View of Sakurajima from Shiroyama (Kagoshima City)
Sakurajima, the symbol of Kagoshima, towers almost in the center of Kinko Bay (Kagoshima Bay) and can be seen from every part of the prefecture. Sakurajima is accessible from downtown Kagoshima in about 15 minutes by the “Sakurajima Ferry”. Don’t only enjoy the view, but also experience the smooth boat ride and the majestic Sakurajima for yourself!
Sakurajima is an active volcano complex consisting of Kitadake and Minamidake, which reach a height of 1,117 meters (Mt. Kitadake). It used to literally be an island, but the lava that flowed during the great eruption of 1914 (3rd year of Taisho era) filled the straits and connected Sakurajima to the Osumi Peninsula. Although Sakurajima still erupts repeatedly on a small scale on a daily basis, approximately 4,000 people live on the island, and the city of Kagoshima, with a population of approximately 600,000, is located just 4 km away across the sea.
The Kurokami Buried shrine Gate tells of the threat of the Taisho Eruption to today. The gate, which was 3 meters high, was buried by volcanic ash and pumice stone, leaving only the upper part.
Sakurajima looks different depending on where you view it from! It looks different depending on where and when you view it.
Enjoy the reddish-brown natural hot spring while viewing Sakurajima at this 100-meter-long footbath. Free of charge.
10 min. walk from Sakurajima Port
Located on a hill on the lava field that flowed out during the great eruption of the Taisho Era, the 360-degree view is breathtaking.
20 min. by car from Sakurajima Port
A popular observation site where visitors can get a close-up view of the powerful mountain surface of Sakurajima. There are seven hearts hidden in the site, so try to find them.
15 min. by car from Sakurajima Port.
Centered around a monument built to commemorate Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi’s all-night concert in 2004, the surrounding area has been developed as a green space plaza.
7 min. by car from Sakurajima Port
Feel the power of Sakurajima!? The menu includes curry, soft ice cream with the image of falling ash, and other photogenic foods!
[TEL] 099-293-2550
[Open] 11:00am – 4:00pm
[Closed] Irregular Holidays
Sakurajima Port Sakurajima Ferry Terminal
The hot spring is characterized by its ochre color, and the free-flowing water comes from a source 1,000 m underground.
[TEL] 099-293-4126
[Address] 1269 Shirahama-cho, Sakurajima, Kagoshima City
[Open] 10:00am – 9:00pm
[Holiday] 10th of every month (If it is a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday, the next weekday)
[Fee] Adult 390 yen
15 min. by car from Sakurajima Port
Local specialty of Sakurajima is available at this local products center. At the restaurant, you can enjoy “mother’s taste” using local ingredients.
[TEL] 099-245-2011
[Open] 9:00am – 5:00pm (Restaurant open 11:00am – 2:00pm OS)
[Closed] 3rd Mon. (If it is a national holiday, the next day will be closed.)
10 min. walk from Sakurajima Port
The Sakurajima Ferry ride from Kagoshima Port and Sakurajima Port takes about 15 minutes, and operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. During the daytime, the ferry runs every 20 minutes, and boarding is possible without a reservation. Cars and motorcycles are also allowed on board.
It takes about one hour to go around the island. Enjoy a leisurely drive around Sakurajima if you have the time.
【Sample Model Course】
Sakurajima Port→(7 min. by car)→Akamizu Observatory Square→(15 min. by car)→Yunohira Observatory→(25 min. by car)→Fumiko Hayashi Literature Monument→(3 min. by car)→Arimura Beach→(3 min. by car)→Arimura Lava Observatory (16 min. by car)→Kurokami Buried Shrine Gate→(10 min. by car)→ Sakurajima Shirahama Onsen Center→(15 min. by car)→ Sakurajima Port
A sightseeing bus that departs from Sakurajima Port. The bus circulates around the main attractions, including observation spots (runs every 30 minutes, about 55 minutes per lap). A one-day pass can be purchased at the Sakurajima Tourist Information Center or other places (500 yen for adults).
Know, look, go, experience! Fascinating Sakurajima
