Japanese authorities raised the volcanic alert for Mount Hakone, southwest of Tokyo, on Wednesday, anticipating a possible small eruption that could impact the nearby Owakudani hot spring district and calling on people to stay away from potentially dangerous areas.

The Japan Meteorological Agency said that the alert has been raised from 1, or "normal," to 2, a level advising regulated entries to areas around the volcanic vent, according to Japan's (Kyodo) News Agency.

The local town office issued an evacuation order for a 300-meter radius around Owakudani and closed the road leading to the area.