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
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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
Events at Sengan-en
04 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.
29 May
13 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.
07 Jul
10 Jul
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.
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
Winter
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
Spring
04 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.
24 Apr
05 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.
29 May
13 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
07 Jul
10 Jul
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.
24 Jul
15 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.
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.
28 Nov
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.
Awards & Recognition
