Sakurajima, Kagoshima

Observe a mountainous island billowing smoke and volcanic ash at Sakurajima, one of the world’s most active volcanos, floating in the sea 4 km (2.5 mi) from South Kyushu’s hub city, Kagoshima. You can take a bus around the island to the crater or hike on the lava trail along the shore. After a long walk, you can take a foot bath by the sea, admiring the volcanic island, which measures 50 km (31 mi) round and 1,117 m tall (3,665 ft). Halfway to the top, an observatory will give you a view of the summit, where you can feel the power of an active volcano. Work out when and for how long to visit Sakurajima and other Kagoshima attractions using our handy Kagoshima trip planner.