Visit Sakurajima: A Volcano in the Middle of Kagoshima City

See what it’s like to live near the volcano of Sakurajima in Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan.

Visit Kagoshima—the “Hawaii of Japan”

With its effortless charm and vibrant island life, Kagoshima, Japan, is a tropical paradise loved by both locals and tourists. Recently, the opening of the Kyushu Shinkansen (bullet train) has brought about an influx of local tourists who are rediscovering the beauty the prefecture has to offer. Kagoshima is a bustling destination, but not so hectic that you miss the idyllic setting or nature landscapes.

What makes Kagoshima unique is Sakurajima, its volcano, which is visible from nearly every part of the city.

See Sakurajima—one of Japan’s most active volcanoes

At an elevation of 1,117 meters and a circumference of about 50 kilometers, Sakurajima is a symbol of Kagoshima and one of Japan’s most active volcanoes. It was originally known as the “cherry blossom island” before the Taisho eruption in 1914, which connected the volcano to the main island of Kyushu. Today, it stands tall and proud in Kagoshima Bay and can be seen from various places around the city. On some days you can see a cloud of ash, as the Japan volcano smokes regularly. Minor eruptions also occur throughout the day.

The origins of Sakurajima

Around 30,000 years ago, Kagoshima experienced an eruption that buried it in magma up to 60 meters deep. Four thousand years later, Sakurajima erupted for the first time. Every time it erupted, it would grow larger.

Sakurajima’s topography and geology

Sakurajima has three peaks that run from north to south—Kitadake, Nakadake, and Minamidake—formed by two volcanoes. Kitadake, the older one, is no longer active. Minamidake, the younger volcano with its second vent, Nakadake, has continuously erupted since 1955.

Since its birth, there have been seventeen massive eruptions from Sakurajima. Smaller eruptions often occur daily, but they don’t bother the residents, who are undoubtedly used to the sounds, ash, and smoke.

Sakurajima’s lava and vegetation

While you may think volcanoes produce rocks and bare, lifeless lands, it is different for Sakurajima. Its volcanic soil is fertile and home to a vast variety of vegetation. Japanese pampas grass and knotweed grow close to the summit. Some ways down, you can find Japanese eurya and green alder. Even further down, you can see Japanese black pine and bay trees grow and thrive.

The soil has even produced crops distinctive to Sakruajima. You can find a small variety of Satsuma mandarin orange, called the Sakurajima komikan, and even a variety of daikon radish known as the Sakurajima daikon.

How the residents of Kagoshima live with the ashfall

The volcano’s continuous eruptions are no surprise to the residents of Kagoshima. Every day, they check the weather report to see the predicted areas of ashfall. Through this, they can determine if it’s safe to open their windows, wash their cars, or hang their laundry.

Elementary school children who live in the areas surrounding the volcano wear helmets when they walk to and from school to protect themselves from falling pumice and ash.

When the ashfall is particularly heavy, the residents wear masks and carry umbrellas. Every day, they sweep up ash, fill yellow bags provided by the government, and deposit them in collection centers.

Visitors can also take similar precautions to ensure a safe trip while visiting Kagoshima and Sakurajima.

Visit different observatories to see different angles of Sakurajima

What better way to see Sakurajima than through various observation points scattered around the area?

Yunohira Observation Point

Out of Sakurajima’s various main observation points, Yunohira Observation Point is the closest to the ferry terminal and Sakurajima’s crater—just 2.5 kilometers away. It has the highest elevation (350 meters) and is located along the volcano's western slope.

Address: 1025 Sakurajima Koikecho, Kagoshima City, Kagoshima 891-1418
Opening hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
How to get to Yunohira Observation Point: Take a ferry to Sakurajima and hop on the Sakurajima Island Loop Bus for tourists. Get off at Yunohira Observatory.

Kurokami Observation Point

At the volcano’s eastern coast and near the Kurokami Shrine Gate is the Kurokami Observation Point. It has a slightly raised observation platform along a flat terrain, so you can get good views of the craters and even witness its small but frequent eruptions.

Address: Kurokami, Kagoshima City 891-1401
How to get to Kurokami Observation Point: From the ferry terminal, take Bus 60 to Higash-Shirahama. Transfer to Bus 70 and get off at Kurokami Junior High School. The observation point is next to it.

Arimura Observation Point

The Arimura Observation Point has an elevation of about 75 meters and provides a good view of Sakurajima’s craters. It sits at the foot of Minamidake, giving you a glimpse of the volcano’s conical silhouette. Several lookout points are all connected by paved walking paths. You can go on a short hike while looking at the volcano or gaze out at the Sakurajima coastline.

Address: 952 Arimuracho, Kagoshima 891-1545
How to get to Arimura Observation Point: Take a ferry to Sakurajima and hop on a bus to Arimura Lava Observatory.

Experience Sakurajima in other ways

You can see and experience Sakurajima in a variety of different ways and different activities. The easiest way to get to the volcano itself is through the 24-hour ferry connecting the main island to Sakurajima. All around Kagoshima, however, there are different ways to experience the volcano.

Trek the Nagisa Lava Trail

The Nagisa Lava Trail is a series of walking trails along the water beside the Sakurajima Ferry Terminal. It extends about three kilometers long, even cutting through a lava zone created by the massive eruption of 1914. You can enjoy the view, snap some photos, and see the various kinds of grasses and vegetation that have grown since the eruption.

Address: Sakurajima Yokoyamacho, Kagoshima, 891-1419
How to get to Nagisa Lava Trail: Take the ferry to Sakurajima and walk to the Sakurajima Visitor Center. The trail is nearby.

Relax at the Nagisa Park Foot Bath

After walking around the trail, you can rest at the Nagisa Park Foot Bath. These foot baths are free to use and stretch for dozens of meters. There are some benches where you can sit and enjoy the views while resting. Here, you can gaze at Sakurajima in the distance or look onto the bay to see the cityscapes of Kagoshima City.

Address: 1722-3 Sakurajima Yokoyamacho, Kagoshima, 891-1419
Opening hours: 9:00 AM to sunset
How to get to Nagisa Park Foot Bath: Take the ferry to Sakurajima and walk to the Sakurajima Visitor Center. The foot baths are nearby.

Go for a soak at the Magma Onsen

The Magma Onsen is part of a larger tourist facility, including shops, restaurants, and a hotel. If you’re looking to soak in an onsen, they have some hot spring baths open for day visitors. The baths feature large windows that look out to Kagoshima City. You can also enjoy views of Sakurajima through various places around the area.

Address: 1722-16 Sakurajima Yokoyamacho, Kagoshima, 891-1419
Opening hours: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
How to get to Magma Onsen: Take the ferry to Sakurajima and walk to Magma Onsen.

Have fun with your kids at the Dinosaur Park

If you have kids, you can take a trip with them to see the Dinosaur Park—plus, get some views of Sakurajima. The park is a 15-minute walk from the ferry terminal and takes its name from the several life-sized dinosaurs scattered around it. Kids will enjoy the views and the jungle equipment that will keep them occupied. In the spring, the park’s cherry blossoms make it an attractive destination for those who want to see the pink flowers in bloom.

Address: Sakurajimayokoyamacho, Kagoshima, 891-1419, Japan
How to get to Dinosaur Park: Take the ferry to Sakurajima and walk to Dinosaur Park.

Visit the Kurokami Buried Shrine Gate

Half-buried underground, the Kurokami Shrine Gate is a good way for visitors to realize the massiveness of the 1914 volcano eruption in Japan. It is near the Kurokami Observation Point and features a torii gate covered in volcanic ash with only the top part visible.

Address: 647 Kurokami-cho, Kagoshima City, Kagoshima Prefecture 891-1401(next to Kurokami Junior High School)
Opening hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
How to get to Kurokami Buried Shrine Gate: From the ferry terminal, take Bus 60 to Higash-Shirahama. Transfer to Bus 70 and get off at Kurokami Junior High School. The shrine is next to it.

Pedal around the volcano

If you prefer a little exercise while you sightsee, you can rent a bike and pedal your way through a biking trail. You can rent a mountain bike from the Sakurajima Visitors Center or a powered bike from the Hotel Rainbow Sakurajima (located in Magma Onsen). The round trip covers about 36 kilometers and will give you majestic views of Sakurajima from different angles. You'll also see Kinko Bay, the Osumi Peninsula, and Kaimondake. If you’re lucky, you may even be able to see dolphins swimming in Kinko Bay. Shorter cycling routes are available near the ferry terminal.

Go beyond Sakurajima

Beyond Sakurajima, there are several places around Kagoshima where you can still catch a glimpse of the majestic volcano.

Trek around the Shiroyama Park

Located on the slopes of Mt. Shiroyama, Shiroyama Park is close to the center of Kagoshima city and is a popular tourist destination due to its historical significance. It was the site of the Satsuma Rebellion’s last battle. Today, it is one of the best places to see Sakurajima, the city’s active volcano.

Shiroyama Park offers various trails to suit all trekkers—no matter your fitness level. Follow these trails, and they will lead you right up to the observation deck, where you can get spectacular views of the park, Kagoshima City, Kagoshima Bay, and Sakurajima. Visit at night to see thousands of city lights twinkling in the distance. 

Address: 22 Shiroyamacho, Kagoshima, 892-0853
How to get to Shiroyama Park: From Kagoshima City Hall, you can walk about 15-20 minutes to get to the park.

Go for a swim at the Shigetomi Beach

With its pristine sand, tranquil waters, and green pine trees that stretch for hundreds of meters, Shigetomi Beach is one of the best places to visit if you want to swim in the ocean. It is home to the largest tidal flat in Kinkowan Bay and is a popular tourist destination during the summer. Gaze into the horizon for a glimpse of the Sakurajima.

Address: 7675 Hiramatsu, Aira City, Kagoshima 899-5652
Opening hours: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
How to get to Shigetomi Beach: From Kagoshima Airport, take the Kagoshima Airport - Kajiki Port Line until Kajiki Station. Ride the Nippou Line to Aira Station and walk a few minutes to get to the beach.

Stroll around the beautiful Sengan-en Garden

Close to Sakurajima is a traditional Japanese garden that once belonged to the Shimazu clan. It was built by the 19th head of the clan in 1658, Shimazu Mitsuhisa, with Sakurajima and the Kinko Bay as part of the scenery beyond the gardens. Take a stroll and see the house that features a mix of Japanese, Chinese, and Western influences. Walk around the 12 acres of traditional gardens. You’ll find a mountain hiking trail featuring a picturesque view of the bay and volcano, shrines, tea rooms, streams and ponds, and a bamboo grove.

Address: 9700-1 Yoshino-cho, Kagoshima City, Kagoshima 892-0871
Opening hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
How to get to Sengan-en Garden: From Kagoshima City Hall, walk to Satsuma Retainers Monument. Take the Kagoshima City Bus and get off at Sengan-en.

How to get to Sakurajima

From Tokyo, Osaka, or other airports around Japan, take a plane with the JAL Japan Explorer Pass to Kagoshima Airport. Ride the Kagoshima Airport Limousine Bus and get off at the City Hall. From there, you can walk to the port to take a ferry to Sakurajima.

FAQs

How many active volcanoes are there in Japan?

Currently, there are over a hundred active volcanoes in Japan. Most of them are located within national parks. Sakurajima, with its proximity to the heart of Kagoshima, is one of the rare volcanoes near a city.

What is Japan’s largest active volcano?

Japan’s largest active volcano is Mount Aso. It is located in the Kumamoto Prefecture, in Japan’s southernmost island of Kyushu. It has an elevation of 1,592 meters.