How do I get to Sakurajima?

Q: How do I get to Sakurajima?

Getting to Sakurajima Sakurajima is easily accessible from central Kagoshima, with frequent ferries operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The ferry ride takes about 15 minutes and costs 250 yen. The terminal is a 10-minute walk from JR Kagoshima Station or a 5-minute walk from the Suizokukan-guchi tram stop. You can also reach it using the City View Buses. Cars can be taken on the ferry for 1,700 yen (for cars 3–4 meters long) or 2,350 yen (for cars 4–5 meters long). Alternatively, you can drive around the southeastern Sakurajima peninsula, which takes about 90 minutes by car. Getting Around on Sakurajima The easiest way to explore Sakurajima is by rental car, with a full coastal drive taking about an hour. Rental cars are available in central Kagoshima and at Kagoshima Airport. Public transportation includes the Sakurajima Island View Bus, which departs every 30 minutes from the ferry terminal to Yunohira Observatory (500 yen for a day pass). Regular city buses also operate from the ferry terminal but do not cover the entire island.

Sakurajima

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Sakurajima (桜島) is the defining symbol of Kagoshima, known for its powerful presence and near-constant volcanic activity. Towering at 1,117 meters, this active stratovolcano frequently emits smoke and experiences small-scale eruptions, making it a striking natural landmark. Located in Kagoshima Bay, it was originally a separate island until the massive eruption of 1914 caused lava to fill the strait, permanently connecting it to the Osumi Peninsula. Today, reaching Sakurajima is easy—just a 15-minute ferry ride from Kagoshima Port to the Sakurajima Ferry Terminal, only 3.5 kilometers away.

The volcano features three prominent peaks: Kita-dake (the highest), Naka-dake, and the highly active Minami-dake, which frequently erupts from the Showa Crater. Although access within two kilometers of the craters is restricted for safety, visitors can enjoy dramatic views from well-placed observation points around the island. Sakurajima offers a variety of attractions, including scenic hiking trails, relaxing foot baths, and hot spring resorts (onsen) near the ferry terminal. The island is easy to explore by rental car, bicycle, or sightseeing bus, making it a convenient and memorable stop for anyone visiting southern Kyushu.

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Getting there

Getting to Sakurajima
Sakurajima is easily accessible from central Kagoshima, with frequent ferries operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The ferry ride takes about 15 minutes and costs 250 yen. The terminal is a 10-minute walk from JR Kagoshima Station or a 5-minute walk from the Suizokukan-guchi tram stop. You can also reach it using the City View Buses. Cars can be taken on the ferry for 1,700 yen (for cars 3–4 meters long) or 2,350 yen (for cars 4–5 meters long). Alternatively, you can drive around the southeastern Sakurajima peninsula, which takes about 90 minutes by car.

Getting Around on Sakurajima
The easiest way to explore Sakurajima is by rental car, with a full coastal drive taking about an hour. Rental cars are available in central Kagoshima and at Kagoshima Airport. Public transportation includes the Sakurajima Island View Bus, which departs every 30 minutes from the ferry terminal to Yunohira Observatory (500 yen for a day pass). Regular city buses also operate from the ferry terminal but do not cover the entire island.

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