Sakurajima, Kagoshima City
Sakurajima, the symbol of Kagoshima, rises almost in the center of Kinko Bay (Kagoshima Bay), and its majestic appearance can be seen from all over the prefecture. You can access Sakurajima from Kagoshima city in about 15 minutes by taking the Sakurajima Ferry. Don't just enjoy the view, why not take a leisurely boat trip and experience the majestic Sakurajima for yourself!
It is an active composite volcano consisting of Kita-dake and Minami-dake, reaching a height of 1,117m (Kita-dake). It was once literally an "island," but in 1914 (Taisho 3), lava flowed from a major eruption, filling in the strait and connecting Sakurajima to the Osumi Peninsula. Sakurajima still has small eruptions on a daily basis, but about 3,000 people live on the island, and just 4km across the sea lies the cityscape of Kagoshima, with a population of about 600,000.
The Kurokami Buried Torii Gate conveys the threat of the Taisho Eruption to the present day. The 3m-tall torii gate was buried by volcanic ash and pumice, leaving only the upper part.
Sakurajima looks different depending on where you view it from! It shows different expressions depending on the place and time you view it.
A foot bath about 100m long where you can enjoy the reddish-brown natural hot spring water while gazing at Sakurajima. Free to use.
10 minutes walk from Sakurajima Port
It is located on a hill on a lava field that flowed out during the great Taisho eruption, and the 360-degree view is breathtaking.
20 minutes by car from Sakurajima Port
A popular observation point where you can get a close-up look at the impressive mountainside of Sakurajima. There are seven hearts hidden on the premises, so it's worth trying to find them.
15 minutes by car from Sakurajima Port
The surrounding area has been developed into a green plaza, with a monument erected to commemorate Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi's all-night concert in 2004 at its center.
4 minutes by car from Sakurajima PortMinute
Feel the power of Sakurajima? Check out the photogenic menu, including curry and soft serve ice cream inspired by ashfall!
[Telephone]099-293-2550
[Business hours] 11:00-16:00
[Closed] Irregular Holidays
Sakurajima Ferry Terminal, Sakurajima Port
The hot spring, characterized by its ochre color, is a free-flowing spring that springs from 1,000 meters underground. It is a place of relaxation for local residents.
[Telephone] 099-293-4126
[Address] 1269 Shirahamacho, Sakurajima, Kagoshima City
[Business hours] 10:00-21:00
[Closed] 10th of every month (next weekday if it falls on a Saturday, Sunday or public holiday)
[Fee] Adults 460 yen, children 150 yen
15 minutes by car from Sakurajima Port
A souvenir shop with a wide selection of Sakurajima's specialties. In the restaurant, you can enjoy "mother's cooking" using local ingredients.
[Telephone] 099-245-2011
[Business hours] 9:00-17:00 (restaurant open Tuesday-Friday 11:00-14:00, Saturday, Sunday and holidays 11:00-14:30)
[Closed] The third Monday of every month (or the following day if it falls on a public holiday) (Restaurant is closed every Monday)
10 minutes walk from Sakurajima Port
The Sakurajima Ferry, which connects Kagoshima Port and Sakurajima Port in about 15 minutes, is open all year round. It operates every 20 minutes during the day and no reservations are required. Cars and motorcycles are also allowed on board.
It takes about an hour to go around the island, so if you're here, why not take a leisurely drive around Sakurajima?
[Example course]
Sakurajima Port → (4 minutes by car) → Sekisui Observation Plaza → (15 minutes by car) → Yunohira Observation Point → (25 minutes by car) → Hayashi Fumiko Literary Monument → (3 minutes by car) → Arimura Coast → (3 minutes by car) → Arimura Lava Observation Point → (16 minutes by car) → Kurokami Buried Torii Gate → (10 minutes by car) → Sakurajima Shirahama Hot Spring Center → (15 minutes by car) → Sakurajima Port
A sightseeing bus that can be boarded from Sakurajima Port. It travels around the main sightseeing spots, including the observation spots (runs every 30 minutes, one loop takes about 55 minutes). One-day passes can be purchased at the Sakurajima Tourist Information Center (500 yen for adults).
