On a recent visit to Japan, alien landscape photographer Martin Rietze captured some spectacular images of Sakurajima volcano in Kagoshima prefecture.

Sakurajima volcano, photo by Martin Rietze --
Multiple lightning flashes caused by fast moving fine ash

Sakurajima volcano, photo by Martin Rietze --
Lava bombs hitting the flank

Sakurajima volcano, photo by Martin Rietze --
Strombolian eruption with lightning

Sakurajima volcano, photo by Martin Rietze --
Detail with multiple lightning flashes

Sakurajima volcano, photo by Martin Rietze --
Lava brightens the ash cloud

Sakurajima volcano, photo by Martin Rietze --
Ash eruption causing lightning

Sakurajima volcano, photo by Martin Rietze --
Violent eruption

Sakurajima volcano, photo by Martin Rietze --

The photos were taken between December 24, 2009 and January 10, 2010.

[Link: Martin Rietze]