The most obvious landmark in Kagoshima is our noble volcano Sakura-jima
(Cherry blossom Island). Rising steeply out of the middle of Kinko Bay, a
mere 4 kilometers from Kagoshima city, Sakura-jima has long been a symbol
of the city and prefecture. Reaching 1,117 meters it makes up the better part
the peninsula of the same name. Spawned by an enormous eruption of
magma from the Aira caldera, Sakura-jima settled into its current state over
13,000 years ago.
The people hear speak of Sakura-jima’s many faces, but technically it has
three major peaks, a northern, a central, and a southern. Still, in an artistic
sense, Sakura-jima does have different faces each season. In spring the lower
parts of the volcano are covered with low trees, bamboo, and a jungle of vines
and flowers. The color of the soil also appears to be a rich auburn throughout
the season. During summer, some of the greenery draws back but most
continues growing thanks to the summer rainy season. Fall and winter are
quite similar in that the cloud cover causes the color to shift to a grayish
brown. But best of all is that winter brings snow to the uppermost parts of
the volcano. It seems especially beautiful because it seems to bring harmony
to the four classic elements. Looking at Sakura-jima’s snowy peak, floating in
the bay, you can see earth, air, fire and water balanced as in a work of art.
Although Sakura-jima is usually peaceful and provides numerous benefits to
the prefecture, he can become testy. The northern face cooled off around
4,850 years ago but eruptions continue to come from the southern peak. The
earliest recorded eruption was in 708 a.d. There continued to be small but
efficient bursts every now and then followed by some quite large eruptions in
1471-1476, 1779-1782, and a very large one in 1914. This eruption beginning
on January 11, 1914 may be most significant because it sent such a volume of
magma into the channel that what was once an island became a peninsula.
Sakura-jima is now connected to the western Osumi peninsula by a
somewhat narrow strip of land.
More recently, Sakura-jima has again started rumbling. In the spring of 2007,
after more than two years of quiet, Sakura-jima growled and over a period of
about a week a light rain of ash fell on Kagoshima city and its environs.
Generally, these “ashfalls” are quite light and do little more than replenish
the soil and give cars a dusting. However, in the worst of times great
quantities pour down and cause some frustration to residents. All of the ash
must be collected and put into bags for disposal. Special bright-orange plastic
bags are available for just this purpose and every neighborhood has an ash
collection point.
Despite his occasional foul moods, Sakura-jima remains one of the most
popular spots for residents and visitors. Just take a fifteen minute ferry ride
from the city and you’ll find yourself at the terminal of this majestic volcanic
peninsula. The ferry ride is quite pleasant with spectacular views of the bay,
the city, and the surrounding countryside. You may even be lucky enough to
see whales, dolphins, and jellyfish, depending on the season. And if you get
hungry, the ferry serves “Udon” (thick white noodle soup) and various snacks
and beverages. The ferry accommodates both people and automobiles. So, if
you have a car please do bring it onboard. It will make touring the peninsula
much easier.
In my next article I will guide you to some of the best spots to visit once you
reach Sakura-jima. So, please join me again for the next Hyatt’s Highlights.
