The smoking Sakurajima floats on the Kagoshima Bay (also called Kinko Bay) in the southern part of Kyushu. It is a symbol of Kagoshima, located at sea about four kilometers from the center of Kagoshima city. It has been the site of repeated great eruptions throughout history and is one of the most famous active volcanoes in the world. Sakurajima Island had originally been an isolated island but the lava flows from the big eruption of 1914 joined it to the adjacent Osumi peninsula. Lava fields can be seen everywhere on the island, testifying the history of its violent eruptions.

Located near Okikojima Islet is the Sakurajima Marine Park where visitors can observe the seabed, its coral reefs and sea anemones. The Sakurajima Visitor Center has a museum that showcases a detailed history of the eruptions of Sakurajima and its relationship with the local people. The Yunohira Observation Spot, 373m above sea level, is the spot nearest to the active Minamidake crater. From here, one can get a panoramic view of the area which includes vast lava fields. There are also other well-positioned observation points with dynamic lookouts such as the Arimura Lava Observation Spot. Sakurajima is also known for the Sakurajima Radish – the largest variety in the world, and the Sakurajima Mandarin Orange – the smallest variety in the world.