Kurokami Buried Torii
A torii gate from 1914, dramatically buried by Sakurajima's volcanic eruption, a stark symbol of nature's power.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Kurokami Buried Torii
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A torii gate from 1914, dramatically buried by Sakurajima's volcanic eruption, a stark symbol of nature's power.
"A poignant reminder of nature's force, this buried torii is a must-see on Sakurajima."
🚗 Car is King
Public transport is infrequent. A car or taxi is highly recommended for easy access. :car:
🙏 Be Respectful
Avoid climbing on the gate and maintain a quiet demeanor. :pray:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Buried Torii Gate
Sakurajima Island
A stark reminder of the 1914 eruption, this torii gate is partially submerged in volcanic ash, a powerful symbol of nature's force.
Informative Exhibition Room
Adjacent to the torii
Learn about the devastating 1914 eruption and the community's efforts to preserve this historical site.
Eerie Forest Shrine
Behind the main torii
Venture into a dense, quiet forest to discover a smaller, atmospheric shrine, offering a moment of reflection.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Transportation is Key
Respect the Site
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Car is King
Public transport is infrequent. A car or taxi is highly recommended for easy access. :car:
🙏 Be Respectful
Avoid climbing on the gate and maintain a quiet demeanor. :pray:
📚 Learn the History
Visit the small room nearby to understand the 1914 eruption's impact. :books:
⛩️ Get a Goshuin
You can get a unique goshuin (temple seal) for 300 yen near the torii. :stamp:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Car is King
Public transport is infrequent. A car or taxi is highly recommended for easy access. :car:
🙏 Be Respectful
Avoid climbing on the gate and maintain a quiet demeanor. :pray:
📚 Learn the History
Visit the small room nearby to understand the 1914 eruption's impact. :books:
⛩️ Get a Goshuin
You can get a unique goshuin (temple seal) for 300 yen near the torii. :stamp:
🚶 Explore Beyond
Don't miss the quiet, eerie shrine hidden in the forest behind the main gate. :forest_tree:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Kurokami Buried Torii a visually striking and historically significant site, offering a powerful reminder of nature's force. While the monument itself is a quick visit, the accompanying exhibition and the eerie forest shrine add depth. The primary drawback is the challenging public transportation, making a car highly recommended for a smooth experience.
"Got here by bus. Got stuck for an hour and took a hitchhike with a nice lady. Don't go here without a car. It's a 5 minute monument, you watch, you take pictures and there is nothing else to do.
Monument 5/5
Transportation 0/5
Don't come here especially for the monument by public transport.
You can take kind of goshin and put 300 yen in the box."
Anna K
"A great place to visit while on Sakurajima. There is a Parking lot on the opposite side of the road. Please stay respectful and don't climb on the gate (this goes out to my fellow Western tourists not controlling their offspring)."
A.
"Pretty interesting and cool to see, there's a little room next to it where you can find out information about the eruption that buried the Torii Gate too"
Katia Lam
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most convenient way is by car or taxi, as public transport is infrequent and can involve long waits. Buses to Sakurajima are available from Kagoshima City, but reaching the torii itself might require further connections or a significant walk.
Yes, there is a parking lot located on the opposite side of the road from the monument, making it accessible for visitors arriving by car.
While possible, it's not recommended. Buses to Sakurajima run infrequently, and you might have to wait over an hour for the next bus back.
Some visitors have successfully hitchhiked to the torii, with one traveler mentioning a positive experience with a local driver. However, this is not a guaranteed or reliable method of transport.
A ferry service operates regularly between Kagoshima Port and Sakurajima Port, taking approximately 15 minutes. From Sakurajima Port, you'll need to arrange further transport to the torii.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no entrance fee to view the Kurokami Buried Torii itself. However, you can purchase a 'goshuin' (temple seal) for 300 yen from a nearby vendor.
The torii is an outdoor monument and is accessible at any time. The exhibition room nearby may have specific operating hours, but these are not widely published.
No, advance booking is not required as there is no admission fee for the monument itself.
Yes, the torii is part of the Haragosha Shrine. You can explore the area and even get a goshuin.
Visiting in the morning or afternoon can offer good lighting for photos. Weekday mornings tend to be less crowded, providing a more peaceful experience.
📸 📸 Photography
The most iconic shot is of the torii gate partially buried in ash. The surrounding landscape and the smaller shrine in the forest also offer unique photographic opportunities.
Yes, photography is generally permitted at the Kurokami Buried Torii. However, always be mindful of other visitors and maintain respectful behavior.
A wide-angle lens can be useful to capture the scale of the torii and its surroundings. However, a standard camera or even a smartphone can produce excellent results.
Information regarding drone usage is not readily available. It's advisable to check local regulations or avoid drone use to prevent any issues.
The afternoon often provides softer light, which can be ideal for photography. However, the dramatic ash-covered landscape can be striking in various lighting conditions.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
Most visitors spend about 5-10 minutes at the main torii site, with a little extra time if you explore the forested area behind it.
The main attraction is the visually striking buried torii gate. There's also a small exhibition room with information about the eruption and a serene, albeit eerie, shrine in the forest.
The main torii is easily accessible from the road. The path to the smaller shrine in the forest is a short walk and can be a bit dense.
Restroom facilities are not widely advertised at the immediate torii site. It's advisable to use facilities before arriving or at Sakurajima Port.
It's a powerful reminder of the catastrophic 1914 eruption of Mount Sakurajima, which buried the original shrine and torii gate under meters of ash and lava. 
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the main site is easily accessible, the forested area behind the torii might be a bit adventurous for very young children. Ensure they are supervised and wear appropriate footwear if exploring this section. The infrequent public transport can be a challenge with kids, so consider a car for a more comfortable family outing.
🚗 Independent Travelers & Road Trippers
This site is a quick visit, often taking less than 15 minutes to appreciate the main monument and its historical context. It's an ideal addition to a Sakurajima itinerary, offering a powerful visual narrative of the island's volcanic past without requiring a significant time commitment.
📸 Photographers
Experiment with different angles to emphasize the 'buried' aspect. The atmospheric, often quiet, forest shrine behind the main gate offers a more serene and moody photographic opportunity. Consider visiting during the golden hour for softer light, though the starkness of the ash can be compelling in various conditions.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The 1914 Sakurajima Eruption: A Force of Nature
+1The sheer volume of volcanic material deposited was staggering, with some areas receiving up to 3 meters of ash and pumice. This catastrophic event not only altered the landscape but also had a profound impact on the lives of the local inhabitants, forcing many to evacuate and rebuild their lives. The buried torii gate serves as a poignant reminder of this destructive force and the resilience of nature and the human spirit.
Today, the Kurokami Buried Torii is a significant historical site, drawing visitors who are awestruck by its dramatic appearance and the story it tells. The preservation of the torii, with only its top portion visible, allows us to visualize the scale of the eruption and appreciate the historical context of Sakurajima's volcanic activity.
Navigating Sakurajima: Transportation Insights
For a more seamless experience, renting a car or hiring a taxi is often recommended. This provides the flexibility to visit the torii and other attractions on Sakurajima at your own pace. Some visitors have even resorted to hitchhiking, with positive outcomes reported, though this is inherently unpredictable.
When planning your trip, it's crucial to factor in travel time to and from Sakurajima, as well as the time needed to navigate the island. Understanding the bus routes and schedules in advance, or opting for private transportation, will greatly enhance your visit and ensure you don't miss your return ferry.
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