Sightseeing

Located at an altitude of 373 meters on the fourth station of Kitadake, Yunohira Observatory is the highest point accessible to the public on Sakurajima.

From here, enjoy a 360° panoramic view: the rugged slopes of Kitadake, the vast Taisho Lava Field, and the cityscape of Kagoshima across Kinko Bay.

On clear days, you can also see the Kirishima mountain range to the north and Mount Kaimon to the south.

Situated on the Taisho Lava Field at the foot of Minamidake, the Arimura Lava Observatory offers an otherworldly view of the lava field covered with black pine trees.

A 1 km walking trail provides scenic views of both the Sakurajima and Kinko Bay, and on clear days, even Mount Kaimon.

From this spot, Sakurajima’s conical silhouette can be admired, contrasting with its usual broad profile. As a composite volcano composed of two peaks, Sakurajima presents a vastly different appearance from various vantage points.

The Great Eruption of 1914 sent vast quantities of volcanic ash and pumice soaring more than 20,000 meters into the sky, with some ash even reaching the distant Kamchatka Peninsula. The torii gate of the “Haragosha Shrine” located here in the Kurokami district was covered with pumice and volcanic ash in just one day after the Taisho eruption. The torii originally stood 3 meters high, but now only about 1 meter of the shade tree portion is visible above the ground.

After the eruption, the residents tried to dig up the sacred torii gate of the shrine, but the village mayor at the time, Mr. Yaozo Nozoe, made the wise decision to “preserve the memory of the eruption for future generations,” and the shrine remains today as it was immediately after the eruption. At the end of the approach behind the torii gate, there is also a shrine pavilion.

This 3 km walking trail connects the Sakurajima Yogan Nagisa Park with the Karasujima Observatory. Built on the lava field, it has been selected as one of Japan’s 100 Best Walking Trails.

Over 100 years after the Taisho Eruption, vegetation has gradually returned to the once barren lava field, offering a chance to witness the resilience of nature. As you stroll, enjoy the sight of plants thriving among the rugged lava, the serene Kinko Bay, the cityscape of Kagoshima, and the majestic Sakurajima.

The "Sakurajima Magma Hot Spring" at the Rainbow Sakurajima Inn is a hot spring facility perfect for day trips. The reddish-brown water that sourced from 1,000 meters underground, rich in iron, is known for retaining warmth.

With amenities like body soap and shampoo provided, you can visit without any preparation and relax while enjoying views of Kinko Bay and the Kagoshima cityscape.