To discover Sakurajima, the Sakurajima Island View Bus turned out to be a really good investment. The island may take only one hour to skirt around by car, but walking is a good 9 hours and that is only if you don’t get lost. And, with a lack of road signs and a map that that literally consists of a squiggly lines, the area is considerably infuriating to navigate around. All considering, I would not try to walk anywhere unless you’re particularly keen. Save yourself a lot of time and hop on a bus to see all the sights. In fact, with your gained time, you’ll probably end up seeing more than you had expected.
Unlike the simplicity of the Sakurajima Island View Bus, the long buses can be confusing, with many leaving from a different places. I went to purchase my ticket downstairs at the kiosk just outside the port and eventually got my ticket and hopped on board.
Through the rain, I began to see one of the best sites on Sakurajima, Arimura Lava Observatory. This was swiftly followed by Tabinosato Volcano Viewing point, containing the most unbelievable, vastly homemade souvenirs, a decent viewing spot, a small shrine, a seemingly buried gate and the most wonderfully enthusiastic, welcoming family owners. Top this off with Kurokami buried shrine gate and a booklet of information translated into English and you’ve got yourself a pretty good tour.
This bus tours the whole island, passing some of Sakurajima’s most impressive spots and stopping at the places bellow and, even though we could only explore for a limited amount of time, I was still able to see near enough the whole of Sakurajima, including some of the sights I didn’t think I would manage to catch without having a car.
1. Yunohira viewspot (15mins)
2. Kurokami buried shrine (10mins)
3. Tabinosato volcano viewing spot (10mins)
4. Arimura lava observatory (10mins)
This entire trip from the port costs ¥1,800 for adults (¥850 for children) which, all considering, is a fairly reasonable price. You’re guaranteed a seat and you are provided with some English information.
If this tour doesn’t suit you, there are a number of other bus options available, including some leaving from Kagoshima Chuo station and passing through some of the major Kagoshima sites before hopping on a ferry to tour Sakurajima. Whether you’re interested in the 4 hour tour, 6 hour tour or the 3 hour 30 minute nature tour, there is something for everyone. Tickets for all these buses can be purchased at Kagoshima Chuo station.
Purchase your ticket at Kagoshima Chuo station or battle through some potential miscommunication at Sakurajima port (perhaps write down the date and time of the bus you from start to finish) and explore the best sights Sakurajima has to offer effectively and efficiently.
Unfortunately this long bus tour does no longer exist