In Kagoshima, deep in the south of Kyushu, across the bay from a smoking active volcano, lies the stately home of one of Japan’s most powerful samurai clans, the Shimadzu clan. Sengan-en is a stately home and landscape garden along the coast north of downtown Kagoshima, Japan. The gardens cover over 12 acres and include calming ponds, gently bubbling streams, mysterious shrines, tea rooms, a bamboo grove, and a mountain hiking trail. A walk to the top of the trail takes about 30 minutes one direction, but it is certainly worth it for the breathtaking panoramic view of the bay and Sakurajima from the top. This ticket also includes access to the Shoko Shuseikan Museum and the Shimadzu Satsuma Kiriko Glassworks.
Feel like a feudal lord as you explore the expansive gardens. Delight in the contrast between the raw power of active volcano Sakurajima and the 12 acres of calming traditional gardens. Discover peaceful ponds, bubbling streams, mysterious shrines, tea rooms, a bamboo grove, and a mountain hiking trail with a breathtaking panoramic view of the bay and volcano beyond.
