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.
Travel to Sakurajima from the city center of Kagoshima is easy, being just a 15-minute ferry ride away. 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! (Ferry fare: Adults 200 yen, children 100 yen)
There are many observatory areas on Sakurajima with great views, but we recommend the “Showa Volcanic Area Observatory” and its “Kurokami View Spot.” This observatory overlooks the Showa Crater, which has erupted frequently since 2006. (Showa Volcanic Area Observatory Address: Kurokami Town, Kagoshima City)
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. (Yunohira Observatory Address: 1025 Koike-cho, Sakurajima, Kagoshima Prefecture)
You can also enjoy hot footbaths at Sakurajima Yogan Nagisa Park, free of charge. Spanning a length of 100 meters, it is one of Japan’s largest footbath. It is sure to relieve and heal your tired feet after walking around! (Sakurajima Yogan Nagisa Park Address: 1722-3 Yokoyama-cho, Sakurajima, Kagoshima City)
Sakurajima
Sakurajima is an active volcano
Showa Crater
Sakurajima, as seen from the Shiroyama Park Observation Deck
Yunohira View Place
Foot bath at Sakurajima Volcanic Shore Park
島上居民很和善看到我們是外來的遊客很熱情親切和我們寒暄，雖然語言不通但也感受到滿滿的熱情。
是鹿兒島縣代表性景點之一，本身還是一座活的火山，活動很頻繁長年冒著白煙，也曾經大量噴發造成死傷。
需透過搭乘渡輪往來交通兩地。
從鹿兒島市區搭乘渡輪前往櫻島，整台遊覽車都開上去，雖然航程短短的，我覺得是很新鮮的體驗。
有時可以看到火山口的噴煙景象，非常震撼。
本以為火山的噴發火山灰會弄得到處都是，沒想到街道還很乾淨。
