Sakurajima is inescapable when you visit Kagoshima—and not just because of how it looms above the cityscape. The last time I was there, I was literally choking on it. (Ash and smoke from the volcano’s crater, this is.)
In spite of how ubiquitous a sight (and, more likely than not, a smell and taste) Sakurajima is when you visit Kyushu’s far south, I would argue that Japan’s most active volcano should serve as more than a backdrop. That it, I do think it’s worth the short ferry ride from the city cetner.
I’m not burying the lede here—I think Sakurajima is worth visiting, 100%. I will, however, show my work so that you be sure sure it’s the right call for you as well.
How to Get to (and Around) Sakurajima
The good news? The Kagoshima Sakurajima ferry comes often enough that you almost don’t need to think about it. Whether you go on foot or by car (which is preferable—more on that in a second), you can essentially turn up at the port in Kagoshima and within a few minutes, a ferry will be on its way to the volcano. The journey only takes around 15 minutes one-way, and offers fabulous views en route.
The (maybe) not-so-good news? Although you can hike from the port on Sakurajima to various places on the volcano, it really helps to have a car. Which isn’t necessarily “bad” news, if you’re open to the idea of renting a car in Japan, and/or are open to being convinced (here’s my testimony). This is to say nothing of how much easier your exploration of the rest of Kagoshima will be with your own set of wheels.
What to Do on Sakurajima
Start at the buried torii gate
When I learned about the fact that there was a torii on Sakurajima that had literally been buried in ash, I knew I had to see it with my own eyes. And I’ll be honest: Kurokami Shrine was every bit as cool as I expected it to be, in no small part because of how few other tourists were there.
Continue to Arimura Lava Observation Deck
If you continue driving northward from the shrine, you’ll eventually end up at a small observation deck that overlooks the remnants of a lava flow from a few years ago. It’s cool, but on its own, it doesn’t justify the journey from Kagoshima to Sakurajima. For me, the Arimuara Lava Observation Deck more obviously lives up to its name.
See the crater up close at Yunohira Observatory
The closest you can get to Sakurajima’s main crater is Yunohira Observatory, which is on the “city side” of the volcano not far from the port area. You can technically hike up here if you don’t have car, through coming with a set of wheels is obviously a lot easier.
Enjoy views of Kagoshima City and the Satsuma Peninsula
If you look in the “other” direction from the mountain, meanwhile, then looking northward toward the Kagoshima City skyline and southwestward toward the Satsuma Peninsula makes the trip up to the observatory worth it. On some days, of course, this is the only view you can enjoy—ash and smoke can sometimes obscure the volcano itself.
Consider a hike—or a few
Beyond the Yunohira Observatory Route, a few other easily accessible Sakurajima hiking trails exist. The first extends about 20 minutes from the parking lot of the Arimura Lava Observation Deck. Another is the completely flat Sakurajima Lava Nagisa Promenade, which hugs the coast.
Is Sakurajima Safe?
Sakurajima is Japan’s most active volcano, and erupts almost every day. Now, most of these eruptions are completely inconsequential, with the ash and dust little more than a plume of smoke above the mountain when it’s seen from Kagoshima City. Even for visitors to the “island” (it’s technically a peninsula of sorts, if we’re being honest), most eruptions aren’t especially disruptive.
To put it another way, there is very little chance that even a “large” eruption will cause you to have to modify this Sakurajima itinerary, let alone to cause you any harm. If you’re very nervous, of course, you can wear a respirator mask in the event of lots of smoke and ash, or simply postpone your trip to the island for a day when there isn’t as much volcanic activity to begin with.
Other FAQ About Visiting Sakurajima
Can travelers get food on Sakurajima?
Yes, it’s possible to eat on Sakurajima island. There are many restaurants near the port area, and a few shops in tourist areas where you can buy snacks. If you plan to hike, on the other hand, I’d suggest stopping at a convenience store (where on Sakurajima or in Kagoshima-proper) to stock up before you head out.
How often does Sakurajima erupt?
Generally speaking, Sakurajima erupts every day, though this can often manifest as continuous eruption, rather than unique volcanic events. I have personally never seen the mountain without ash and smoke coming from its crater, though few eruptions I’ve witnessed have been generally disruptive.
Should I be worried about Sakurajima when I’m in Kagoshima?
The only thing about Sakurajima that should worry you when you visit Kagoshima is the possibility that you might not be able to see the mountain. It’s not as fickle as Fujisan, but there’s a very real risk that it will be partially or totally obscured, behind either clouds or dust and ash.
The Bottom Line
Is Sakurajima worth visiting? Well, I gave away the answer to that question—my answer to it, at least—pretty immediately in this post. And I copped to the fact that while I personally chose not to spend time on the volcano during my first couple trips to Kagoshima, I’m so glad I finally changed course. With this being said, Sakurajima is not an “easy” place to visit. You really need a car if you expect to be able to cover a decent amount of ground; you should also expect to inhale a not insignificant quantity of ash and dust. Need personalized help integrating Sakurajima into your Kyushu trip? Commission a custom Japan itinerary today!
