Sakurajima Volcano Erupts in Southern Japan, Sending Ash Plume 4,400 Meters High

Major Eruption at Sakurajima Volcano

The Sakurajima volcano, located in Kagoshima Prefecture on Japan's southwestern island of Kyushu, experienced multiple eruptions early on Sunday, November 16, 2025. The most significant event sent a towering plume of ash and smoke an estimated 4,400 meters (2.73 miles) into the atmosphere. This marks the first time in nearly 13 months that an eruption from Sakurajima has reached an altitude of 4 kilometers or more.

The initial explosive eruption occurred around 12:57 a.m. local time at the Minamidake crater, followed by further eruptions at approximately 2:30 a.m. and 8:50 a.m. Volcanic rocks were observed to fall as far as the fifth station of the volcano.

Impact on Travel and Local Areas

The volcanic activity led to considerable disruption in air travel, with approximately 30 flights in and out of Kagoshima Airport being canceled due to ashfall and related concerns. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued ashfall warnings for parts of Kagoshima, Kumamoto, and Miyazaki prefectures, advising residents to take precautions such as using umbrellas or masks and driving slowly in affected areas.

Despite the intensity of the eruption, authorities have reported no injuries or structural damage to buildings. Crucially, no pyroclastic flows, which are fast-moving currents of hot gas and volcanic debris, were detected during the event.

Ongoing Monitoring and Alert Level

The JMA has maintained the volcanic alert level for Sakurajima at Level 3 on a five-point scale. This level restricts access to the mountain but does not necessitate evacuations of nearby communities. Sakurajima is recognized as one of Japan's most active volcanoes, with frequent eruptions of varying intensity. The volcano is continuously monitored by the JMA to assess potential risks and provide timely warnings to the public.