This is the spectacular moment the Sakurajima volcano erupted sending a smoke three miles high in Japan.

Footage shows the black gas and molten material bursting from the volcano's mouth as lightning flashed in the dark smoke plume on February 14.

The eruption took place at the Minamidake crater around 6:33 p.m., with intense volcanic activity catapulting rocks up to a distance of 1,000 to 1,300 metres.

A local weather observatory said it was the first time since 2020 that the volcano had such a towering plume.

There were no reports of injuries or structural damage, but residents have been urged to steer clear of the vicinity as the Kagoshima Meteorological Office has maintained the volcanic activity alert level at three.

The Japan Meteorological Agency has forecasted ash to fall in parts of Kumamoto, Miyazaki, and Kagoshima prefectures.