Sakurajima is inescapable while you go to Kagoshima—and never simply due to the way it looms above the cityscape. The final time I used to be there, I used to be actually choking on it. (Ash and smoke from the volcano’s crater, that is.)
Despite how ubiquitous a sight (and, extra probably than not, a scent and style) Sakurajima is while you go to Kyushu’s far south, I’d argue that Japan’s most lively volcano ought to function greater than a backdrop. That it, I do assume it’s definitely worth the brief ferry journey from the town cetner.
I’m not burying the lede right here—I feel Sakurajima is value visiting, 100%. I’ll, nonetheless, present my work so that you simply make sure positive it’s the suitable name for you as nicely.
The best way to Get to (and Round) Sakurajima
The excellent news? The Kagoshima Sakurajima ferry comes usually sufficient that you simply nearly don’t want to consider it. Whether or not you go on foot or by automobile (which is preferable—extra on that in a second), you may basically flip up on the port in Kagoshima and inside a couple of minutes, a ferry shall be on its technique to the volcano. The journey solely takes round quarter-hour one-way, and presents fabulous views en route.
The (perhaps) not-so-good information? Though you may hike from the port on Sakurajima to numerous locations on the volcano, it actually helps to have a automobile. Which isn’t essentially “dangerous” information, in the event you’re open to the concept of renting a automobile in Japan, and/or are open to being satisfied (right here’s my testimony). That is to say nothing of how a lot simpler your exploration of the remainder of Kagoshima shall be with your individual set of wheels.
What to Do on Sakurajima
Begin on the buried torii gate
After I discovered about the truth that there was a torii on Sakurajima that had actually been buried in ash, I knew I needed to see it with my very own eyes. And I’ll be trustworthy: Kurokami Shrine was each bit as cool as I anticipated it to be, in no small half due to how few different vacationers had been there.
Proceed to Arimura Lava Statement Deck
For those who proceed driving northward from the shrine, you’ll ultimately find yourself at a small commentary deck that overlooks the remnants of a lava movement from a couple of years in the past. It’s cool, however by itself, it doesn’t justify the journey from Kagoshima to Sakurajima. For me, the Arimuara Lava Statement Deck extra clearly lives as much as its title.
See the crater up shut at Yunohira Observatory
The closest you may get to Sakurajima’s primary crater is Yunohira Observatory, which is on the “metropolis facet” of the volcano not removed from the port space. You’ll be able to technically hike up right here in the event you don’t have automobile, by way of coming with a set of wheels is clearly loads simpler.
Take pleasure in views of Kagoshima Metropolis and the Satsuma Peninsula
For those who look within the “different” path from the mountain, in the meantime, then wanting northward towards the Kagoshima Metropolis skyline and southwestward towards the Satsuma Peninsula makes the journey as much as the observatory value it. On some days, in fact, that is the one view you may get pleasure from—ash and smoke can generally obscure the volcano itself.
Think about a hike—or a couple of
Past the Yunohira Observatory Route, a couple of different simply accessible Sakurajima mountain climbing trails exist. The primary extends about 20 minutes from the parking zone of the Arimura Lava Statement Deck. One other is the fully flat Sakurajima Lava Nagisa Promenade, which hugs the coast.
Is Sakurajima Secure?
Sakurajima is Japan’s most lively volcano, and erupts nearly on daily basis. Now, most of those eruptions are fully inconsequential, with the ash and mud little greater than a plume of smoke above the mountain when it’s seen from Kagoshima Metropolis. Even for guests to the “island” (it’s technically a peninsula of kinds, if we’re being trustworthy), most eruptions aren’t particularly disruptive.
To place it one other method, there may be little or no likelihood that even a “massive” eruption will trigger you to have to change this Sakurajima itinerary, not to mention to trigger you any hurt. For those who’re very nervous, in fact, you may put on a respirator masks within the occasion of numerous smoke and ash, or just postpone your journey to the island for a day when there isn’t as a lot volcanic exercise to start with.
Different FAQ About Visiting Sakurajima
Can vacationers get meals on Sakurajima?
Sure, it’s attainable to eat on Sakurajima island. There are numerous eating places close to the port space, and some retailers in vacationer areas the place you should purchase snacks. For those who plan to hike, alternatively, I’d counsel stopping at a comfort retailer (the place on Sakurajima or in Kagoshima-proper) to top off earlier than you head out.
How usually does Sakurajima erupt?
Usually talking, Sakurajima erupts on daily basis, although this may usually manifest as steady eruption, somewhat than distinctive volcanic occasions. I’ve personally by no means seen the mountain with out ash and smoke coming from its crater, although few eruptions I’ve witnessed have been usually disruptive.
Ought to I be nervous about Sakurajima once I’m in Kagoshima?
The one factor about Sakurajima that ought to fear you while you go to Kagoshima is the likelihood that you simply may not have the ability to see the mountain. It’s not as fickle as Fujisan, however there’s a really actual threat that it is going to be partially or completely obscured, behind both clouds or mud and ash.
The Backside Line
Is Sakurajima value visiting? Properly, I gave away the reply to that query—my reply to it, a minimum of—fairly instantly on this submit. And I copped to the truth that whereas I personally selected to not spend time on the volcano throughout my first couple journeys to Kagoshima, I’m so glad I lastly modified course. With this being mentioned, Sakurajima will not be an “straightforward” place to go to. You actually need a automobile in the event you anticipate to have the ability to cowl an honest quantity of floor; you must also anticipate to inhale a not insignificant amount of ash and mud. Want customized assist integrating Sakurajima into your Kyushu journey? Fee a customized Japan itinerary at the moment!