Sakurajima

Sakurajima (桜島) is an active volcano located in Kagoshima Prefecture, Kyushu, Japan. It is one of Japan’s most active volcanoes, with eruptions recorded since the eighth century. Originally an island, Sakurajima became connected to the Osumi Peninsula by lava flows from a major eruption in 1914. The volcano is surrounded by mountains and scenic views of Kagoshima Bay.

Sakurajima’s eruptions are generally small to moderate, producing ash plumes and occasional lava flows. However, the volcano has had larger eruptions in the past, including the 1914 eruption that blanketed the surrounding area in ash and destroyed nearby villages.

Despite its activity, Sakurajima is a popular tourist destination, known for its natural beauty and unique features. Visitors can take a ferry from Kagoshima City to the peninsula where they can see the volcano up close, hike the trails that lead to its summit, and even soak in the hot springs that are heated by the volcano. Sakurajima is also known for its fertile volcanic soil, which produces unique agricultural products such as the large Sakurajima daikon radish and the small Sakurajima komikan mandarin orange.

Sakurajima remains an active volcano with frequent eruptions. Visitors are advised to check the volcanic alert level before visiting and follow the instructions of local authorities.

Getting there and around

By Ferry:

• From Kagoshima Port to Sakurajima Ferry Terminal
• Travel time: About 15 minutes
• Fare: 250 yen for adults (one way)
• Operates 24 hours, departing every 15 minutes

From Kagoshima-Chuo Station to Kagoshima Port:

• By tram: Get off at “Suizokukangu” stop, about 15 minutes
• By JR Kagoshima Main Line: Get off at Kagoshima Station, 12-minute walk

By Car:

• Take your car on the ferry (3-4m car: 1,700 yen one way, 4-5m car: 2,350 yen one way)
• Via Osumi Peninsula by land (about 90 minutes)

Getting around the island:

• Rental car
• Tourist loop bus “Sakurajima Island View” (every 30 minutes, 500 yen day pass)
• Local buses (about once per hour)