[Sakurajima Travel Guide] Experience the Power and Gifts of an Active Volcano with All Five Senses

The 1914 Taisho Eruption of Sakurajima occurred on January 12, 1914.
The eruptive activity continued for about a month, with volcanic ash reaching 18,000 meters into the sky, and was so tremendous that it connected Sakurajima and the Osumi Peninsula, which had previously been separated by sea.
Volcanic ash and pumice also rained down on the Kurokami area in eastern Sakurajima, burying the entire region.
Haragoshasha Shrine was also hit by the eruption, and its torii gate—once 3 meters tall—was buried in ash, leaving only about 1 meter of the top crossbeam visible above ground.

An observatory located at the 4th station of Sakurajima’s Kitadake Peak. Situated at an elevation of 373 meters, it is the highest point on the island that the general public can enter.
The main highlight is its 360° panorama. The rugged, wild mountainside of Sakurajima looms before you, and the sight of it sending up smoke at times is simply breathtaking.
You can enjoy views of the calm waters of Kinko Bay and the cityscape of Kagoshima, and on clear days, you can also see iconic Kagoshima mountains such as the Kirishima mountain range and Mt. Kaimon.

A seaside park popular for its free footbath.
The natural hot spring that wells up from 1,000 meters underground is a reddish-brown footbath rich in iron and minerals—soaking in it will warm you up.
At Approx. 100 meters long, it’s one of the largest in Japan, and you can relax while looking out over Kinko Bay and Sakurajima behind you.
It’s also close to the Sakurajima Port ferry terminal, making it a perfect spot to rest tired feet after a walk before boarding.

A public ferry operated by Kagoshima City, connecting Kagoshima Port and Sakurajima Port.
The ride is Approx. 15 minutes, making it an easy little sea trip.
Its biggest feature is 24-hour service. During the day on weekends and holidays, it runs every 15 minutes, and even late at night it runs every 60 minutes, making it convenient for both locals and tourists.
The “gofunein,” a boat version of goshuin stamps collected at shrines and temples around Japan, is sold at the ticket offices at both ports and at the onboard shop.
There are five designs featuring different Sakurajima ferries, and since the date is also included, it’s a great souvenir of your Sakurajima trip.

The Sakurajima Visitor Center is located Approx. a 10-minute walk from the Sakurajima Port ferry terminal.
Through exhibits such as videos and dioramas, it introduces Sakurajima and Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park, with Sakurajima recognized as part of the “Sakurajima-Kinko Bay Geopark.”
The facility is made up of seven corners.
At the museum shop, you can buy Sakurajima specialties such as camellia oil, as well as Visitor Center original goods.
You can also pick up sightseeing information, so it’s recommended as your first stop as a tourism base when visiting Sakurajima.

An observatory on a small hill in a lava field formed by lava that flowed out during Sakurajima’s major eruption in 1946.
Located along a Approx. 1 km walking trail developed across the lava field, it’s a great viewpoint for close-up views of Sakurajima’s Minamidake Peak and Kinko Bay.
Around the observatory is a unique landscape where plants such as Japanese black pine take root in rugged lava.
The crater of Minamidake, still highly active today, sometimes sends up smoke, and you may even hear roaring rumbles or explosive sounds that accompany eruptions—an impressive experience.

Akamizu Viewpoint Plaza was created by developing the former site of an all-night concert held in 2004 by Japan’s leading singer-songwriter, Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi. It’s a popular spot thanks to its location, where you can look up at the wide, sprawling view of Sakurajima and also take in a sweeping view of downtown Kagoshima across Kinko Bay.
On the right side near the entrance to the plaza is a monument that could be called the symbol of the spot. It was created by sculptor Hiroshi Taisei and is a work titled “Portrait of a Scream,” made by cutting out Sakurajima lava and stacking it in many layers.

A roadside station located a 5-minute walk from Sakurajima’s gateway, the Sakurajima Port ferry terminal.
In addition to selling Sakurajima-grown produce, processed foods, and souvenirs, it also has an attached restaurant where you can enjoy ingredients from Sakurajima.
The product shop is lined with seasonal Sakurajima produce, including “Sakurajima komikan” and “Sakurajima daikon.”

One of the area’s largest drive-in facilities on Sakurajima, Kagoshima’s symbol, which still sends up powerful plumes of smoke.
It features a scenic restaurant that can serve up to 500 people, a shop with Kagoshima specialties and local products, and an observation deck with panoramic views of Sakurajima.
At the observation deck with its superb close-up views of Sakurajima, you can take photos with a giant Sakurajima daikon monument and a stone monument inscribed with poems by Meiji Restoration patriots. Many travelers take commemorative photos here as a memory of their Sakurajima trip.

Sakurajima is a composite volcano floating in Kinko Bay and is also the symbol of Kagoshima.
On the 3rd floor of the Sakurajima Port ferry terminal—Sakurajima’s gateway—this cafe opened through crowdfunding with the concept of “MINATO (harbor), made together with everyone (minna-to).”
From the stools lined up by the wide windows, you’ll have an excellent view overlooking the ferries coming and going and Kinko Bay.

The original home of Kagoshima’s soul food “Shirokuma,” shaved ice topped with a secret milk syrup and decorated with raisins and fruit.
This menu was created by the first owner in 1949 and was named because, when viewed from above, the placement of the toppings resembles the face of a polar bear.
With freshly shaved, melt-in-your-mouth ice, the light sweetness of house-made milk, and its cheerful colors, it’s appealing not only in summer—and is served year-round regardless of the season.

Mekkemon Kaiten Sushi is a conveyor-belt sushi chain with locations mainly in Kagoshima. The Dolphin Port location is close to the Kagoshima Port Sakurajima ferry terminal, making it easy for travelers and tourists to access, and it’s widely used thanks to its convenient location.
It offers a lineup focused on seasonal local fish from Kagoshima, with a strong commitment to freshness and variety. Kagoshima-only options such as aodai, yamamochi, and kibinago are especially popular. Side dishes and soups are also plentiful, and the menu feels reliably good value for money.

Located directly in front of JR Kagoshima-Chuo Station, where the Kyushu Shinkansen stops, and directly connected to Kagoshima Chuo Terminal, the land gateway linking Kyushu by bus. With excellent access, it’s convenient as a base for sightseeing or business.
Guest rooms offer Kagoshima-only views, including Premium Twin rooms with two-sided windows overlooking Sakurajima floating in Kinko Bay, as well as functional single rooms where you can enjoy city views and illuminated Ferris wheel lights.

A white resort hotel with close-up views of Kinko Bay.
From the panoramic hot spring on the top floor, you can take in a sweeping view of the majestic Sakurajima floating on the calm waters of Kinko Bay.
Sakurajima is said to show seven different shades of light in a single day, changing its look with the shifting sun.
As you soak in luxury while watching Kagoshima’s symbol transform moment by moment, your travel fatigue will melt away.

A hotel with an open-air bath on Sakurajima’s southern coast, facing Kinko Bay.
You can relax and soothe travel fatigue in traditional Japanese-style rooms and in a scenic ocean-view hot spring.
The hot spring is open not only to overnight guests, but also to day-use visitors.