Getting to Sakurajima
Sakurajima is easily accessible from central Kagoshima with frequent ferries operating 24/7. The ferry ride takes 15 minutes and costs 250 yen. The terminal is a 10-minute walk from JR Kagoshima Station or a 5-minute walk from the Suizokukan-guchi tram stop. You can also use the City View Buses. Cars can be taken on the ferry for 1700 yen (3-4 meter cars) or 2350 yen (4-5 meter cars). Alternatively, you can drive around the southeastern Sakurajima peninsula, which takes about 90 minutes by car.
Getting Around on Sakurajima
The easiest way to get around Sakurajima is by rental car, with a coastal drive taking about an hour. Rental cars are available in Kagoshima city center and at Kagoshima Airport. Public transportation includes the Sakurajima Island View Bus, which runs every 30 minutes from the ferry terminal to Yunohira observation point (500 yen for a day pass). Regular city buses also run from the ferry terminal but don’t cover the entire island.
Sakurajima
Sakurajima (桜島) is the iconic and active volcano that defines the Kagoshima skyline. Rising to 1117 meters, it smokes constantly and often experiences minor eruptions. Located in Kagoshima Bay, it was once an island, but after a massive eruption in 1914, the lava flow connected it to the Osumi Peninsula. Visitors can easily reach the volcano by taking a ferry from Kagoshima Port to the Sakurajima Ferry Terminal, just 3.5 kilometers away.
The volcano boasts three main peaks: Kita-dake, Naka-dake, and Minami-dake. The Minami-dake peak is the most active, frequently erupting from the Showa Crater. While it’s prohibited to approach within two kilometers of the craters, there are plenty of observation points around Sakurajima for a safe view of the eruptions. Travelers can explore the area via rental car, sightseeing buses, or bicycles, with attractions such as foot baths, hiking trails, and an onsen around the ferry terminal.
Getting there
Nearby
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1Sakurajima Visitor CenterFamous for its volcanic history exhibits
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2Yunohira Observation PointFamous for views of Sakurajima's crater
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3Nagisa Lava TrailFamous for the 1914 volcanic eruption
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4Kurokami Shrine GateFamous for its 1914 eruption impact
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5Dinosaur ParkFamous for life-size dinosaur statues
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6Nagisa Park Foot BathFamous for its relaxing foot baths
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7Arimura Observation PointFamous for views of Sakurajima's craters
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8Kurokami Observation PointFamous for views of Showa Crater
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9Magma OnsenFamous for its scenic hot spring views
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