Kirishima and Sakurajima driving guide: volcano restrictions, Ebino Plateau and the ferry

The Kirishima and Sakurajima area runs from the north-east of Kagoshima Prefecture down to Kinko Bay. It covers the foot of the Kirishima mountains in Kirishima, Ebino Plateau in Ebino in Miyazaki Prefecture, Sakurajima in Kagoshima City, and Tarumizu. In the north you can climb from Kirishima Jingu via Takachihogawara and Kirishima Onsen to Ebino Plateau. In the south you can loop Sakurajima past its lava viewpoints. Sakurajima and central Kagoshima are about 15 minutes apart by the Sakurajima Ferry.

This guide follows a day around Kirishima and along Kinko Bay to Sakurajima, with roads and places to stop listed below.

Map of Kirishima and Sakurajima

The two lines follow the route under "First visit: one day around Kirishima and a loop of Sakurajima" below: Kirishima in the north and the Sakurajima loop in the south. Numbers mark the stops: green for scenery and nature, blue for roadside stations. Tap a marker to see its name.

Recommended drives

First visit: one day around Kirishima and a loop of Sakurajima

From Kirishima Jingu and Michi-no-Eki Kirishima, a roadside station, climb to Takachihogawara, then pass Maruo Falls and Kirishima Onsen to Ebino Plateau. This part is about 41 km, with around 40 minutes of driving.

From Kokubu IC, follow Route 220 along Kinko Bay towards Sakurajima Port (about 60 minutes by road). From Michi-no-Eki Sakurajima, loop the island via Yunohira Observatory, Kurokami Buried Torii and Arimura Lava Observatory. The loop is about 41 km, with around 1 hour 10 minutes of driving. You can return by Sakurajima Ferry to Kagoshima Port.

Distances and times are calculated from map data and exclude traffic.

Volcano restrictions

Sakurajima is at volcanic alert level 3 (do not approach the volcano). You cannot enter within 2 km of Minamidake summit crater and Showa crater.

Shinmoedake is at level 2. You cannot enter within about 2 km of the crater, and most climbing routes are closed. Prefectural Routes 480 and 104 up to Takachihogawara are open.

Mt Io on Ebino Plateau is at level 1, but Prefectural Route 1 near Mt Io is closed. During provisional weekend opening, only roofed vehicles can pass, from 09:00 to 17:00, and volcanic activity or weather can close the road. The most recent notice covered 31 October and 1 November 2026. You can reach Ebino Plateau from both the Kirishima side and the Ebino side.

If ash falls

Avoid driving when 1 mm or more of ash has fallen. With 0.1 mm to less than 1 mm, white lines become hard to see, so slow down. With less than 0.1 mm, still clear the ash from your windscreen before you drive. On Sakurajima, Route 224 from Kagata-Shindo to Akagi-cho (11.2 km) closes when debris flows or explosions are a danger.

Roads you can drive

Places to stop

Views and nature

Numbers match the map.

Roadside stations

Best seasons and crowds

On the Kirishima City update of 28 October, autumn colours on Route 1 and at Maruo and Takachihogawara were just beginning.

On 15 November, sunset in Kagoshima is at 17:19.

Busy places and times

• In the autumn-colour season, more cars park at the roadside around Kirishima Jingu and near the Onami Pond trailhead.
• The Sakurajima Ferry can have waits of 30 minutes or more.

Roads and restrictions checked on 2 November 2026

• Sakurajima is at volcanic alert level 3 and Shinmoedake at level 2.
• Route 1 near Mt Io is closed. During provisional weekend opening, roofed vehicles can pass from 09:00 to 17:00. Volcanic activity or weather can close it.
• Route 223 is fully closed at Kareigawa, with alternating one-way traffic at Shukukubota.

Getting there and fuel

Refuel in Kirishima or Kagoshima city before heading into the Kirishima mountains or the east side of Sakurajima.

In winter, chains are often needed on Routes 1, 30 and 104, and chain controls can apply on the roads to Ebino Plateau. Fit winter tyres for winter travel.

If you don't have a car

Use the Kagoshima rental-car listings to find a pickup location. Before booking, check the driving-permit requirements.

Frequently asked questions

Can I see Kirishima and Sakurajima in one day?

Yes. It is about 41 km from Kirishima Jingu via Takachihogawara and Kirishima Onsen to Ebino Plateau, about 60 minutes by road from Kokubu on Route 220 towards Sakurajima Port, and about 41 km around Sakurajima. You can return by Sakurajima Ferry to Kagoshima Port.

How much is the Sakurajima Ferry?

Cars under 6 m, including the driver, cost ¥1,280–2,630 one way, and each adult passenger pays ¥250. It runs 04:30–23:30 from Kagoshima Port and 04:00–23:00 from Sakurajima Port, and the crossing takes about 15 minutes.

Can eruptions on Sakurajima stop me driving?

Sakurajima is at level 3, so you cannot enter within 2 km of the craters. Route 224 from Kagata-Shindo to Akagi-cho closes when explosions or debris flows are a danger. Avoid driving when 1 mm or more of ash has settled.

Can I drive to Ebino Plateau?

Yes, from both the Kirishima and Ebino sides. Route 1 near Mt Io is closed. During provisional weekend opening, roofed vehicles can pass from 09:00 to 17:00, and volcanic activity or weather can close it.

Can I drive here in winter?

Chains are often needed on Routes 1, 30 and 104 from late December to late February.

Nearby areas and guides

• Aso driving guide
• Kagoshima driving and travel guide
• Winter road closures in Japan