Top 10 spectacular volcanoes you can actually visit

Most Japanese are keen to make the arduous hike to the 3776-metre summit of this classic volcano, where they're rewarded with a red badge, but the appeal of the legendary mountain is best appreciated from a distance, where Mt Fuji's conical perfection rises in isolated splendour. On a clear day, you can see it from Tokyo or from the windows of passing bullet trains at Fuji city. See fujisan-kkb.jp

VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK, RWANDA

This national park is most famous for mountain gorillas, but volcano lovers will be happy too. You can explore volcanic caves and climb through dense forest to the exposed, barren rims of two volcanoes. Across the border is the Congo's Virunga National Park, where more fiery marvels unfold. Mt Nyiragongo, often dusted in snow, features the world's largest lava lake, where molten rock bubbles and hot gases erupt. See volcanoesnationalpark.org

CRATER LAKE, US

Crater Lake is one of America's most astonishing landscapes. Visitors see nothing until their cars crest the crater and the lake within it – which is America's deepest – comes dramatically into view, shimmering in shades of peacock blue. Around it rise cliffs and pine forests where chipmunks skitter. Many visitors only drive the scenic Rim Road, but a hike provides a more rewarding encounter with this incredible sight. See nps.gov/crla

OSORNO VOLCANO, CHILE

Osorno is one of the most active volcanoes in the Andes, bears a striking resemblance to Mt Fuji, and towers over lakes and lava flows. Skilled climbers can access the glacier-encrusted summit. You can also ski at Volcan Osorno ski resort. There may be only two chairlifts and a dozen runs, but you get remarkable Andes views and great boasting rights – how many people have skied a volcano? See volcanosorno.com

MT BROMO, INDONESIA

Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park is a wonderland of volcanic landscapes, dramatic highlands, lakes and spectacular scenery. Though home to Java's highest mountain, Mt Semeru volcano, most visitors head to the more accessible and still occasionally erupting Mt Bromo. A stumbling, early-morning ascent of the crater in the dark puts you in a grandstand seat for sunrise, when the vast crater's colours are at their most splendid. See indonesia.travel

EYJAFJALLAJOKULL, ICELAND

Remember the 2010 ash cloud that caused flight chaos across northern Europe? This glaciated volcano with the unpronounceable name was the cause. A century ago it stood on the shoreline. Now it's five kilometres inland and has left behind cliffs tumbling with waterfalls. Specialist tours will take you onto the glacier and volcano, which is once more dormant. The 2010 ash field is now partially covered in ice. See inspiredbyiceland.com

DALLOL VOLCANO, ETHIOPIA

The Danakil Depression of north-eastern Ethiopia is a natural phenomenon in itself, to which is added a huge volcanic crater. Sitting well below sea level, these are the world's lowest volcanic vents, a toxic mix of hot brine and acids that create vivid green pools amid yellow, pink and white saltpans. This is one of the planet's lowest and hottest places, with steamy average temperatures permanently above 30C. See ethiopia.travel

The writer has travelled as a guest of numerous tourism offices and at his own expense.