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An Island where People Live Alongside the Volcano. An Iconic Symbol of Kagoshima, Floating in Kagoshima Bay.
Sakurajima is an active composite volcano located in Kagoshima Bay. It is a symbol of Kagoshima, and part of Kirishima-Yaku National Park. The volcano began to form around 26,000 years ago, and it has had 17 major eruptions. Sakurajima used to be an island, as its name suggests (shima means island), but the lava flow from the 1914 eruption filled the strait between Sakurajima and the mainland, connecting it to the Osumi Peninsula. Even in the present day, Sakurajima has small-scale eruptions nearly daily.
However, many people live on Sakurajima. It is said that volcanoes are a source of blessings, including delicious crops and hot springs that relieve people’s fatigue.
The smoke that Sakurajima spews is powerful and entrancing, making it a popular attraction.
Another appealing aspect is that Sakurajima is easily accessible from the city center of Kagoshima by the Sakurajima Ferry, which takes about 15 minutes. The ferries travel from Kagoshima Port to Sakurajima Port. The view from the ferries is also spectacular: you can see the smoke rising from Sakurajima, the streets of Kagoshima, and if you are lucky, you can sometimes see dolphins swimming as well!
For those who wish to experience the mountain that is right before their eyes, we recommend the “Yunohira Observatory.” It features the closest location that people can reach to the vents of Sakurajima.
You can also enjoy hot footbaths at Sakurajima Yogan Nagisa Park, free of charge. Spanning a length of about 100 meters, it is one of Japan’s largest footbath. It is sure to relieve and heal your tired feet after walking around!
Sakurajima
Sakurajima is an active volcano
Sakurajima, as seen from the Shiroyama Park Observation Deck
Yunohira View Place
Foot bath at Sakurajima Volcanic Shore Park
Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.
Q
Are there pamphlets and signage in foreign languages available for Sakurajima?
Yes, we have pamphlets in Japanese, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, English, and Korean.
Q
Are coin lockers available?
Yes, there are coin lockers available on the first floor of the Sakurajima Ferry Terminal.
Some reviews are AI-translated.
People here literally live their everyday lives watching a volcano. The mental toughness of folks in Kagoshima is really something.
The moment Sakurajima starts smoking, the whole city’s vibe turns into this mix of “tense, but somehow totally routine.”
The island's volcanic craters, lava flows, and cones really showcase the power and beauty of nature. Standing near the edge of the crater, looking down at the rising smoke, I was truly amazed by the force and endless charm of the natural world.
The people living on the island were super friendly and welcoming to us as visitors. Even though we didn't speak the same language, we could really feel their warmth.
This is one of the most iconic spots in Kagoshima. It's still an active volcano, with frequent activity and white smoke rising all year round. There have even been major eruptions in the past that caused casualties.
You need to take a ferry to travel between the two areas.
We took the ferry from downtown Kagoshima to Sakurajima, and the whole tour bus drove right onto the boat. The ride was short, but it was such a unique experience.
