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Sakurajima
A symbol of Kagoshima Prefecture, Sakurajima is one of Japan’s most active volcanoes, spewing smoke or ash on an almost daily basis. In its prominent location on the edge of Kinko Bay, just 4 kilometers by ferry from Kagoshima City, it is a stunning landmark from various spots, but is most impressive close up.
Sakurajima is one of the world's great active volcanoes at 1,117 meters tall and 50km around. The volcano, which formed on the south rim of the Aira Caldera, is a stratovolcano consisting of two peaks, the North Peak and the South Peak, and has repeating major eruptions. During of them, a major eruption in 1914, lava filled a 400-meter wide strait causing the island to connect with Osumi Peninsula on the opposite shore. Approximately 10 billion tons of lava, a volume without parallel in the world, flowed out.
There is an observatory with a view of the summit midway up the mountain where you can feel the power of the active volcano spewing smoke up close.
A grand and stunning symbol of Kagoshima
A massive form rising in the middle of Kinko Bay, Sakurajima will surely touch your heart with its variety of attractions. Do pay a visit to this unique town coexisting with an active volcano.
Data
| Land area | approx.80km² | Formerly an island, Sakurajima was connected to Osumi peninsula by the 1914 eruption. |
|---|---|---|
| Circumference | approx.52km | approx. 1 hour by car. Many attractions can be found in the west. |
| Population | approx.4,600 people | Many people live on this active volcano, secure with disaster prevention measures. |
| Topography | Sakurajima (Kita-dake/Ontake) is 1,117 m tall. Access is prohibited within a 2 km radius from the Minami-dake and Showa craters. The highest point accessible to visitors is Yunohira Observatory (373 m). | |
Learn and explore
Start your journey of discovery at Sakurajima Visitor Center, where interactive exhibits explain the history and geology of the volcano, as well as the way of life of people living near it. The Yunohira and Kurokami observation points offer impressive views of the volcano, while the buried Kurokami Shrine torii gate shows the impact of the 1914 eruption
Main attractions
Sakurajima Visitor Center
The history of the eruptions and development of Sakurajima and the transitions of vegitation are exhibited and explained in an easy-to-understand manner. There are also interactive facilities including an eruption simulation and high definition theater.
Sakurajima International Volcanic Sabo Center
A museum for looking at and experiencing the horrors of disasters caused by volcanic activities and mudslides, and various countermeasures for preventing such disasters.
Yunohira Observatory
Yunohira Observatory is the highest point on Mt. Sakurajima open to the general public.
Arimura Lava Observatory
Located in the south of Sakurajima in front of Arimurazaki. It is on a small hill in the lava field created by the great eruption in 1946.
The view of Sakurajima that opens out before you is overwhelming.
Kurokami Buried Shrine Gate
Sakurajima (Cherry Blossom Island), as its name suggests, was once an island until 1914, when a massive eruption connected it to Kagoshima's eastern peninsula.
Sakurajima Yogan Nagisa Park
The Sakurajima Yogan Nagisa Park has a free-of-charge, 100-metre-long foot hot spring.
Reason to visit volcano Sakurajima
Rather than just viewing from a distance, you should set foot on Sakurajima, the symbol of Kagoshima, to enjoy a landscape and activities only possible at the world famous active volcano.
Activities in Sakurajima
Relax and indulge
While gazing on the volcano you can soak your feet in Sakurajima Yogan Nagisa Park & Footbath, one of the largest footbaths in all of Japan at 100 meters. And why not taste the giant daikon radish which hold Guinness World Records for their size and tiny komikan orange!
Coexist with Sakurajima
Sakurajima is only 4 kilometers away from town. Life in Kagoshima is inextricably entwined with Sakurajima. Learning from great eruptions of the past, the communities living on Sakurajima have built numerous evacuation shelters, and students wear helmets when going to and from school. With such knowledge and efforts, these communities continue to coexist with Sakurajima.
See moreSakurajima Yogan Nagisa Park
The Sakurajima Yogan Nagisa Park has a free-of-charge, 100-metre-long foot hot spring.
Immerse your tired feet in the natural hot spring water discharged from 1,000 metres underground, to recuperate from fatigue.
With Kinko Bay in front and the magnificent Mount Sakurajima behind, one can feel the energy of mother nature.
For those who want more than just a footbath, do head over to the Sakurajima Magma Hot Spring facility nearby.
Café Shirahama
This is a farmhouse café where one can enjoy a delicious veggie menu prepared using home-grown vegetables and fruits grown using organic fertilisers from seaweed. We serve the healthy one-plate lunch daily (limited to 20 sets per day) during lunch time, and desserts during tea time. The cafe might have irregular closures, so do make a reservation before heading over.
Information about Sakurajima Ferry
Activities on Sakurajima
Sakurajima E-bike Tour
Sakurajima Kayaking
Ash + color = art!
Make artwork out of volcanic ash for a souvenir.
Search for wild dolphins!
Highlight Best 3
1. Because the tour is based on carefully collected data the chance of seeing a dolphin is 99.5%!
2. Curious dolphins swim alongside the boat’s bow and play in the waves created by the boat.
3. You can enjoy views of Sakurajima from the boat while feeling the seabreeze on your skin.
[ What to know for a better experience ]
・If there’s time you can stop by restaurants that serve delicious seafood such as Oukan in Tarumizu Port.
・You can also bring your own drinks.
[ Points of note ]
・If you ask in advance you can also arrange to board at South Port (near the city center) or Taniyama Port.
・Be sure to wear comfortable clothes suitable for walking.
・The cruise may be cancelled in the event of poor weather conditions.(Cancellation fees will not be charged in the event of bad weather)
Sakurajima: the more you learn, the more you'll enjoy
Highlight Best 3
1. Feel special by getting to enter areas that are off-limits
2. An up-close look at the wild power of lava
3. A pleasing combination of giant man-made check dams blending with natural scenery
[ What to know for a better experience ]
At the Sakurajima Visitors Center, you can enjoy Sakurajima more by learning about the history of the active volcano and how people coexist with it
[ Points of note ]
・Approval must be granted by the authority overseeing the check dams
・Availability is easily subject to weather