Sakurajima Tourism

Sakurajima is an active stratovolcano and a former island in Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan. The volcano is part of the Kirishima-Yaku National Park and is one of Japan's most active volcanoes; it erupts almost constantly, and its activity is a crucial part of life in the area. The mountain is situated less than 4 kilometers from Kagoshima city, thus creating a beautiful yet somewhat daunting backdrop for the residents. Sakurajima used to be an island before the 1914 eruption, which was the most powerful in twentieth-century Japan. The lava flows from this eruption caused the former island to connect with the Osumi Peninsula. Its dramatic landscape, featuring the volcanic peak smoldering against the skyline, is a tourist magnet. Visitors often gather at observation points to watch plumes of ash. Tourists can also visit the Sakurajima Visitor Center to learn more about the volcano’s history and geology. Though it's an active volcano, there are hot spring resorts on the island, offering a relaxing experience with a view of the ominous peak. Local produce includes the Sakurajima Daikon, one of the largest radishes in the world, and tiny Sakurajima mandarins.