05
Nov
Jimyo-sai Beauty Festival
Learn the secrets of Japanese beauty and receive the blessing of an ancient Princess. Try traditional Japanese cosmetics and enjoy a healthy lunch at our Ohkatei Restaurant.
Lose yourself and find tranquility
at the home of the Shimadzu family
Stately home and gardens of the Shimadzu family
Sengan-en is a traditional garden and stately home in Kagoshima built by the 19th head of the Shimadzu family, Mitsuhisa, in 1658. Sengan-en uses the principle of "borrowed scenery", and incorporates the background elements of active volcano Sakurajima and Kinko Bay as part of the gardens.
Read MoreHighlights of Sengan-en
News and Events
01
Nov
24
Nov
Sengan-en Chrysanthemum Festival
Delight in the display of over 15,000 chrysanthemums against the stunning backdrop of active volcano Sakurajima. Impressive display pieces, mannequins wearing flower kimono, and carefully manicured bonsai bring a wave of colour to Sengan-en.
Read More
17
Nov
Noda-go Shimadzu Taiko Performance
Enjoy a powerful performance of taiko drumming from Noda-go Shimadzu Taiko. Feel the echo of the drums around the garden against the impressive backdrop of active volcano Sakurajima.
01
Dec
Kusajishi-shiki Traditional Archery
Held each year in November, Kusajishi-shiki is a traditional event in which archers dressed in ceremonial robes shoot at a target in the shape of a deer. Performed by the Ogasawara-ryu, this tradition has its roots in the Kamakura period (1185-1333).
10
Nov
Satsuma Hioki Teppo-tai Matchlock Rifle Display
Dressed in full samurai armour, the members of the Hioki Teppo-tai will show why the Shimadzu were feared on the battlefield with a thunderous display of traditional gunnery.
Places to eat at Sengan-en
Enjoy a wide selection of Kagoshima cuisine at our restaurants, relax with local teas and sweets at our cafe, or have a bite of our famous snack, jambo mochi. Whatever your appetite, you’ll find plenty to choose from at Sengan-en, all with stunning views of active volcano Sakurajima.
Sengan-en shops
Discover a carefully selected range of exclusive Kagoshima products in our gift shops. From local craft products and sweets to famous brands with a historical connection to the 800-year-old Shimadzu family, all of our products reflect the exceptional quality of Sengan-en.
Yearly Events
Autumn
01
Nov
24
Nov
Sengan-en Chrysanthemum Festival
Delight in the display of over 15,000 chrysanthemums against the stunning backdrop of active volcano Sakurajima. Impressive display pieces, mannequins wearing flower kimono, and carefully manicured bonsai bring a wave of colour to Sengan-en.
05
Nov
Jimyo-sai Beauty Festival
Learn the secrets of Japanese beauty and receive the blessing of an ancient Princess. Try traditional Japanese cosmetics and enjoy a healthy lunch at our Ohkatei Restaurant.
10
Nov
Satsuma Hioki Teppo-tai Matchlock Rifle Display
Dressed in full samurai armour, the members of the Hioki Teppo-tai will show why the Shimadzu were feared on the battlefield with a thunderous display of traditional gunnery.
12
Nov
Chrysanthemum Night at Sengan-en
Enjoy a special one-off evening viewing of the house and gardens with a meal in the rooms where the princesses of the Shimadzu family were raised.
17
Nov
Noda-go Shimadzu Taiko Performance
Enjoy a powerful performance of taiko drumming from Noda-go Shimadzu Taiko. Feel the echo of the drums around the garden against the impressive backdrop of active volcano Sakurajima.
Winter
01
Dec
Kusajishi-shiki Traditional Archery
Held each year in November, Kusajishi-shiki is a traditional event in which archers dressed in ceremonial robes shoot at a target in the shape of a deer. Performed by the Ogasawara-ryu, this tradition has its roots in the Kamakura period (1185-1333).
