Stately home and gardens of the Shimadzu Clan, Kagoshima

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.

The House

Take a stroll around the house lived in and loved by generations of the Shimadzu family, and enjoy the private view over the gardens, Kinko Bay, and Sakurajima beyond. The house features a fascinating mix of Japanese, Chinese and Western influences, and is built from flawless 1,000-year-old Yakushima cedar.

The 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.

Kagoshima World Heritage Orientation Centre

Find out why Kagoshima was among the first regions of Japan to modernise in the late 19th century, and the reason why Nariakira chose to build a factory complex next to Sengan-en at the Kagoshima World Cultural Heritage Orientation Centre.

Site of the Reverberatory Furnace

Learn about the birth of modernisation in Japan at the remains of the reverberatory furnace. Kagoshima was home to the first modern factory complex in Japan in the late 19th century, and led to the wider development of industrialisation across the country.

Shoko Shuseikan Museum

Follow the course of the Shimadzu family over 800 years, and see how the international relations they forged led to the development of industrialisation in modern Japan. The Shoko Shuseikan Museum is housed in the oldest stone factory building in Japan, built in 1865.

Shimadzu Satsuma Kiriko Glassworks

Watch master craftsmen blow and cut Satsuma Kiriko crystal glass right before your eyes at the Shimadzu Satsuma Kiriko Glassworks, then marvel at the pinnacle of Kagoshima’s traditional craftsmanship at the gallery shop next door.

The Gardens

Shimadzu Samurai Armour Experience

Stunning Views of Sakurajima

Shoko Shuseikan Museum

Events at Sengan-en

15 Feb

26 Apr

Sengan-en Hina Matsuri

The Sengan-en Hina Matsuri, or Girls' Day Festival beings on February 15th and continues until April 26th. A collection of Hina dolls and their intricately detailed accessories will be on display at the Shoko Shuseikan Museum Annex.

15 Feb

Ito-bina Craft Class

Try your hand at making a traditional doll only found in the Kagoshima region to celebrate the Girl's Festival

22 Feb

Cat Shrine Longevity Ceremony

Pray for the health and long life of your feline friends at one of Japan's most unusual shrines

29 Feb

Nagashi-bina

Wash away bad luck in this ancient festival dating back to the "Tale of Genji"

05 Apr

Kyokusui-no-en

Slip back in time and experience a traditional poetry recital held by a winding stream. Kyokusui-no-en is a major event at Sengan-en and is held once a year.

Event information

traditional Kagoshima food Ohkatei Restaurant

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.

See Restaurants

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.

Explore Shops

Yearly Events

Winter

15 Feb

Ito-bina Craft Class

Try your hand at making a traditional doll only found in the Kagoshima region to celebrate the Girl's Festival

15 Feb

26 Apr

Sengan-en Hina Matsuri

22 Feb

Cat Shrine Longevity Ceremony

Pray for the health and long life of your feline friends at one of Japan's most unusual shrines

29 Feb

Nagashi-bina

Wash away bad luck in this ancient festival dating back to the "Tale of Genji"

Spring

05 Apr

Kyokusui-no-en

Slip back in time and experience a traditional poetry recital held by a winding stream. Kyokusui-no-en is a major event at Sengan-en and is held once a year.

19 Apr

06 May

Gogatsu Nobori Streamers

Gogatsu-nobori are a Shimadzu family tradition celebrating the boy's day festival that stretches back generations. Seven huge poles are erected in the garden and adorned with streamers decorated with climbing dragons and the crests of the Shimadzu family.

03 May

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.

05 May

Satsuma Matchlock Rifle Display

Dressed in full 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.

23 May

07 Jun

Summer Irises at Sengan-en

Irises were much loved by the samurai for their beautiful flowers, which fade and die in only a few days. For the samurai this represented the fleeting nature of life and nobility in death.

Summer

25 Jul

23 Aug

Nariakira’s Beloved Morning Glories

The 28th head of the Shimadzu family, Nariakira, was a huge fan of morning glories and even bred several subspecies of his own. The delicate blues, purples, and pinks provide a cooling backdrop to the heat of the Kagoshima summer.

07 Aug

10 Aug

Shimadzu Family Tanabata Decorations

Tanabata, sometimes called the star festival is held each year on the 7th of July. At Sengan-en we follow the Tanabata traditions of the Shimadzu family and display paper streamers on giant moso bamboo.

Autumn

01 Nov

23 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.

Winter

06 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.

13 Dec

05 Jan