Kagoshima｜Take a ferry to admire Sakurajima Volcano and visit the mini pink torii gate of "Itsukushima Shrine".

When visiting Kagoshima, you must take a ferry to Sakurajima. The 15-minute journey will bring you to this 77-square-kilometer active volcano. Sakurajima is a composite volcano consisting of the northern, central, and southern peaks. Originally known as Mukojima due to its strategic importance for monitoring all directions, the island was renamed Sakurajima during the Satsuma Domain period. It once had over 20,000 residents, but after the major eruption in the Taisho era, the population significantly decreased. Combined with the long-term presence of volcanic ash, many people moved away, leaving only about 4,000 residents today. Next to the Sakurajima ferry terminal, you'll find a striking mini pink torii gate belonging to "Itsukushima Shrine," dedicated to the god of fisheries. In ancient times, fishermen would come here to pray for safe voyages. It is said to have been here since the Taisho era, and the mini shrine and torii gate still stand by the port, blessing the ships that come and go. Near the terminal, there's a park with a footbath. While soaking your feet, you might encounter stray cats seeking attention, making for a relaxing moment in the sun. You can also take a sightseeing bus to the Lava Observatory to explore the natural wonders formed by the volcano. However, the bus runs only once an hour, so be sure to check the schedule in advance. 📍Address: 61-4 Yokoyama-cho, Sakurajima, Kagoshima City, Kagoshima Prefecture 🚗 From Kagoshima-Chuo Station, take the train to Suizokukan-mae Station, then transfer to the city ferry for a 15-minute ride.