Yunohira Observatory

Overview

Yunohira Observatory is a must-visit for anyone exploring Sakurajima. Located at the 4th station of Kitadake at an elevation of 373 meters, this observatory offers a panoramic 360° view of Sakurajima's stunning natural beauty. The rugged mountainside of Kitadake, towering before you, vividly demonstrates Sakurajima's power as an active volcano. The vast Taisho lava flow below, solidified lava from the 1914 eruption, is awe-inspiring in its scale. Across Kinko Bay to the west, the cityscape of Kagoshima City, the largest city in southern Kyushu, spreads out before you. On a clear day, you can even see Kagoshima's magnificent peaks, including the Kirishima mountain range to the north and Kaimondake to the south. Yunohira Observatory offers breathtaking panoramic views of nature during the day, and in the evening, you can enjoy the magical scene of Sakurajima painted red by the setting sun, along with the cityscape lights of Kagoshima City creating a truly enchanting landscape. Seven heart-shaped stones are said to be embedded in the observatory's stone walls. See if you can find them! Yunohira Observatory is a highly recommended sightseeing spot where you can fully experience the nature and culture of Sakurajima.