Get Active Early in the Sakurajima Morning-1

Get Active Early in the Sakurajima Morning

Volcano Gal shows off Sakurajima.
It’s hot, deep & fun!

Sakurajima, the symbol of Kagoshima, is the iconic volcanic island that sits right in the heart of the bay. Formed approximately 26,000 years ago, the volcano shows no signs of ceasing eruptions. On the other hand, there have always been people who have put down roots in this hotspot. Mariko Kazan moved from Tokyo when she fell in love with this unique place. She took us on a tour around the island and shared some of the activities you can do in the early hours of the morning. Here are the highlights and her take on how to maximize your stay in Sakurajima, from a ‘volcano gal’ perspective.

About – Mariko Kazan (Mariko Yoshida)
Born in Tama, Tokyo. Former junior high school teacher. First visited Sakurajima when she came to study it for herself after having assigned her students homework for the summer vacation on this topic. Quickly fascinated by the volcano, she decided to relocate. She’s known as a so-called ‘volcano gal’, and is currently active in various fields, such as working as a certified tour guide for Sakurajima Geopark, a relocation coordinator, and an online tutor.

Learn the paddling technique from the instructor
What aspect of Sakurajima will we see today?

The thrill of touching bare lava rocks!　Paddle out for sensational Sakurajima views.

While Mariko regularly guides tourists, this was actually her first time on a kayak excursion. To help her with this experience, Naomi and Tetsuro from Kagoshima Kayaks accompanied her along the coastal journey by the smoking volcano. Once you’ve learned how to hold and use a paddle, you’re ready to go.

It’s high tide today. The team stepped into the kayak from Rainbow Beach.
The breeze carries their laughter and chatter
Get close to what was once hot lava!

As you paddle out into the peaceful bay, after passing Sea Fishing Park, you will come across an area where rugged rocks are visible from the water. When hot lava cools down and solidifies, plants will eventually grow on it. “On the island, you can’t really see the igneous rocks anymore. They’re behind the trees now. So, it’s actually a very cool thing to be able to touch and examine these rocks.” As our lens shifts to focus underwater, it discovers the unique scenery of volcanic areas: lava rocks overflowed from the island, corals living in symbiosis with the volcano, and many more mysterious sights. “It’s a surreal, unordinary experience to see Sakurajima from the sea. I highly recommend it.”

3-HOUR SAKURAJIMA KAYAK TOUR

3-HOUR SAKURAJIMA KAYAK TOUR
9am–Noon, 1–4pm
- The course is subject to change depending on the weather, wind direction, and physical fitness of the participants.
- Must be ten years of age or older. (A parent or guardian is required for every child under 18.)
Price: ¥10,000/person (tax incl). Minimum of two.
- Included in price: Activity, gear rental (kayak, life jacket, paddle), insurance. Accepts cash only.
- Optional Rentals: Water shoes, pair ¥300; Windbreaker, ¥500.
- What to Bring: Swimwear or water-ready wear, water-ready shoes (flip-flops are not allowed), towels, a change of clothes.

KAGOSHIMA KAYAKS
Address: 888 Yusuki-chō, Kagoshima City
Phone: Tetsuo Ura, 090.3668.3190

Find your special spot: Discover Sakurajima by e-bike

Journey begins from Rainbow Sakurajima Hotel

If you want to enjoy pedaling around Sakurajima, where hills and valleys are commonplace, electrically power-assisted bicycles (or ‘e-bikes’) will surely come in handy. Whether you want to bask in the power of an active volcano up close at the Yunohira Observatory or leisurely circumnavigate the island on cruise, there are many reasons to pick this mode of transport. Mariko took one of the bicycles and showed us to a special place that any volcano gal would surely find cool.

Heading to Karasu-shima Observatory

Pedaling away on one hundred years old historical lava

The volcano’s figure becomes clear as the sun rises

There are good reasons to choose a bike: You can cover a much further area than on foot, stop to take photos as you find views, and ultimately go about your day at your own pace. “People often overlook this spot, especially if they’re driving,” says Mariko, as she brought us to Karasu-shima Observatory. This location was once an island—Karasu-shima—until it was buried under lava during the 1914 Taishō eruption. “It’s mentioned in our high school textbooks, but Japanese black pine starts to grow about 100 years after an eruption, which means that if there’s black pine groves on Sakurajima, they’re on the 1914 eruption lava.

Great spot to capture the entire volcano without any power lines in the frame

The landscape and everyday sceneries: Both charms of this island

“I’ll show you where you can see Sakurajima in the most beautiful way,” says Mariko, as she crossed Nojiri River bridge, located next to Sakurajima International Volcanic Sabō Center. From here, the profile of Sakurajima looks bigger, and the ridges spread out beautifully. It certainly is one of the great photogenic spots. “Nojiri River is usually in the ‘waterless’ state. It changes when heavy rains hit by re-coursing debris flows and protect communities from impact.” Mariko explains this is a cornerstone for the symbiotic relationship between the volcano and the people. For our next stop, we visited Akamizu Port. It is one of the 21 evacuation-ready ports on Sakurajima. “Each of these ports has its own characters and fascinating sights,” “I’d recommend adding one of the ports to the list of places to go.”

Going through the neighborhood alleyways to Akamizu Port

Unearth the secrets of the shore in the all-natural hot spring foot bathing

The final destination is Arimura Beach, known for its fountain of hot spring water. “You have to think about tides and the weather, but it really doesn’t take too much as long as you have a hand shovel,” says Mariko, as she starts to shovel a spot near the waves. In no time, a reddish-brown hot water gushed out with steam. “It’s a great way to soak up the richness of the volcano.” NOTE: The beach will be closed off on rainy days for potential debris flows.

Hot spring water swiftly starts to seep in as you scoop sand
And voilà! You’ve got yourself your own footbath.

E-BIKE RENTAL SHOP

Rainbow Sakurajima Inn
Address:1722-16 Yokoyamacho, Sakurajima, Kagoshima City

E-Bike Rent-a-cycle

The 100-meter-long public footbath, fed by the hot spring water from 1,000 meters underground, attracts visitors to this oceanfront park. This is the perfect place to relax and unwind from the trip while taking in the peaceful panorama of the bay with Sakurajima towering in the background. If you need a towel to pat dry yourself off, stop by at the shop at the Sakurajima Visitor Center or Rainbow Sakurajima Hotel.

Sakurajima Yogan Nagisa Park
Address: 1722-3 Yokoyamacho, Sakurajima, Kagoshima City

“Sakurajima” Yogan Nagisa Park Footbath

Knowledge hub for all things Sakurajima: History, sightseeing & more

Learn about the history of the volcano, the mechanisms of volcanic eruptions, and all sorts of aspects of the island with very easy-to-understand interpretive exhibits. Key features include the eruption simulator with powerful images and sounds, and a short film at the theater that explores Sakurajima. (Subtitles available in: English, Chinese, Korean.)

Sakurajima Visitor Center
Address:1722-29 Yokoyamacho, Sakurajima, Kagoshima City

Sakurajima Visitor Center

DIY Sakurajima workshops on an afternoon with coffee

Rural café tucked away in the woods of Kurokami on the eastern side of Sakurajima. Treat yourself to a coffee and a light bite of Gohei Mochi, a mochi variant coated with sweet and sour sauce. Once recharged, try your hand at a craft workshop to create something that reminds you of Sakurajima. At the Tea Seed Oil Experience, you can press the fruit of camellias grown in the garden, and at the Pumice Stone Experience, you can make your own vessel or incense holder. The view of Mitake peak from the terrace is a great addition.

CAFÉ HAMASHIMA
Address: 2584-11 Kurokami-chō, Kagoshima City
Phone: 099.293.4830
Open: 11am–Sunset
Closed: Irregilar
Workshops: ¥500/person. Vessel Making price subject to change depending on the vessel size.

Start your day off right: Freshly baked breads allure early birds

Head north from Sakurajima Port. Soon a cute little bakery catches your eye on the side of a coastal road. Around 100 types of bread are for sale every single morning—anything from crusty, sweet, to stuffed. Cyclists and seaside road trippers alike often join to crowd this local favorite.

Bread Booth 8
Address:166-1 Akaoharacho, Sakurajima, Kagoshima City