Sakurajima Ferry
A vital, frequent ferry connecting Kagoshima to the smoking Sakurajima volcano, offering stunning views and delicious onboard udon.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best volcano views
Sakurajima Ferry
Best Time
Best volcano views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vital, frequent ferry connecting Kagoshima to the smoking Sakurajima volcano, offering stunning views and delicious onboard udon.
"A simple yet efficient ferry port connecting Kagoshima to Sakurajima, offering nice views and a unique udon experience."
🎯 Pay on Sakurajima Side
You don't need a ticket to board in Kagoshima. Pay 250 yen upon arrival at Sakurajima port. :yen:
🍜 Udon Time Limit
You have about 15 minutes to eat your udon onboard. Enjoy it quickly! :bowlwithspoon:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sakurajima Volcano View
From the ferry
Witness an active volcano smoking and erupting from the comfort of the ferry. A truly dramatic and unforgettable sight.
Onboard Udon Experience
Onboard the ferry
Savor a delicious, freshly prepared bowl of udon noodles with a vegetable-based broth during the short ferry ride.
Kinko Bay Scenery
During the ferry crossing
Enjoy picturesque views of Kagoshima Bay and the surrounding coastline as you sail across to Sakurajima.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Ferry Frequency & Payment
Udon Onboard & Time
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Pay on Sakurajima Side
You don't need a ticket to board in Kagoshima. Pay 250 yen upon arrival at Sakurajima port. :yen:
🍜 Udon Time Limit
You have about 15 minutes to eat your udon onboard. Enjoy it quickly! :bowlwithspoon:
🚗 Car Ferry Available
The ferry accommodates cars, making it easy to explore Sakurajima with your vehicle. :red_car:
📸 Great Photo Ops
The ferry offers fantastic vantage points for photos of the volcano and bay. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Pay on Sakurajima Side
You don't need a ticket to board in Kagoshima. Pay 250 yen upon arrival at Sakurajima port. :yen:
🍜 Udon Time Limit
You have about 15 minutes to eat your udon onboard. Enjoy it quickly! :bowlwithspoon:
🚗 Car Ferry Available
The ferry accommodates cars, making it easy to explore Sakurajima with your vehicle. :red_car:
📸 Great Photo Ops
The ferry offers fantastic vantage points for photos of the volcano and bay. :camerawithflash:
🐱 Stray Cat Sightings
Keep an eye out for friendly stray cats often seen around the ports. :cat:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Sakurajima Ferry is a highly efficient and affordable way to reach the active volcano, offering stunning views and a unique onboard udon experience. While the facilities are basic, the frequent service and dramatic scenery make it a must-do in Kagoshima. Some visitors note the limited time to eat the udon due to the short journey.
"A simple yet efficient ferry port connecting Kagoshima to Sakurajima. The system is well organized, with ferries running every 20 minutes, making it a convenient and hassle free way to reach the volcanic island.
No ticket is needed when boarding in Kagoshima; you pay 250 yen for one way trip upon arrival at Sakurajima port (as of March 2025). The short ride offers nice views of the bay and the imposing Sakurajima volcano. The facilities are basic but functional, with clear signage and a smooth boarding process.
A practical and affordable way to visit one of Japan’s most famous active volcanoes."
Ryan GLOBETROTTER
"It allows boarding with cars. The signs to the boarding place is fairly clear with the help from GPS. The journey is only around 20 minutes long so you need to hurry if you want try a bowl of udon onboard. You pay after your arrive Sakurajima which you can pay by cash or credit card at the drive through."
Lawrence Tang
"Visited in July 2025
A bit of context - there are multiple ferry terminals in Kagoshima, this one is dedicated for the crossing between Sakurajima and the mainland. It is treated as an integral part of local public transportation system, which results on unusually high frequency for ferry standard - 3-4 one-way trips per hour all day. Due to the relative car-centric nature of the area, it also accommodates a lot of vehicle as well.
Since the ferry route has only two terminuses at both ends, the fare payment is done at the Sakurajima ferry terminal instead of in the mainland side or on board the ferry. Perhaps this is the only transportation mode in Kagoshima proper (bar the shinkansen) that accepts credit card, non-local IC cards, and cash."
lontongstroong
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common and convenient way is by taking the Sakurajima Ferry from Kagoshima Port. Ferries run frequently, approximately every 20 minutes, 24 hours a day. The journey takes about 20 minutes. 
The main ferry terminal for Sakurajima is located in Kagoshima City, easily accessible from the city center. Look for signs directing you to the Sakurajima Ferry terminal.
Yes, the Sakurajima Ferry is considered an integral part of Kagoshima's public transportation system, ensuring high frequency and accessibility.
Yes, local buses frequently run to the Kagoshima Port area, making it easy to reach the ferry terminal from various parts of the city.
Ferries depart approximately every 20 minutes throughout the day and night, offering a very high frequency for a ferry service.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The one-way fare is 250 yen. You pay upon arrival at the Sakurajima port, not when boarding in Kagoshima.
No, you do not need a ticket when boarding the ferry in Kagoshima. Payment is made after disembarking at Sakurajima.
The Sakurajima ferry accepts cash, credit cards, and some non-local IC cards, making it a convenient payment option.
Sakurajima island itself does not have an entrance fee. The ferry fare is the primary cost for accessing the island.
While specific discounts aren't widely advertised, the 250 yen fare is already very affordable, making it a budget-friendly option.
🎫 🌋 Onsite Experience
Visit observation points like Yunohira Observatory for volcano views, explore lava fields, relax at the foot bath, and enjoy the island's natural beauty.
Sakurajima is one of the world's most active volcanoes and often smokes or erupts. You might be lucky enough to witness an eruption from the ferry or the island.
Yes, the ferry accommodates vehicles, allowing you to drive onto Sakurajima and explore the island with your car.
Yes, there are cafes and restaurants on Sakurajima, including the popular udon shop on the ferry itself.
Yunohira Observatory offers close-up views, while Shiroyama Observatory on the mainland provides a panoramic vista of the volcano and bay.
🍽️ 🍜 Food & Dining
The ferry is famous for its delicious udon noodle soup, prepared fresh for each trip. You have about 15 minutes to enjoy it.
Many travelers rave about the udon, describing it as delicious with perfectly cooked noodles and broth.
Yes, there are dining options on Sakurajima, including cafes and restaurants near the ferry port.
While udon is the star, some cafes on the ferry or at the ports might offer coffee and other beverages.
The udon on the ferry is typically around 2500 yen for a one-day plan that includes food, or you can purchase it separately.
📸 📸 Photography
The ferry provides excellent opportunities to photograph the active Sakurajima volcano, the Kagoshima cityscape, and Kinko Bay.
Daytime offers clear views of the volcano and its smoke plumes. Golden hour (sunrise/sunset) can provide dramatic lighting.
Generally, photography is allowed. Be mindful of other passengers and avoid obstructing walkways.
You can capture wide-angle shots of the volcano, close-ups of smoke, and scenic views of the bay and surrounding islands.
Absolutely! The ferry ride offers unique perspectives of Sakurajima that you can't get from the mainland, making it a photographer's delight.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Once on Sakurajima, consider visiting the Nagisa Park Foot Bath, a long, free hot spring bath where families can relax. The island also has open spaces and observation points that are generally accessible. Remember to bring snacks and drinks, though the ferry offers udon, which can be a fun experience for older children who can eat quickly.
💰 Budget Travelers
Once on Sakurajima, many attractions like the foot bath and some observation decks are free to access. You can pack your own snacks or enjoy the affordable udon on the ferry. This makes it an ideal activity for travelers looking to maximize their experience without breaking the bank.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1Aim for daytime crossings for the best light and visibility of the volcano. Capture wide-angle vistas of the bay and city, or zoom in on the volcanic activity. The unique perspective from the water offers compositions you can't achieve from the mainland, making it a must-do for any photography enthusiast visiting Kagoshima.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Sakurajima Ferry Experience
+1Travelers often highlight the convenience and affordability of the ferry. The fare is a modest 250 yen one-way, payable upon arrival at Sakurajima. The system is well-organized, accepting cash, credit cards, and some IC cards, making it hassle-free. Many visitors are surprised by the efficiency and frequency, treating it like a regular bus service rather than a tourist attraction.
Beyond the views, the ferry offers a unique culinary experience: delicious udon noodles. Prepared fresh on board, you have a limited time to savor this local specialty during the short 20-minute crossing. The dedication of the chefs preparing and serving the udon on every trip is a testament to the ferry's role in Kagoshima's culture.
Sakurajima: The Active Volcano
+1Visitors can explore Sakurajima by car, bike, or on foot, with various observation points offering different perspectives of the volcano. Yunohira Observatory is a popular spot for close-up views, while the Arimura Lava Observatory showcases the dramatic impact of past eruptions. The island's landscape is a testament to its volcanic activity, with vast lava fields and ash-covered terrain.
+1Despite its active nature, Sakurajima is considered safe to visit, with the local authorities closely monitoring volcanic activity. The ferry service continues to operate reliably, allowing people to experience the raw power of nature. The contrast between the bustling city of Kagoshima and the imposing, ever-changing volcano across the bay is a defining feature of the region.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit