Page 172 - Volcano and Geothermal Tourism

Volcano and Geothermal Tourism in Kyushu, Japan 149

Figure 9.7 Public phone on Sakurajima Island with a concrete roof to protect against ashfall and more serious eruption fallout

looking like heavy duty bus stops and constructed to the almost daily eruptions, and climbing
of reinforced cement walls with rounded roofs, all Sakurajima past the fourth stage at the Yunohira
facing away from the volcano. Even public phones Observatory is not allowed anymore (Kagoshima
are surrounded by concrete to protect this Visitor’s Guide, 2009).
important lifeline for emergencies (Figure 9.7). To the north of Sakurajima lies Kirishima, a
Most residents who live on the flanks of Sakurajima large group of more than 20 quaternary volcanoes
have their own concrete fallout shelters in their located in the Kirishima-Yaku National Park.
gardens close to their houses, and on the slopes Their crater-pocked peaks are described by
diversion channels leading lahars and mudflows to Sutherland and Britton (1995) as partly lunar
the ocean are constantly undergoing either landscape and partly covered in lush vegetation.
upgrading or maintenance. No research by the author has been undertaken in
Despite the ongoing activity of Mt Sakurajima this area as yet.
volcano tourism is booming, starting on the
mainland with hotels offering rooms with volcano Mt Unzen
views across Kagoshima Bay. Near the Kagoshima Mount Unzen is one of the decade volcanoes and
ferry terminal the ‘Dolphin Port’, a large boardwalk is part of the Unzen-Yamakusa National Park.
type facility, hosts a considerable number of Since August 2009 it has also been recognized by
restaurants and shops, all facing Mt Sakurajima UNESCO as the Unzen Global Geopark. It is
with viewing terraces for outdoor dining. To reach known as a dangerous volcano which erupted
the actual volcano, however, is not something during 1990–95 after nearly 200 years of lying
tourists should attempt, as it is too dangerous due dormant when a lava dome formed at the summit

Ch09.indd 149 3/28/2010 1:28:38 PM