Guida
The Kurokami Buried Torii is a historical site located in Kurokami-cho, Kagoshima City, symbolizing the profound history of Sakurajima. On January 12, 1914 (Taisho 3), a massive volcanic eruption occurred, covering the entire surrounding area in thick layers of volcanic ash and pumice. The torii gate of the Futosha Shrine (Kurokami Shrine), which was once approximately 3 meters tall, was left with only its top portion (the kasagi) visible above the ground due to the intensity of the eruption. Today, it is designated as a Prefectural Natural Monument and is carefully preserved as a precious relic that tells the story of nature's fury and the subsequent history of the region.
The history of this site is inseparable from the Great Taisho Eruption of 1914. This eruption blanketed the Kurokami area in deep volcanic ash. A significant historical detail is that the then-mayor of Higashisakurajima Village made the decision to leave the torii gate buried as it was, specifically to preserve the visual evidence of the eruption's scale for future generations. This decision allows modern visitors to witness the sheer magnitude of the volcanic activity through a physical, visual medium. Along with the gateposts of the Nagano family residence, the site was designated as a Prefectural Natural Monument in 1958. It is not merely an old structure but a place of immense cultural value that preserves the memory of a natural disaster.
The primary focus is the shrine's torii gate, which remains partially submerged in volcanic ash. Seeing the gate buried at a level lower than a person's height vividly illustrates the scale of the eruption. Beside the gate stands an ancient 'Akou' tree, which is said to have miraculously survived the eruption. This tree serves as a testament to the resilience of life amidst dramatic topographical changes caused by nature. Observing these relics up close allows visitors to touch upon the history of coexistence with the natural environment of Kagoshima.
The Kurokami Buried Torii is an open-air site that can be visited 24 hours a day. Visiting during bright daylight hours is highly recommended, as it allows for a clear view of the intricate details of the torii, the texture of the surrounding volcanic ash, and the presence of the ancient Akou tree. Depending on the current volcanic activity of Sakurajima, the sky and surrounding scenery may change, offering different atmospheres based on the weather or time of day. For those seeking a quiet moment of reflection, the early morning hours are also ideal when there are fewer people around.
The experience here centers on the quiet observation of a landscape shaped by natural phenomena. By viewing the terrain altered by volcanic ash and the partially buried torii, visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the historical background. The area also includes nearby spots like the 'Kurokami Observatory,' which can be part of a larger itinerary to observe the volcanic activity of Sakurajima. The unique landscape created by nature is also an excellent subject for photography.
The Kuroami area features several other spots that reflect the history of volcanic activity. For instance, the Kurokami Observatory provides a great view of Sakurajima's activity. Other nearby locations include the Arimura Lava Observatory and the Michi-no-Eki Tarumizu Yuttari-kan, making this a wonderful part of a driving course to explore the nature and history of Sakurajima. The most common route is to take the Sakurajima Ferry from Kagoshima City and then drive to the area.
As this is an outdoor historical site, we recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes. The terrain may be unpaved or covered in volcanic ash, so please watch your step. It is also helpful to bring a hat for sun protection and water for hydration.