Located at the southern end of Kyushu, Sakurajima (Kagoshima prefecture) is one of Japan’s most active volcanoes. You can often see smoke billowing from the crater. Formerly an island, a 1914 eruption connected it to the mainland. Sakurajima erupts on a daily basis. Fortunately, there are usually ample warnings before large eruptions happen. It’s safe enough that more than 1000 people currently stay on the island. Join us, while we explore the best things to do on Sakurajima!

Date visited: Nov-2023

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Things to do on Sakurajima (Kagoshima, Japan)

(listed in random order)

#1: Tarumizu Yuttarikan Roadside Station (Google Map)

Tarumizu Yuttarikan Roadside Station is a popular seaside rest stop just before entering Sakurajima. It offers scenic views of the island and Kinko Bay, making it a great spot for travellers to relax and enjoy the natural beauty.

The station features local produce, souvenirs, and a free outdoor hot spring foot bath by the sea, allowing visitors to unwind and admire the beauty of the area while soaking their feet. Great experience!

#2: Ushineo Bridge 牛根大橋 (Google Map)

Ushineo Bridge is a striking bridge connecting Sakurajima and the mainland. The bridge is known for its impressive design and scenic surroundings, making it a notable landmark in the region.

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#3: FamilyMart Sakurajima (Google Map)

Brown-coloured FamilyMart on Sakurajima. Specifically to match the nature/volcanic theme of the island. Visitors often appreciate the store’s volcanic-themed souvenirs and locally sourced products that reflect the area’s culture and natural features.

#4: Sakurajima Visitor Center (Google Map)

The Sakurajima Visitor Center is an informative facility in Nagisa Park. It offers interactive exhibits and educational displays about the island’s volcanic activity, geology, history, and natural environment.

#5: Sakurajima Nagisa Park Foot Bath 桜島溶岩なぎさ公園足湯 (Google Map)

Located adjacent to Sakurajima Visitor Center. Nagisa Park Foot Bath is a popular and free seaside hot spring foot bath located in Nagisa Park.

Stretching about 100 meters, it’s one of the longest foot baths in Japan and is fed by natural hot spring water from the island’s volcanic activity. Visitors can soak their feet while enjoying stunning views of the volcano and Kinko Bay. Relaxing spot for both tourists and locals to unwind after exploring the island.

#6: Karasujima Observatory 烏島展望所 (Google Map)

Located on the west side of the island, Karasujima Observatory is encircled by a vast lava plain which is now covered with black pine trees. Before the 1914 eruption, Sakurajima used to be an isolated island named “Karasujima”. This observatory was built as a reminder of the former island.

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#7: Yunohira Observation Deck 湯之平展望所 (Google Map)

373m above sea level on the North Peak of Sakurajima, Yunohira Observation Deck is the highest publicly accessible point on the volcano.

The observation deck offers stunning views of the rough surface of the smoking South Peak, Kinko Bay and Kagoshima City. On clear days, it provides an unobstructed view of the entire bay area and beyond. A must-see spot in Sakurajima.

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#8: Arimura Lava Observation Deck 有村溶岩展望所 (Google Map)

A scenic viewpoint on the southern side of Sakurajima, the observation deck is located on a small hill in the black lava field created by the great 1946 eruption.

The observatory is close to and offers a stunning direct view of the steep cone-shaped South Peak of Sakurajima. Visitors could also take a close-up look at the unique vegetation that has thrived in the volcanic soil here in the last few decades.

#9: Kurokami Buried Shrine Gate 黒神埋没鳥居 (Google Map)

The Kurokami Buried Shrine Gate is a fascinating historical site on Sakurajima. It became famous after a massive eruption in 1914, which caused large amounts of volcanic ash and lava to flow into the surrounding area and half-bury the Torii gate. Only the upper part of the gate remained visible.

The buried gate stands as a powerful reminder of the region’s volcanic activity and serves as a symbol of resilience for the local people.

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Our other travel blogs on Kyushu, Japan:

Our other travel blogs on Japan:

• Okinawa Travel VLOG 2019
• 11-Days Free & Easy Itinerary for Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Hakone
• Tokyo Free & Easy Guide 
• Osaka Free & Easy Guide
• Kyoto Free & Easy Guide 
• Hakone Free & Easy Guide
• 4 Great Tips for your Japan Holiday

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