JAPAN TRAVEL: Mount Sakurajima, an Active Volcano in Kagoshima

One of the iconic spots to see in Kagoshima is Mount Sakurajima.

Mount Sakurajima, one of Japan’s most active volcanoes, is located in Kyushu. It stands 1,117 meters tall, and it’s an iconic landscape that can be seen from mainland Kagoshima.

Mount Sakurajima, as seen from Hotel Shiroyama in Kagoshima

This volcano is known to be frequently active, spewing ashes and billowing smoke every so often. Although it is prohibited to go near the crater, tourists can still see Mount Sakurajima through observation points.

Mt. Sakurajima as seen from Sengan-en

If you wish to see Mount Sakurajima closer, take the Sakurajima Island View Bus which goes from Sakurajima Port to Yunohira Observatory. This observatory is the closest you can get to see the crater, offering a majestic view by day and a dramatic sight by night.

For those interested to learn about Mount Sakurajima, drop by Sakurajima Visitor Center. This information center is where you can learn all about the history of Sakurajima. It houses a theater room, exhibit areas, and a video corner.

How to get here (Yunohira Observatory)

From Sakurajima Port, take the Sakurajima Island View Bus to go to Yunohira Observatory. The ride takes approximately an hour.  One-day pass costs ¥500 for adults and ¥250 for children.

General Information
Website: http://www.sakurajima.gr.jp/svc/english/
Contact: +81 99-293-2443 (Sakurajima Visitor Center)

---

This first appeared in Philippine Primer Vol. 36-March 2019 issue.