Sakurajima Volcano
As a symbol of Kagoshima, Sakurajima is a volcanic island located on the sea in western Kagoshima City, 4 km (2.5 mi.) away from the downtown. Formed 26,000 years ago, there are three peaks of Sakurajima, which are the North Peak, the Middle Peak and the South Peak. The North Peak is the tallest with a height of 1,117 meters (3664 ft.) and the South Peak is the most active.Eruptions are very common on Sakurajima, as many as hundreds of times a year, while most of them are minor with little effect on sightseeing, transportation and locals’ life. Frequent volcanic activities not only form the unique geography of Kagoshima, but also enrich the soil and the surrounding sea, bringing rich product and abundant sea life to the city. On the island there are also a variety of attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy.
Best Things to Do on Sakurajima Island
1. Get Close to an Eruption from Yunohira Observatory
Located 373 meters (1,224 ft.) above sea level, Yunohira Observatory is the closest observation position to the crater of the South Peak. This spot also offers a panoramic view of the Kinko Bay and the city below. Stepping onto the rough surface of the land, you will definitely be impressed by the power of nature. If luckily enough, you may get a close-up view of an eruption, and get a rare feel of the volcanic ash and sulfurous smell.2. Enjoy a Sky Tour of Sakurajima
There are special sightseeing flights by Cessna or Islander aircrafts offering bird’s eye view of the volcano. You make take the 30-minutes’ Sakurajima Course which passes over Kirishima City and Kinko Bay to overlook the volcano from the sky and appreciate the pyroclastic flows on the land. If the weather is good, you may even see clearly into the crater!3. Visit Tsukuyomi Shrine
2 minutes’ walk from Sakurajima Port and you will get to Tsukuyomi Shrine - a shrine with a history of over 1,300 years. Although the shrine silently sits among the trees now, it was completely buried in lava of an eruption in 1914. The present one was rebuilt in 1940.4. Take a Foot Bath in “Sakurajima” Yogan Nagisa Park
The 100-meter long (328 ft.) footbath onsen in Yogan Nagisa Park is the longest one in Japan, with hot spring water from 1,000 meters (0.6 mi.) underground. Enjoying the sea view while taking a hot spring foot bath is the best choice to relieve fatigue and get a refreshment.5. Have a Look at Kurokami Buried Torii
Torii gates of shrines are not unusual in Japan, but here on Sakurajima Island, there is a torii gate almost buried in the ground. It used to be 3 meters tall (9.8 ft.), and was buried during an eruption in 1914. Only a small part of the top can be seen now. Locals retain the torii gate to remind people of the danger of volcanic eruptions and keep reverence for the forces of nature.6. Make a Craft by Volcanic Ash
Creating and making a picture or an art craft by volcanic ash will be a memorable experience on Sakurajima Island. You may make your own artwork as a souvenir or a gift while admiring the sceneries outside.7. Taste Sakurajima Mini Mandarin and Sakurajima Radish
The fertile volcanic soil fosters abundant agricultural products of Sakurajima. The most well-known produce is the radish and mini mandarin. Sakurajima radish received Guinness World Record as the heaviest radish in the world. It is also believed to be beneficial to improve the function of blood vessels. Sakurajima Mini Mandarin is the smallest mandarin in the world. It is popular for its strong aroma and perfect sweetness. Other recommended food includes mini mandarin ice cream and udon noodles with mandarin peel.Tips on Volcano Watch on the Island
1. Check the local weather forecast before you go and choose a clear sunny day.2. Due to the unstable cellphone signal on the island and the danger of volcano, do not get away from residential area or get too close to the crater.
3. If you wear contact lenses, avoid contacting with volcanic ash; or just wear a pair of regular glasses.
4. People who suffer from respiratory disease, especially asthma, should better not go to the island.
Best Spot to Overlook Sakurajima - Shiroyama Observatory
Shiroyama Park is located on Mount Shiroyama, which is a 107-meter (351 ft.) hill in the center of Kagoshima City. At the end of the 2-kilometer (1.24 mi.) Shiroyama Promenade in the park is the Shiroyama Observation Deck, from which you can enjoy a panorama of Sakurajima Volcano and Kinko Bay. If weather permits, you may even see them clearly at dusk and night.How to Get to Sakurajima
Step 1: Get to Kagoshima PortTake a streetcar to Suizokukan-guchi streetcar stop and walk southeast for about 8 minutes.
Or take city bus 16 to Suizokukan-mae stop and walk southeast for about 3 minutes.
Step 2: Take a Ferry to Sakurajima Port
Ferryboats between Kagoshima Port and Sakurajima Port run every 15-20 minutes all day. One way takes approximately 15 minutes and the ticket is 250 JPY.
*Tip: It is recommended to get a one-day pass - CUTE to use the city transportation unlimitedly including city buses, streetcars and Sakurajima Ferry. A one-day pass is 1,300 JPY and a two-day pass is 1,900 JPY.