meters (5,535 feet) above sea level. Its steep cone was once considered dormant but experienced increased activity after the country's civil war ended. In 1968 and 1982-87 it had major eruptions. The mountain's slopes provide a habitat for the critically endangered Arenal volcano squirrel.

Located in Italy, this active volcano has an elevation of 3,329 meters (10,922 feet) above sea level. It is one of Europe's most active volcanoes with continuous lava flows and ash emissions since 2011. Its slopes are dotted with scenic villages, vineyards, and a UNESCO World Heritage site designation.

This dormant volcano in Hawaii rises to an elevation of 4,169 meters (13,678 feet) above sea level and is larger than Mount Everest by volume. It has had five major eruptions since 1843. Due to its large size and stable past few decades of inactivity, the surrounding landscape features numerous volcanic lakes, fumaroles, and ash deposits.

Situated near Mexico City, this active volcano stands at an elevation of 5,426 meters (17,807 feet) above sea level. Its symmetrical cone is surrounded by several smaller volcanoes and offers panoramic views of the Valley of Mexico. The mountain has been dormant for over 1,500 years but experienced significant ash emissions in recent times.

Located in the Democratic Republic of Congo, this active volcano stands at an elevation of 3,470 meters (11,384 feet) above sea level. Its unique shape and history come from its unusual geological composition that makes it extremely fluid-like due to its presence of basaltic lava flows. Prior eruptions have caused significant destruction in the surrounding urban areas, making it a notable example of active volcanology's impact on human societies.