Sakurajima volcano erupted in Japan, sending an ash plume 1,600 metres into the sky.

The explosive eruption occurred at 4:34 pm local time in Kagoshima, located on the southern island of Kyushu.

Dramatic footage shows the active volcano releasing a dense ash cloud above its crater.

The Sakurajima alert level remains at Level 3, with restricted access to the mountain.

Authorities have urged residents and visitors to stay alert for the possible ejection of large volcanic rocks and the risk of pyroclastic flows within a 2km radius of the crater.

Sakurajima is one of Japan's most active volcanoes, with a history of frequent eruptions. Originally an island, it became a peninsula after a significant eruption in 1914.

Japan lies along the Pacific 'Ring of Fire' where the majority of Earth's volcano eruptions and earthquakes happen.