Sakurajima is an active volcano on the Osumi Peninsula in Kagoshima prefecture, Japan. (Keishi Koja/Stars and Stripes)
Sakurajima is an active volcano on the Osumi peninsula in Kagoshima prefecture on the southern tip of Kyushu, the southernmost of Japan’s four main islands.
The mountain rises to an elevation of 3,644 feet and spans roughly 32 miles in circumference.
It may sound like just another volcano in Japan — a country with more than a hundred of them. But Sakurajima is different. Here, people live side by side with one of the most active volcanoes in the country.
Sakurajima averages around 200 eruptions per year, with a record-breaking 996 eruptions in 2011, according to the volcano’s website. Despite this intense activity, the relationship between the volcano and the surrounding community is remarkable.
About 3,500 people live in the foothills, where houses and even a school stand in the mountain’s shadow. As you drive around the area, you’ll notice numerous shelters designed to protect residents from falling ash.
Across the bay — just 2½ miles away — around 600,000 people live in Kagoshima city, according to the city’s website.
Sakurajima is an active volcano on the Osumi Peninsula in Kagoshima prefecture, Japan (Keishi Koja/Stars and Stripes)
The volcano has two main peaks, north and south. The north peak was active from its formation about 26,000 years ago but ceased activity roughly 5,000 years ago. The south peak, however, became active around 4,500 years ago and remains active today, according to Sakurajima’s website.
The word “jima” means “island” in Japanese. Sakurajima was once truly an island, but a massive eruption in 1914 connected it to the peninsula.
I had the chance to speak with a local resident from Kagoshima city, who told me they are not afraid of the volcano at all. Seeing it emit smoke or even causing small shakes is completely normal. They are only worried about the ash that falls on their houses and cars.
There are two main ways to experience this living mountain. You can take a ferry from Kagoshima city for just 250 yen, a quick 15-minute ride. If you bring your car, that would be about 1,700 yen extra, or $10.65, depending on the size of the vehicle.
Alternatively, you can drive through the peninsula, which takes about an hour from Kagoshima Airport in Kirishima city.
I enjoyed both driving from Kirishima and later viewing the volcano from Kagoshima city after taking the ferry. The volcano stands with a commanding presence, revealing its different faces as you travel around it.
Yunohira observatory, located at an elevation of 1,148 feet, is the highest point on Sakurajima open to the public. (Keishi Koja/Stars and Stripes)
Due to its activity, access to the mountain is restricted. The closest point visitors can reach is the Yunohira observatory, at an elevation of 1,148 feet, offering a clear and impressive view.
I could understand a little bit why Sakurajima is a symbol for the locals. You can see it from almost anywhere in the city, and it becomes part of daily life. Also, it makes you talk to it, like, “Hey, how’s your mood today?”
Sakurajima is truly a fascinating place to visit. And fingers crossed to be “lucky” to witness one of its eruptions.
On the QT
Directions: Sakurajima is on the southern tip of Kyushu, the nearest city, Kagoshima, is a 1½ hour flight from Naha, Okinawa, or 14 hours by train from Tokyo.
Times: The volcano is best viewed in daylight.
Costs: No cost to see the mountain, though a ferry from Kagoshima is 250 yen, $1.57, or 1,700 yen with an automobile.
Food: Plenty of options in Kagoshima
Information: Online: kagoshima-kankou.com/for/areaguide/sakurajima
