ABOUT
About this spot
Sakurajima, towering across the bay from Kagoshima City, is an active volcano that still erupts on a regular basis and is loved as the symbol of Kagoshima. It was once literally an island, but the great eruption of 1914 joined it to the Osumi Peninsula. Sakurajima's appeal is, above all, the volcano's power felt up close. From the Yunohira Observatory you can see the rugged mountain surface, and on clear days enjoy a spectacular view across Kinko Bay to the city of Kagoshima. At the foot of the mountain, the Sakurajima Lava Nagisa Park has one of Japan's largest outdoor foot baths, about 100 meters long, where you can soothe tired feet while looking out at Kinko Bay and the volcano in luxury. If you are interested in history and geology, stop by the Sakurajima Visitor Center. After learning how the volcano works and its history, walk the lava road trail and you will feel the terrifying force of the eruptions. Food is plentiful too, and you won't want to miss specialties unique to volcanic ash soil, such as the "Sakurajima komikan," the world's smallest mandarin, and the "Sakurajima daikon," the world's largest radish. Only 15 minutes by ferry, an extraordinary volcano experience awaits, so please visit.
Last updated March 28, 2026