Sakurajima (桜島) is one of Japan's most active volcanoes and the symbol of Kagoshima. The volcano smokes constantly, and minor eruptions often take place multiple times per day. Located in the middle of Kagoshima Bay, Sakurajima is the area's most prominent geographic feature, having an elevation of 1117 meters and a circumference of about 50 kilometers.
Before a powerful eruption in 1914, Sakurajima used to be an island in the bay, but the massive lava flow from that eruption created the volcano's current land connection to the Osumi Peninsula in the east. For the majority of travelers, however, the volcano is still most easily accessed by the ferries that run the 3.5 kilometers between Kagoshima Port and the Sakurajima Ferry Terminal.
Sakurajima has three main peaks: Kita-dake ("north peak", 1117 meters), Naka-dake ("middle peak" 1060 meters) and Minami-dake ("southern peak", 1040 meters). The Minami-dake peak is currently the most active, with many eruptions taking place from the Showa Crater on the peak's eastern slope. It is prohibited to approach within two kilometers of the volcano's craters, but there are many observation points around Sakurajima where eruptions can be observed from about three kilometers away.
Travelers visiting Sakurajima can find many attractions just around the ferry terminal, including an onsen, foot baths, short hiking trails and an information center. Those who would like to further explore the volcano should travel by rental car, which can be taken across the water from Kagoshima by the ferries. Sightseeing buses, regular buses and rental bicycles are other possible methods of travel.
Around the ferry terminal
Elsewhere around Sakurajima
Getting there and around
How to get to Sakurajima
Central Kagoshima and Sakurajima are connected around the clock by frequent ferries. The one way ride takes 15 minute and costs 250 yen. The ferry terminal is a ten minute walk from JR Kagoshima Station or a five minute walk from the Suizokukan-guchi tram stop, and is also served by the City View Buses.
Cars can be taken onto the Sakurajima ferry and cost 1700 yen one way for 3-4 meter long cars or 2350 yen one way for 4-5 meter long cars. Those trying to avoid the ferry will need to make a 90 minute detour to reach the southeastern end of the Sakurajima peninsula via land (slightly faster if using the expressway).
How to get around Sakurajima
By far the easiest way to travel around Sakurajima is by rental car. Driving once around the coast of Sakurajima takes about an hour. Car rental outlets can be found in the city center and at Kagoshima Airport.
It is also possible to travel around Sakurajima by public transportation. There is a loop bus for tourists, the Sakurajima Island View Bus, that operates every 30 minutes from the ferry terminal to the Yunohira observation point and back. The fare depends on the distance traveled or is 500 yen for a 1-day pass.
Lastly, there are regular city buses that run roughly hourly from the ferry terminal along the northern coast and along the western coast of Sakurajima; however, they do not make the entire loop around the peninsula. To access the Kurokami area, a transfer of buses is required along the way, with connections only every 2-3 hours.
How to get to and around Kagoshima
Questions? Ask in our forum.
Links and Resources
Hotels around Kagoshima
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Sheraton KagoshimaSheraton Kagoshima has a fitness centre, garden, a terrace and restaurant in Kagoshima. This 5-star hotel offers a business centre and a concierge service. The accommodation offers room service, a 24-hour front desk and currency exchange for guests. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms offering a desk, a coffee machine, a fridge, a minibar, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a bidet. Sheraton Kagoshima features some units with city views, and all rooms have a kettle. At the accommodation all rooms include bed linen and towels. A buffet breakfast is available every morning at Sheraton Kagoshima. The hotel offers a range of wellness facilities including a sauna and a hot spring bath. Guests at Sheraton Kagoshima will be able to enjoy activities in and around Kagoshima, like hiking and fishing. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Kagoshima Chuo Station, Korai Bridge and Museum of the Meiji Restoration. Kagoshima Airport is 39 km from the property.View on Booking.com -
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SHIROYAMA HOTEL kagoshimaFeaturing an open-air natural hot spring bath overlooking Sakurajima Volcano and the sea, SHIROYAMA HOTEL kagoshima offers a spa centre, 7 dining options and a concierge. Rooms have free wired internet. Some rooms come with a view of Sakurajima volcano and Kinko-wan Bay. All are equipped with an LCD TV with satellite channels, a fridge and a safe. The spa at SHIROYAMA HOTEL kagoshima offers a mist sauna, a flower bath and massage treatments. Guests can also enjoy karaoke and shopping. Restaurant Le Ciel offers panoramic city views and Western food, while other restaurants serve Japanese and Chinese specialities. Castle Park houses its own bakery and brewery. A free bus circulates between SHIROYAMA HOTEL kagoshima, JR Kagoshima Chuo Station and downtown area Tenmonkan, both a 10-minute drive away.View on Booking.com -
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fav KAGOSHIMA CHUOFav KAGOSHIMA CHUO is set in Kagoshima, within 2.9 km of Kagoshima Station and less than 1 km of Xavier Taika Kinenhi. Featuring a terrace, the 4-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. Private parking can be arranged at an extra charge. All guest rooms in the hotel are fitted with a flat-screen TV. At fav KAGOSHIMA CHUO the rooms come with bed linen and towels. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Kagoshima Chuo Station, Museum of the Meiji Restoration and Korai Bridge. Kagoshima Airport is 38 km from the property.View on Booking.com -
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GRAND BASE KagoshimaLocated in Kagoshima, 1.3 km from Kagoshima Chuo Station and 2.5 km from Kagoshima Station, GRAND BASE Kagoshima offers free WiFi and air conditioning. There is a private entrance at the aparthotel for the convenience of those who stay. The aparthotel features family rooms. Each unit is equipped with a fully equipped kitchen with a microwave, a seating area, a flat-screen TV, a washing machine, and a private bathroom with bidet and slippers. A fridge and kitchenware are also provided, as well as a kettle. The units are equipped with heating facilities. Popular points of interest near the aparthotel include Museum of the Meiji Restoration, Korai Bridge and Xavier Taika Kinenhi. The nearest airport is Kagoshima Airport, 38 km from GRAND BASE Kagoshima.View on Booking.com -
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Hotel Ninestates KagoshimaHotel Ninestates Kagoshima is set in Kagoshima, 1.2 km from Kagoshima Chuo Station, 2.4 km from Kagoshima Station, as well as 600 metres from Xavier Taika Kinenhi. Among the facilities at this property are a lift and full-day security, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The property is close to popular attractions like Korai Bridge, Terukuni Shrine and Central Park. Accommodation is fitted with air conditioning, a fully equipped kitchen, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with bath, slippers and a hair dryer. A microwave, a fridge and stovetop are also offered, as well as a kettle. At the aparthotel, the units have bed linen and towels. Popular points of interest near the aparthotel include St. Xavier Church, Sengoku Tenjin and Museum of the Meiji Restoration. Kagoshima Airport is 37 km from the property.View on Booking.com -
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Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kagoshima Tenmonkan PREMIER - former Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kagoshima TenmonkanFeaturing 4-star accommodation, Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kagoshima Tenmonkan PREMIER - former Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kagoshima Tenmonkan is situated in Kagoshima, 1.8 km from Kagoshima Chuo Station and 2 km from Kagoshima Station. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage space, along with free WiFi throughout the property. St. Xavier Church is 700 metres away and Korai Bridge is 1.1 km from the hotel. A buffet breakfast is available each morning at the hotel. Popular points of interest near Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kagoshima Tenmonkan PREMIER - former Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kagoshima Tenmonkan include Central Park, Xavier Taika Kinenhi and Sengoku Tenjin. Kagoshima Airport is 38 km from the property.View on Booking.com -
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GRAND BASE Kagoshima TenmonkanSituated within 2.7 km of Kagoshima Chuo Station and 1.6 km of Kagoshima Station in Kagoshima, GRAND BASE Kagoshima Tenmonkan features accommodation with free WiFi and seating area. There is a private entrance at the aparthotel for the convenience of those who stay. The aparthotel has family rooms. Every unit features air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, washing machine, kettle and kitchenette. The units are equipped with heating facilities. Popular points of interest near the aparthotel include Central Park, Minato Odori Park and Kagoshima City Museum of Art. The nearest airport is Kagoshima Airport, 39 km from GRAND BASE Kagoshima Tenmonkan.View on Booking.com -
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Hostel TomalHostel Tomal is located in Kagoshima, less than 1 km from Kagoshima City Museum of Art and a 7-minute walk from Sengoku Tenjin. Among the facilities at this property are a shared kitchen and luggage storage space, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The property is non-smoking and is set 2.6 km from Kagoshima Chuo Station. All rooms have a shared bathroom fitted with a shower and a hairdryer, while selected rooms also offer a kitchen equipped with a fridge. Popular points of interest near the hostel include Kagoshima Station, Minato Odori Park and Central Park. Kagoshima Airport is 39 km from the property.View on Booking.com -
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Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel KagoshimaOpened in 2012, Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel Kagoshima is just a 2-minute walk from JR Kagoshima-Chuo Train Station and features a French restaurant and massage services. Its modern rooms impress with a 4-star decor and a spacious shower room with a bathtub. Free WiFi is available throughout the premises. Polished wood panelling, soft lights and plush carpets await guests in the rooms at Kagoshima Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel. Each room has an LCD TV, a fridge and an electric kettle with green tea, and the bathing area and toilet are separated for improved hygiene. Some rooms have views of Sakurajima volcano. The hotel is a 5-minute drive from the Ishin Furusato-kan Museum, which focuses on the Meiji Restoration. Sengan-en Japanese Garden is 6 km away. A coin launderette is available for use. A Japanese/Western breakfast is served for an extra fee at Kuwahara Restaurant, where French course lunches and dinners can also be enjoyed.View on Booking.com -
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Henn na Hotel Kagoshima TenmonkanSituated 1.6 km from Kagoshima Chuo Station, Henn na Hotel Kagoshima Tenmonkan offers 4-star accommodation in Kagoshima and features a restaurant. The property is close to Sengoku Tenjin, Central Park and Terukuni Shrine. The hotel has a sauna, a 24-hour front desk and free WiFi. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms with a desk, a kettle, a fridge, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a bidet. Guests at Henn na Hotel Kagoshima Tenmonkan can enjoy an Asian breakfast. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Kagoshima Station, Xavier Taika Kinenhi and St. Xavier Church. Kagoshima Airport is 38 km from the property.View on Booking.com
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