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Hiking courses
The best thing about hiking is that you can walk at your own pace while enjoying the majestic nature of Sakurajima. You will discover something new every time you visit. Please choose a course that suits you and enjoy the rich nature of Sakurajima.
Hiking on Sakurajima
Climbing Sakurajima is prohibited, and being within 2km of the crater is prohibited,
but the courses we will introduce are all at least 2km away from the crater.
There is little shade on Sakurajima, so it is best to avoid it in the hot summer.
You can enjoy hiking the most in spring or autumn.
Hiking course Map
For those who want to explore Sakurajima on foot, here are some recommended hiking courses.
Hiking allows you to enjoy the scenery that you would miss from a car window, such as the changing vegetation and the lives of the people living at the foot of Sakurajima.
In addition, the Sakurajima sightseeing bus "Sakurajima Island View," which runs on a one-way circular route, stops at places such as Yunohira Observatory and Akamizu Observatory Square.
The staff at the Sakurajima Visitor Center also recommend using the bus as part of your hike.
Choose the best course to take, considering your physical fitness and the time required for each.
Staff picks!
Use the Sakurajima Island View Bus to easily enjoy the best of Sakurajima! The Yunohira Observatory bus route is the most convenient way. The trip takes about 1.5 to 2.5 hours.
From Sakurajima Port to the Yunohiira Observatory - a quick climb to around the 4th station of Sakurajima!
[Walking] Sakurajima Port → Sakurajima Visitor Center → Lava Nagisa Beach Trail → Karasujima Observatory → Akamizu Observatory
Distance: approx. 5km / Time: approx. 50 minutes
A leisurely hike through the lava flows of the Taisho era (1914). The scenery includes the lava field, the plants growing on the 1914 lava, and the outskirts of Kagoshima City on the opposite bank.
[Bus] Akamizu Observatry Square → Yunohira Observatory
(Island View Bus) Distance: approx. 7km / Time: approx. 15min
Board the Island View Bus and ride all the way up to the 4th station of Sakurajima. (Both Course A and Course B go to Yunohira Observatory.)
Get off the Island View Bus partway and walk back to the port while experiencing everyday life on Sakurajima.
[Bus] Yunohira Observatory → Ōshu Elementary School Bus Stop
(Island View Bus) Distance: approx. 5 km / Time: approx. 10 minutes
After enjoying the Yunohira Observatory, hop on the Sakurajima Island View sightseeing bus and go down a different route than the one you took on the way there.
[Walking] Ōshu Elementary School Bus Stop → Sakurajima Port
(Walking) Distance: approx. 2km / Time: approx. 30 minutes
From the traffic light in front of the elementary school, take the road by the seaside and return to Sakurajima Port. There is an elementary school and a residential area, and you can get a glimpse of the lives of the people who live at the foot of Sakurajima.
About meals
If you want to eat, we recommend a hearty meal at Chinman Restaurant or freshly baked bread from the nearby bakery. (Check the hours when they are open for business and the days when they are closed.)
Beginner's Courses
Each course takes about 20 to 40 minutes.
The Lava Nagisa Beach Trail has been selected as one of Japan's 100 Best Promenades.
Experience Sakurajima Up Close!
Walk along a scenic promenade where you can observe lava flows and the distinctive plant life that thrives on the volcano.
There are two places on Sakurajima that have been developed as hiking trails.
Sakurajima Lava Nagisa Beach Trail (about 3km long)
A trail with scenery of the 1914 Taisho lava and the vegetation on it.
Arimura Lava Observatory Trail (about 1km long)
A paved trail where you can look out over lava flows from two eras (Taisho 1914 and Showa 1946).
Arimura Lava Observatory is located about a 20-minute drive from Sakurajima Port Ferry Terminal.
Hiking Safety Measures and Manners
In order to enjoy hiking safely and comfortably,
advance preparation and basic manners are essential.Be considerate of the natural environment and people around you to ensure a safe experience.
- Check Dining Options in Advance
There are only a few places to eat on Sakurajima.
To avoid inconvenience, be sure to check restaurant hours and closing days before your visit.
Also, don’t forget to bring a water bottle or bottled drinks with you. - Pace Yourself and Stay Safe
If the weather turns bad or you feel unwell, don’t hesitate to adjust your plans.
In particular, summer temperatures can be intense—so be sure to take breaks and stay hydrated as you explore. - Stay on Paved Trails
Please stay on the designated paved trails.
Entering the lava fields or climbing on lava rocks is extremely dangerous.
For your safety and to help protect the natural environment, do not stray from the marked paths. - Be Respectful to Local Residents
Please be mindful of local residents and other visitors.
Avoid disruptive behavior such as loud noise in the early morning or late at night, trespassing, or taking photos without permission.
Always act with courtesy and respect toward the community.