Absolutely stunning! You can get super close to Sakurajima volcano, and the whole view is just breathtaking. You really feel the power of nature right in front of you. The whole area is covered in black lava, which looks really impressive. There are also signs explaining the volcano's history, so you can learn as you go. On clear days, you get awesome views of the sea and the volcanic smoke—perfect for photos. Just a heads up, it can get really windy and sunny, so bring a hat or sunglasses. Overall, it's totally worth visiting at least once. Such a unique experience!
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Arimura Lava Observatory
An observatory built atop a real lava field and views of the active Minamidake crater of Sakurajima up close.
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This observatory sits famously atop a small hill formed by lava flows during the massive 1946 Sakurajima eruption. The site is perched along a 1 km walking trail developed over the lava field, bringing visitors today to the full drama of Minamidake, close-up looks of Minamidake, the active southern crater, plus Kinko Bay.
The area surrounding the observatory is marked by rugged lava terrain where Japanese black pine and other plants have taken root, creating an entirely unique landscape. A trip here will unveil the deep rumbling and explosive sounds of eruptions, as Minamidake remains highly active and frequently emits plumes of smoke in all its power and might. Unlike the elongated view of Sakurajima typically seen from across Kinko Bay in Kagoshima City, the mountain appears more conical from this vantage point, highlighting its distinctive shape as a composite volcano with two connected peaks.
Along the walking trail, you’ll find haiku and song monuments inspired by Sakurajima, making it an enjoyable stop for literature enthusiasts. A rest house and souvenir shop near the parking area provide convenient facilities before or after your walk.
Highlights
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An observatory located close to the crater at the summit of Minamidake, Sakurajima’s active southern peak.
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You can sometimes hear rumbling and explosive sounds from eruptions, making it an incredibly powerful experience.
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Haiku and song monuments related to Sakurajima are scattered along the walking trail.
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A rest house and souvenir shops near the parking area make it a convenient stop for visitors.
Photos
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You can enjoy a different view of Sakurajima from this spot. Photo courtesy of Kagoshima City
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Monuments inscribed with haiku and poems related to Sakurajima are scattered throughout the area. Photo courtesy of Kagoshima City
Official FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.
Q
Do you have signs or pamphlets in foreign languages? (If you do, which languages are available?)
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Yes. Pamphlets are available inside the rest house in Japanese, English, Korean, Traditional Chinese, and Simplified Chinese.
Information signs are also provided in Japanese, English, Korean, Traditional Chinese, and Simplified Chinese.
Q
Is free Wi-Fi available in the area?
A
Not available.
Q
Is there a parking lot?
A
Yes. There are 3 spaces for buses, 17 for regular cars, and 2 for disabled parking.
Q
Are there restrooms?
A
Yes, restrooms are located inside the rest house.
Reviews
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Some reviews are AI-translated.
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The scenery here is wide open and perfect for photos. On a clear day, the views are amazing—you can see both the sea and the mountains together. You can really feel the power of nature here, and there's a special atmosphere. Highly recommend coming by car—parking is easy, and after a short walk, you get to see some truly beautiful sights.
Details
- Name in Japanese
- 有村溶岩展望所
- Postal Code
- 891-1545
- Address
- 952 Arimuracho, Kagoshima City, Kagoshima
- Telephone
- 099-298-5111 （Tourism Exchange Center）
- Closed
- Open every day
- Business Hours
- Free to see anytime
- Admission
- Free
- Access
- About 20 minutes ride by car from Sakurajima Port Ferry Terminal.
- Official Website
- Kagoshima City Tourism Guide（English）