Volcanoes of Kyushu (26)

Go to: Eruptions FAQ Quakes News

[hide/show quakes] | [smaller] [bigger]

Significant volcanic eruptions: Kyushu

In historic times, at least 7 volcanoes have been active in Kyushu, including Aso, Kirishima, and Sakurajima volcanoes. A total of 276 eruptions have been witnessed and documented since around 708 AD.
The table below lists the most recent volcanic eruptions, significant eruptive episodes or related events in Kyushu since around 1990.

Date	Volcano	VEI	Region	Deaths	Damage
2017 Mar 25 - ongoing	Sakurajima Minamidake summit crater	2	Kyushu, Japan
2021 Oct 14 - Oct 20	Aso	2	central Kyushu, Japan
2019 Apr 16 - 2020 Jun 16	Aso	2	central Kyushu, Japan
2018 Mar 1 - Jun 27	Kirishima Shinmoedake	3	Kyushu (Japan)
2017 Oct 11 - Oct 17	Kirishima Shinmoedake	2	Kyushu (Japan)
2016 Oct 7 - Nov 12	Aso Nakadake Crater	3	central Kyushu, Japan
2016 Oct 8 (eruption 2016 Oct 7 - Nov 12)	Aso	0	central Kyushu, Japan		light	Info
2016 Oct 8: Reporters were allowed to inch closer to the Nakadake peak of Mount Aso on Feb. 8 [2017] after the alert level was lowered to 1 the day before. The media were allowed within a kilometer of the No. 1 crater of the peak, which erupted in October 2016. The eruption, the most violent in 36 years, sent a towering plume of smoke and ash into the sky. After the eruption in October, a station building for a ropeway was half-buried in a vast amount of ash and its roof destroyed. (reference #11756) Weekly Report 12 October 18 October 2016: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) reported that no further explosions were detected after the 7-8 October eruption at Asosans Nakadake Crater; white plumes rose as high as 400 m above the crater rim during 11-17 October. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-5). (reference #2432) Cited references #2432 Venzke, E., R.W. Wunderman, L. McClelland, T. Simkin, J.F. Luhr, L. Siebert, and G. Mayberry (eds.) (2002-): Global Volcanism, 1968 to the Present. Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program Digital Information Series, GVP-4 (http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/). #11756 The Asahi Shimbun (2017): Media allowed nearer Kyushu volcano to inspect damage. Published February 9, 2017 at 16:35 JST by TAZUKO GOTO/ Staff Writer. Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
1955 Oct 13 - 2016 Aug 22	Sakurajima Minami-dake and east flank (Showa crater)	3	Kyushu, Japan
2014 Aug 30 - 2016 May 1	Aso Naka-dake	2	central Kyushu, Japan
2014 Jan 13 - Feb 19	Aso Naka-dake	1	central Kyushu, Japan
2011 Jan 19 - Sep 7	Kirishima Shinmoe-dake	3	Kyushu (Japan)
2011 May 15 - Jun 9	Aso Naka-dake	1	central Kyushu, Japan
2011 Jan 28 (eruption 2011 Jan 19 - Sep 7)	Kirishima	0	Kyushu (Japan)		light	Info
2011 Jan 28: Shinmoedake (Shinmoe peak), a stratovolcano of the Kirishima volcano group, erupted for the first time in 52 years on Jan. 27, 2011 according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA). On Feb. 1 an eruption smashed more than 180 window panes in hospitals and schools about six kilometers from the crater, injuring a 92 year-old woman.. The eruption was the strongest on February 2, according to the JMA. The weather agency maintained a level 3 alert for Shinmoedake and Sakurajima volcano, 45 kilometers (28 miles) to the southwest, indicating an eruption may seriously affect places near residential areas. Cited references #2379 Siebert, L, Simkin T (2002-): Volcanoes of the World: an Illustrated Catalog of Holocene Volcanoes and their Eruptions. Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program Digital Information Series, GVP-3, (http://www.volcano.si.edu/world/) #9261 Biggs, Stuart (2011): Japan's 'OO7' Volcano on Kyushu Erupts for Ninth Time in a Week, JMA Says. Bloomberg. Downloaded from: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-02-03/japan-s-oo7-volcano-erupts-for-ninth-time-after-52-year-dormancy.html Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
2010 Mar 30 - Jul 10	Kirishima Shinmoe-dake	1	Kyushu (Japan)
2008 Aug 22	Kirishima Shinmoe-dake crater and W flank	1	Kyushu (Japan)
2008 Feb 17	Aso Naka-dake	1	central Kyushu, Japan
2005 Apr 14 - Aug 16 ±15 d.	Aso Naka-dake	1	central Kyushu, Japan
2004 Jan 14	Aso Naka-dake	1	central Kyushu, Japan
2003 Jul 10 - Jul 14	Aso Naka-dake	1	central Kyushu, Japan
1996 Feb 10 - May 1	Unzen Fugen-dake	2	Kyushu Island, Japan
1995 Oct 11 - 1996 Mar 24	Kuju Hosho lava dome (east flank)	1	Kyushu, Japan
1994 May 2 - 1995 Nov 16 ±15 d.	Aso Naka-dake	2	central Kyushu, Japan
1990 Nov 17 - 1995 Feb 16 ±15 d.	Unzen Fugen-dake	1	Kyushu Island, Japan
1994 May 29 (eruption 1994 May 2 - 1995 Nov 16 ±15 d.)	Aso	1	central Kyushu, Japan	1		Info
1994 May 29: A tourist died from gas inhalation. (reference #9675) Cited references #9675 Siebert, Lee, Tom Simkin, Paul Kimberly (2010): Fatalities & Evacuations, Volcanoes of the World, Third Edition, Geoscience Press, Inc., University of California Press, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., p. 329-347. Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
1993 Jun 23 (eruption 1990 Nov 17 - 1995 Feb 16 ±15 d.)	Unzen	1	Kyushu Island, Japan	1		Info
1993 Jun 23: A homeowner entered the avalanche zone to watch his house being burned by a pyroclastic flow and was killed by a second pyroclastic flow. Cited references #1412 Simkin, Tom, and Lee Siebert with the collaboration of Russell Blong, Jonathan Dehn, Christopher Newhall, Roland Pool, and Thomas C. Stein (1994): Volcanoes of the World, Second Edition, A Regional Directory, Gazetteer, and Chronology of Volcanism During the Last 10,000 Years, Geoscience Press, Inc., Tucson, Arizona, in association with Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program, Washington, D.C., p. 164-176. Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
1992 Apr 23 - 1993 Jun 10 ?	Aso Naka-dake	2	central Kyushu, Japan
1991 Dec 1 - 1992 Apr 19	Kirishima Shinmoe-dake	1	Kyushu (Japan)
1991 Jun 3 (eruption 1990 Nov 17 - 1995 Feb 16 ±15 d.)	Unzen	1	Kyushu Island, Japan	43		Info
1991 Jun 3: A pyroclastic flow and surge killed 43, including 3 volcanologists. Cited references #1412 Simkin, Tom, and Lee Siebert with the collaboration of Russell Blong, Jonathan Dehn, Christopher Newhall, Roland Pool, and Thomas C. Stein (1994): Volcanoes of the World, Second Edition, A Regional Directory, Gazetteer, and Chronology of Volcanism During the Last 10,000 Years, Geoscience Press, Inc., Tucson, Arizona, in association with Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program, Washington, D.C., p. 164-176. Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
1989 Apr 5 - 1991 Feb 9	Aso Naka-dake	2	central Kyushu, Japan
1990 Oct 19 (eruption 1989 Apr 5 - 1991 Feb 9)	Aso	2	central Kyushu, Japan	1		Info
1990 Oct 19: A tourist died from gas inhalation. (reference #9675) Cited references #9675 Siebert, Lee, Tom Simkin, Paul Kimberly (2010): Fatalities & Evacuations, Volcanoes of the World, Third Edition, Geoscience Press, Inc., University of California Press, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., p. 329-347. Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
1990 Apr 18 (eruption 1989 Apr 5 - 1991 Feb 9)	Aso	2	central Kyushu, Japan	1		Info
1990 Apr 18: A tourist died from gas inhalation. (reference #9675) Cited references #9675 Siebert, Lee, Tom Simkin, Paul Kimberly (2010): Fatalities & Evacuations, Volcanoes of the World, Third Edition, Geoscience Press, Inc., University of California Press, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., p. 329-347. Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
1990 Mar 26 (eruption 1989 Apr 5 - 1991 Feb 9)	Aso	2	central Kyushu, Japan	1		Info
1990 Mar 26: A tourist died from gas inhalation. (reference #9675) Cited references #9675 Siebert, Lee, Tom Simkin, Paul Kimberly (2010): Fatalities & Evacuations, Volcanoes of the World, Third Edition, Geoscience Press, Inc., University of California Press, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., p. 329-347. Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K

Remark:

Our list of volcanic eruptions closely follows the database of eruptions of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Project (GVP), the internationally most recognized data source for volcanic eruptions, but also includes significant eruptive episodes or related volcano events. "Volcanic eruptions" are usually to be understood as sequences of individual eruptive episodes that can follow each other, or even overlap (if several vents are involved), and can last many years, decades or even longer. For example, the current activity of Stromboli volcano is understood as a single eruption that has been ongoing since 1934.

Sources: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Volcanic Eruptions Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K | Global Volcanism Project / Smithsonian Institution

Kyushu FAQ

+When was the last volcanic eruption in Kyushu?

The last volcanic eruption in Kyushu was from Aso volcano in 2021.

+When was the first documented volcanic eruption in Kyushu?

The first historically documented eruption occurred around 708 AD from Sakurajima volcano.

+How often do volcanoes in Kyushu erupt?

Since 708 AD, Kyushu has seen at least 276 historically documented eruptions. This means that a volcano erupts on average every 4.8 years.

+How active are the volcanoes in Kyushu?

Kyushu is volcanically extremely active: Since 1900, at least 5 volcanoes in Kyushu have been active. Almost every year, at least one volcano has erupted in Kyushu. The last volcano to erupt in Kyushu was Aso volcano, which erupted in 2021, 3 years ago.

+When was the largest volcanic eruption in Kyushu?

The largest eruption in Kyushu in historic times was from Sakurajima volcano. It occurred around 1471 AD - 1476 AD. It ranks as a plinian eruption with a magnitude 5 on the VEI (Volcanic Explosivity Index) scale. Eruption of this size are often catastrophic on a regional scale.

Volcano List

Aso

(caldera 1592 m / 5,223 ft)

The huge Aso caldera seen from space: 25 by 18 km in size, it was created by at least 4 huge eruptions between 270 to 90 thousand years ago (image: NASA Earth Observatory)

Aso (or Asosan) volcano in central Kyushu Island in southwestern Japan is one of the world's most active volcanoes. In recent years, it has been the site of frequent ash eruptions.
Aso is no single edifice, but a complex of active vents in the center of a large 24 km wide c... [more info]

Ata caldera

(caldera 924 m / 3031 ft)

Ata is one of the major active caldera systems of Kyushu, located south of the Kagoshima Bay. It had a massive "super-volcano"-style eruption 40,000 years ago, and contains the active Ibusuki volcanic field as well as famous Kaimondake stratovolcano towering above the southern ti... [more info]

Fukue

(shield volcanoes 317 m / 1,040 ft)

Fukue (or Fukue-jima) volcano is a group of basaltic shield volcanoes and cinder cones on Fukue island off the western coast of Kyushu, Japan.
The volcanoes are 900,000 years old and last erupted about 2-3000 years ago. They are considered to be active.
The On-dake ci... [more info]

Futago

(Lava dome(s) 720 m / 2362 ft)

[more info]

Hane-yama

(Shield 1140 m / 3740 ft)

[more info]

Hime-shima Volcanic Group

(Lava dome(s) 267 m / 876 ft)

[more info]

Hohi

(Stratovolcano(es) 1236 m / 4055 ft)

[more info]

Hokusatsu

(Pyroclastic cone 703 m / 2306 ft)

[more info]

Ibusuku

(calderas 922 m / 3,025 ft)

Ibusuki volcano is a group of calderas, central cones and maars at the southern tip of Kyushu Island, Japan. Although the last eruption dates back to the 9th century, it is an active volcano.
It contains the 4.5-km-wide Ikeda-ko caldera, which formed about 4600 years ago, a... [more info]

Iki Volcanic Group

(Pyroclastic cone(s) 213 m / 699 ft)

[more info]

Imuta

(Lava dome(s) 509 m / 1670 ft)

[more info]

Kakuto

(Caldera unknown)

[more info]

Kinpo

(Stratovolcano 665 m / 2182 ft)

[more info]

Kirishima

(Shield volcano 1700 m / 5,577 f)

Kirishima (霧島 in Japanese, Kirishimayama), one of Japan's most active volcanoes. It is actually a group of 18 young, small stratovolcanoes north of Kagoshima Bay: Takachihonomine, Nakadake, Ohatayama, Karakunidake, Tairoike, Ohachi, and Shinmoedake (新燃岳) are the principal vents. ... [more info]

Kuju

(stratovolcanoes 1791 m / 5,876 ft)

Kuju (or Kujusan) volcano is a group of active stratovolcanoes and lava domes in the northeastern corner of the large Aso caldera in central Kyushu, Japan.
Its historic eruptions recorded in the 17th and 18th century and as recently as 1995 were phreatic or hydrothermal exp... [more info]

Kurose

(Volcanic remnant 8 m / 26 ft)

[more info]

Ojikajima

(Shield(s) 95 m / 312 ft)

[more info]

Sakurajima

(stratovolcano 1117 m / 3,665 ft)

Sakurajima (also spelled Sakurashima or Sakura-jima, 桜島 in Japanese) volcano in southern Kyushu is one of the most active volcanoes in the world, and one of the few that are at present in constant (persistant) activity. Its ongoing typical activity range from strong strombolian t... [more info]

Satsuma Maru-yama

(Lava dome 218 m / 715 ft)

[more info]

Sendai

(Pyroclastic cone 677 m / 2221 ft)

[more info]

Sone

(Pyroclastic cone 143 m / 469 ft)

[more info]

Sumiyoshi-ike

(maars 15 m / 49 ft)

Sumiyoshi-ike volcano (also referred to as Yonemaru-Sumiyoshiike) are two maars 2 km apart located in the coastal lowland north of the Aira caldera: Sumiyoshi-ike (500 m diameter) and Yonemaru (1.2 km diameter).
The maars erupted when sea level was rising about 8,000 years ... [more info]

Taradake

(Stratovolcano 1076 m / 3530 ft)

[more info]

Tsurumi

(lava domes 1584 m / 5,197 ft)

Tsurumi (or Yufu-Tsurumi) volcano is a group of lava domes near the hot spring resort city of Beppu, Honshu Island, Japan.
The main features are 2 large domes called Tsurumi (1374 m) and Yufu (1584 m) on the east and west end of the complex.
Only a single eruption, f... [more info]

Unzen

(stratovolcano 1486 m / 4,875 ft)

Unzen Volcano (雲仙岳 in Japanese, also Unzendake) is located on the Island of Kyushu about 40 kilometers east of Nagasaki city. It is one of Japan's most active and dangerous volcanoes. It killed 43 people during its latest eruption in 1991. [more info]

Yabakei

(Caldera 800 m / 2625 ft)

[more info]

Try our free app!

Android | iOS version

Guaranteed tours

9-25 Jun 2025: Volcanoes and Spices - Sulawesi/Halmahera (Indonesia)

27 Jun - 6 Jul 2025: Iceland Volcano Special - Iceland

7-23 Jul 2025: Volcanoes and Spices - Sulawesi/Halmahera (Indonesia)

1-17 Aug 2025: Volcanoes and Spices - Sulawesi/Halmahera (Indonesia)

2-15 Sep 2025: Colors of Iceland: Fire, Earth, Ice and Water - Iceland

1-14 Oct 2025: Desert, salt and volcanoes - Danakil desert (Ethiopia)

4-12 Oct 2025: From Stromboli to Etna - Sicily and Eolian Islands (Italy)

3-19 Nov 2025: Volcanoes and Spices - Sulawesi/Halmahera (Indonesia)

= spaces available = guaranteed = few spaces left = booked out

Aira volcano (Japan) - Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report for 9 April-15 April 2025 (Continuing Activity)

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) reported ongoing eruptive activity at Minamidake Crater (Aira Caldera's Sakurajima volcano) during 7-14 April. Nightly crater incandescence was visible in webcam images. An explosion at 1148 on 7 April generated an ash plume that rose 2.9 km above the crater rim and drifted SE. ... Read all

Sun, 13 Apr 2025, 13:45