Sakurajima

Overview

Located in the northern part of Kagoshima Bay, this active volcano reaches an elevation of 1,117 meters, spanning approximately 12 km east-to-west, 10 km north-to-south, and covering an area of about 77 square kilometers. Originally an isolated island, it became connected to the Osumi Peninsula by land following the 'Taisho Great Eruption' in 1914 CE (Taisho 3), which filled the Seto Strait with massive lava flows. It continues to erupt daily, and the residents of Kagoshima live alongside the falling volcanic ash. The Yunohira Observatory, located 3.5 km from the crater, is the closest viewpoint accessible by car, where visitors can experience the raw power of the eruptions and the majestic presence of Sakurajima. The island is connected to the Kagoshima city area by the Sakurajima Ferry, which operates 24 hours a day.

Highlights

• ・Active volcano at an elevation of 1,117 meters
• ・Connected to the mainland by the 1914 Taisho Great Eruption
• ・Yunohira Observatory (3.5 km from the crater)
• ・Sakurajima Ferry operating 24 hours a day