A volcano on Japan's main southern island of Kyushu has erupted, spewing ash and rocks.

There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries in nearby towns but residents were advised to evacuate.

Japan's Meteorological Agency said Sakurajima volcano erupted at around 8.05pm Sunday (local time) blowing off large rocks as far as 2.5km away in the southern prefecture of Kagoshima.

Footage on Japan's NHK public television showed orange flames flashing near the crater and dark smoke of ash billowing from the mountaintop high up into the night sky.

The agency said it has raised the eruption alert to the highest level of five and about 120 residents in two towns facing the volcano were advised to leave their homes.

The agency warned of falling volcanic rocks in areas within 3km of the crater and possible flow of lava, ash and searing gas within 2km.

Sakurajima, about 1000km southwest of Tokyo, is one of the most active volcanoes in Japan and has repeatedly erupted. It used to be an island but became a peninsula following an eruption in 1914.

Source: ANNnewsCH