Sakurajima is the Japanese volcano in Kagoshima Bay famous for frequent eruptions near the city of Kagoshima.
The volcano was once an island, but lava from its major 1914 eruption connected it to the Ōsumi Peninsula. Sakurajima now forms a volcanic peninsula in southern Kyushu, while Kagoshima lies across the bay to the west.
Sakurajima remains one of Japan’s most active volcanoes. Its common activity includes ash emissions and explosive eruptions from summit craters, especially Minamidake and Showa crater. Ashfall can affect roads, buildings and agriculture around Kagoshima, making volcanic monitoring part of everyday life in the region.
Sakurajima is not the same as Mount Aso, whose enormous caldera is also on Kyushu. It is also different from Mount Unzen, associated with the 1792 disaster and the later 1990–1995 eruption. The name Sakurajima means “Cherry Blossom Island,” reflecting its historical island setting.