Shani Perera
Travel News
#Sakurajima
#Aviation Disruption
#Japan Natural Disaster
#JMA Volcano Alert
#Volcano Eruption
November 17, 2025
The Sakurajima volcano in Kagoshima Prefecture, Kyushu, erupted early on Sunday morning. Ash and smoke rose up to 4,400 metres above the Minamidake crater, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA).
The eruption started at 12:57 a.m. local time and was followed by more explosive activity. The JMA kept its alert level at 3 on a 5-point scale, which limits access to the volcano’s summit areas.
After the eruption, local authorities issued ashfall forecasts for parts of Kagoshima, Kumamoto, and Miyazaki prefectures. Residents were advised to take precautions, such as wearing masks, using umbrellas, and driving carefully, since falling ash can affect health and visibility.
Despite the eruption's strength, no injuries or structural damage have been reported so far. However, the volcanic activity caused notable disruption to air travel, with about 30 flights in and out of Kagoshima Airport canceled.
Large volcanic rocks were also thrown out and reportedly landed as far as the volcano’s fifth station, but no pyroclastic flows have been detected.
Sakurajima, a somma-stratovolcano in southern Kyushu, is one of Japan’s most active volcanoes. Its frequent eruptions are closely monitored by the JMA and local observatories.