Japan’s Sakurajima Erupts, Sending Ash Plume 3000 Meters High in the Sky

On the afternoon of April 11, Japan’s Sakurajima volcano erupts, spewing ash plumes and debris up to 3400 meters high in the sky. Marking its first explosive event for this year, the volcanic debris was visible as far as 4.4 km from the crater. As one of Japan’s most active volcanoes, the eruption has impacted travel. With disruptions expected to continue in the coming days, it has prompted safety warnings from authorities.

The Japan Meteorological Agency raised the alert level to 3 out of 5, urging caution around the volcano. According to News AZ, the hazard zones include areas within roughly 1.2 miles (2 km) of the Minamidake summit and Showa craters, where falling rocks and ash pose serious risks.

Japan’s Sakurajima Volcano Spews Ash 3000 Meters into the Sky

⚡Japan volcano erupts — Sakurajima eruption sends massive ash plume 3,400m into sky The eruption from the Minamidake crater sent ash plumes soaring up to 3,400 meters into the sky, blanketing large parts of Kagoshima Prefecture in volcanic ash. pic.twitter.com/DpL2sry6mV — News.Az (@news_az) April 13, 2026

Japan’s Sakurajima volcanic eruption has caused road closure, creating dangerous driving conditions and likely delays over the next several days. The official authorities are urging visitors and residents to avoid restricted zones near the volcano, follow official safety instructions, and monitor updates from local authorities. No damage has been reported so far. 

For the unversed, Sakurajima Volcano is popular for its frequent eruptions and dynamic conditions. The volcano in southern Japan has erupted for the second time in four months. The latest eruption began at around 12:57 am at the Minamidake crater, marking the first time since October 18 last year. Located in Kagoshima Prefecture in southwestern Japan, additional blasts were recorded at 2:30 am. and 8:50 am., prompting ashfall warnings for parts of Kagoshima, Kumamoto, and Miyazaki prefectures. Local media reported that about 30 flights to and from Kagoshima Airport were canceled due to the ash. The volcanic ash has drifted to the northeast, with further ashfall expected in Kagoshima and Miyazaki.