All Reviews of Sakurajima

What I was looking forward to most about visiting Sengan-en in Kagoshima was seeing Sakurajima with my own eyes. Sengan-en itself is beautiful, with lush greenery and a distinctly Japanese atmosphere throughout the garden. What makes it especially unique is that you can take in both Kinko Bay and Sakurajima in the distance right from the grounds.

When the weather is good, Sakurajima really stands out. Its majestic shape against the bay looks like a giant natural postcard. Sitting in the garden and slowly taking in the view feels completely different from seeing it in the city, with a quieter and more relaxed atmosphere.

Sakurajima is an active volcano, and sometimes you can see smoke drifting near the crater, which gives you an even greater sense of the power of nature. The calm bay in front of me together with the volcano in the distance created a blend of mountain and sea scenery that left a deep impression on me.

If you're traveling to Kagoshima, I highly recommend adding Sengan-en to your itinerary. You can not only enjoy a traditional Japanese garden, but also look out at Sakurajima from here. It's a place where you can experience history, gardens, and natural scenery all at once.

The scenery of Sakurajima is truly spectacular. The ferry ride takes only 15 minutes, which is very convenient, and you can bring your car onboard. We drove to the Arimura Lava Observatory and walked up to the observation deck. You can see the volcano on one side and the blue waters of Kinko Bay in the distance on the other. The views are excellent.

You can take a ferry from Kagoshima to Sakurajima. During the short trip, with the sea breeze blowing, the majestic active volcano occasionally releasing white smoke forms a striking contrast with the calm waters of Kinko Bay, creating an unforgettable view.

After arriving at the port, you'll find the small and charming Tsukiyomi Shrine tucked away beside the ferry terminal, a hidden spot worth visiting. Climb the stone steps for a distant view of the volcano from a peaceful vantage point, and you can also pray for good luck with an adorable limited-edition dove fortune. If you're not driving, you can walk to the nearby foot bath at Sakurajima Yogan Nagisa Park. It's a free hidden spot known mostly to locals: the water is clean and warm, and taking off your shoes and socks to soak your feet in the hot water amid the cold December wind instantly soothes both body and mind. Sitting beside the long foot bath, with unobstructed 360-degree views, you can quietly gaze at the smoking volcano while watching the sun slowly sink below the horizon and turn the sky golden. It's the purest and most luxurious slow-living moment of a trip to Sakurajima.

When I saw Sakurajima from the train, I knew I had arrived in Kagoshima.

This still-active volcano blends into everyday life in Kagoshima like a backdrop, visible from all around. Even though it can bring inconveniences like volcanic ash, it feels so naturally woven into the cityscape. For visitors, it’s a rare and memorable sight, but for locals, it’s simply part of daily life.

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.

Sometimes you can see smoke coming out of the volcano's crater—it's really impressive.