By ANL | UPDATED: 17 May 2026

1. History of Sakurajima Volcano

Sakurajima is an active stratovolcano located in Kagoshima Bay in southern Japan, just across the water from Kagoshima city. Rising 1,117 metres above sea level, it is one of the most active volcanoes in Japan and has shaped the culture, history, and daily life of the surrounding region for centuries.

The volcano is known for frequent eruptions, dramatic lava landscapes, fertile volcanic soil, and hot springs powered by geothermal activity. Visitors can reach Sakurajima easily by ferry from Kagoshima and explore observation points, lava trails, volcanic museums, and onsen baths while learning how local communities continue to live alongside one of Japan’s most powerful natural forces.

Sakurajima also reflects many of the ideas behind meaningful cultural travel, where geology, local traditions, and everyday life are deeply connected.

Many travellers combine a visit to Sakurajima with exploring the wider cultural attractions in Kagoshima, including samurai history, gardens, museums, and coastal viewpoints.

Kagoshima is linked to Sakurajima Volcano by ferries | Photo: Travel In Culture

Three peaks of the volcano have been active during its lifetime, and it is the southern one, Minamidake, that erupted again around 4,500 years ago and remains active today. It has had more or less constant eruptions since 1955.

The name Sakurajima includes the word ‘jima’, meaning island. Until 1914, Sakurajima was truly a volcanic island at Kagoshima on the southern tip of Japan, but in this last major eruption, a connection to the mainland was established by the solidified lava – and Sakurajima became a peninsula.

2. The 1914 Taisho Eruption

Sakura Island – Japan, Sakurajima Visitor Centre.

However, a major, disastrous eruption occurred in January 1914 (the Taisho eruption). The 23,000 island residents were shaken by four gigantic earthquakes and countless minor quakes. They had a premonition of disaster and used all available boats to evacuate to the mainland. The Imperial Navy also contributed with ships.

In the course of two days, a fissure opened, and gas, ash and pumice stone were ejected in an ear-splitting explosion. The roar could be heard all across Kyushu.
Within a few days, the ashfall reached most of Japan.

Sakurajima – meaning cherry blossom island.

Yet another earthquake occurred, causing both houses to collapse, even in Kagoshima City, and producing a tsunami. A second, large 7.1 magnitude quake followed, in which lava poured out and buried houses, villages, and large areas of farmland.

Also, the citizens in Kagoshima had to evacuate from the disaster. Although some lives were lost, many people managed to rescue themselves.

The lava flow over the following weeks was so immense that it caused a permanent connection to the mainland. Another consequence of the eruption was that the island sank about 60 cm since the magma chamber of the Aira caldera was emptied.

3. Living with an Active Volcano

The fertile volcanic soil sometimes produces unbelievable products such as this gigantic radish | Photo: Travel In Culture

The connection to the Sakurajima peninsula (now also by car) has made Sakurajima a favourable place to live. The soil is fertile due to the volcanic material, and underground thermal resources provide ideal conditions for vegetation and the cultivation of crops.

Shelter where the islanders can seek cover from ash and other volcanic material from Sakurajima Volcano in emergencies | Photo: Travel In Culture

So, what is it like living around Sakurajima today – does the volcano and its frequent activity impose restrictions on people? Without a doubt, the level of alertness is high, and the residents take the forecasts of eruptions into account daily and close their windows when there is ash in the air. Also, there are annual evacuation drills to prepare for the next large-scale eruption.

The island children wear helmets (and sometimes face masks) to protect themselves from debris – e.g. when they go to school in the morning and return in the afternoon. The locals regularly clean and sweep their properties and roads and find ways to live as normally as possible. They have adapted their way of life to the temperament of the volcano!

4. Volcanic Landscape and Hot Springs

From the summit and down to sea level, there is a changing vegetation, ending with black pine and bay trees along the coastline. Different lava flows have resulted in different kinds of vegetation.

Nagisa Lava Trail.

The settlers at Sakurajima have always benefited from the volcano – the fertile soil for cultivation, the ashes for various kinds of industrial products, the hot springs for relaxation and as an energy source, and in recent years, the volcanic area for tourism.

Despite the tragedies of the Taisho eruption and the risks people constantly live with, the advantages of living on the rim of the volcano seem to outweigh the disadvantages.

Coastal lava landscape at the volcano peninsula.

Over time, the volcano has become a focal point of exploration and adventures, such as biking, climbing, and hiking along the hillsides. Moreover, the hot underground is a volcanic resource for onsen baths, including a popular footbath near the harbour!

Other tourist activities include pottery making, the use of volcanic ash, and cooking classes that use lava rock ovens.

5. Future Eruptions and Monitoring

The lush forest at Sakurajima Volcano.

The people prepare themselves as well as they can for the next large eruption. A future large eruption is considered likely at some point in the future since the magma beneath the caldera has now reached the same level as before the Taisho eruption in 1914.

They are digging canals for likely mudslides down the slopes to try to control how the lava will flow when the anticipated eruption occurs.

The number of eruptions is thoroughly monitored.

The level of preparation is much higher today than a hundred years ago, with early warning mechanisms in place. Rumblings and other changes in the magma chambers are monitored, and evacuation plans are ready.

All data are thoroughly analysed, and predictions are made. Sakurajima remains under constant scientific monitoring because volcanic activity can intensify with little warning. Volcanic thunderstorms and lightning in the rising ash clouds have been observed several times. A giant eruption at Sakurajima Volcano could happen at any time.

6. Visiting Sakurajima

The ferry approaches the volcano island from Kagoshima.

To visit the island (or rather the peninsula), there are frequent ferry connections from Kagoshima – and access by road from the southwestern access point. Many visitors arrive by ferry from Kagoshima since it is both fast and convenient when arriving at Kagoshima by Shinkansen.

Visitors arriving by Shinkansen often continue south from Fukuoka to Kagoshima before taking the short ferry to Sakurajima.

Near the ferry terminal, there are several opportunities to experience the volcanic phenomena and learn about the peninsula’s culture and history.

Nagisa Lava Trail.

There is the Sakurajima Visitor Centre where the story of the volcano is told. Visiting is an excellent opportunity to get an introduction to the geographical changes and learn about the transformation of the ecosystem, marine biology, and plant life, as well as the geothermal and agricultural benefits the island residents derive from the volcanic soil.

Close to the Visitor Centre, everyone is invited to try the thermal foot baths (Nagisa Park Foot Bath). Also, the adjacent Magma Onsen has hot springs you can try. By hiking along the short Nagisa Lava Trail, along the volcanic coast, you get a unique chance to see traces of Sakurajima’s volcanic history.

Nagisa Park Foot Bath | Photo: Travel In Culture

If you have time for it, you can also hike a little further up the volcano (as far as it is allowed – the Yunohira Observation Point is one of the options, located 2.5 km from the volcano crater) – or take one of the island buses further along the coast to experience more of the peninsula. The Sakurajima Island View Bus is a loop bus to the Yunohira Observation Point and back.

With Sakurajima International Volcanic Sabo Centre as an exhibit facility, visitors and locals will get a chance to learn about the volcanic activity on the island. It also serves as an evacuation facility in case of an emergency situation.

Sakurajima forms part of the wider volcanic and cultural landscape explored in our Japan travel guide, covering destinations across Kyushu and the rest of Japan. If you decide to travel around Japan by train, a Japan Rail Pass may prove valuable.

7. Practical Information for Visiting Sakurajima

Ferries between Kagoshima and Sakurajima operate frequently throughout the day and normally take around 15 minutes. Visitors should check volcanic activity updates before travelling since access restrictions can occasionally change depending on eruption levels.

Most attractions around the peninsula are reachable by bus, car, or organised tours. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended because volcanic ash and uneven lava terrain can make some paths slippery.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sakurajima Volcano

Is Sakurajima Volcano active?

Yes. Sakurajima is one of the most active volcanoes in Japan and experiences frequent eruptions and ash emissions.

Where is Sakurajima located?

Sakurajima is located in Kagoshima Bay in southern Kyushu, Japan, across the water from Kagoshima city.

Can you visit Sakurajima Volcano?

Yes. Visitors can reach Sakurajima easily by ferry from Kagoshima and explore observation points, lava trails, museums, and hot springs.

How do you get to Sakurajima?

Frequent ferries connect Kagoshima Port with Sakurajima throughout the day. The crossing takes around 15 minutes.

What happened during the 1914 eruption?

The 1914 Taisho eruption caused massive lava flows, earthquakes, and ashfall that permanently connected Sakurajima to the mainland.

Is Sakurajima safe to visit?

Yes. The volcano is carefully monitored, and safety systems and evacuation procedures are in place for residents and visitors.

What can you see on Sakurajima?

Popular attractions include the Nagisa Lava Trail, observation points, volcanic museums, hot springs, lava fields, and coastal scenery.

Why do people live near Sakurajima?

The volcanic soil is highly fertile, and the region benefits from agriculture, geothermal resources, tourism, and hot springs.

What is the best time to visit Sakurajima?

Spring and autumn usually offer the most comfortable weather for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Other visitor attractions include Karasujima Observatory, Arimura Lava Observation Deck, Sakurajima Naval Base, Portrait of a Shout Monument, Saigo Rock, Takahama Year-End Stone Monument and various other landmarks, Koike View Park, Sakurajima Nature Dinosaur Park, the ruins of Takegorin-tou Buddhist pagoda, Kurokami Buried Shrine Gate, and fascinating lava fields.

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Selected images courtesy of Pixabay