Travel Japan (Episode 7): Things to do on Sakurajima (Kagoshima, Japan)

Travel Japan (Episode 7): Things to do on Sakurajima (Kagoshima, Japan)

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!

00:00 – Intro

00:36 – 1: Tarumizu Yuttarikan Roadside Station
Tarumizu Yuttarikan Roadside Station is a popular seaside rest stop just before entering the volcanic island of Sakurajima. It offers scenic views of Sakurajima 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 Sakurajima while soaking their feet. Great experience!

00:58 – 2: Ushineo Bridge 牛根大橋
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.

01:12 – 3: FamilyMart Sakurajima
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. 

01:16 – 4: Sakurajima Visitor Center
The Sakurajima Visitor Center is an informative facility in Nagisa Park, Sakurajima. It offers interactive exhibits and educational displays about the island’s volcanic activity, geology, history, and natural environment.

01:23 – 5: Sakurajima Nagisa Park Foot Bath 桜島溶岩なぎさ公園足湯
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 Sakurajima volcano and Kinko Bay. Relaxing spot for both tourists and locals to unwind after exploring the island.

01:34 – 6: Karasujima Observatory 烏島展望所
Located on the west side of Sakurajima, 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.  

01:50 – 7: Yunohira Observation Deck 湯之平展望所
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.

02:07 – 8: Arimura Lava Observation Deck 有村溶岩展望所
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.

02:26 – 9: Kurokami Buried Shrine Gate 黒神埋没鳥居
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. 

END

Date visited: Nov-2023

+++
Our website:
https://www.BalukooTravel.com

Follow us on
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/balukootravel
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/balukootravel/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/allanseetoh/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BalukooTravel

+++
Music Credit

Track: Back To Party — Zackross [Audio Library Release]
Music provided by Audio Library Plus
Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lt1sHMCm_lM
Free Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/back-party

+++

#kagoshima #sakurajima #traveljapan