Stately home and gardens of the Shimadzu family

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 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.

Site of the Reverberatory Furnace

Learn about the birth of modernisation in Japan at the remains of the reverberatory furnace. This region 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 by pioneering lord Shimadzu Nariakira.

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.

Sengan-en in Autumn

Shimadzu Samurai Armour Experience

Stunning Views of Sakurajima

The Gardens

Shoko Shuseikan Museum

News and Events

02 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

07 Jan

New Year's Decorations

Traditional "kadomatsu" decorations to welcome the New Year

29 Dec

06 Jan

Sengan-en Winter Peonies

Enjoy beautiful winter flowers in straw houses that protect against the cold and snow

01 Jan

06 Jan

Traditional Food of the Shimadzu Family

Enjoy a traditional meal passed down in the Shimadzu family for hundreds of years.

01 Jan

03 Jan

Free Entry Wearing Kimono 2019

All News

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

29 Dec

06 Jan

Sengan-en Winter Peonies

Enjoy beautiful winter flowers in straw houses that protect against the cold and snow

01 Jan

06 Jan

Traditional Food of the Shimadzu Family

Enjoy a traditional meal passed down in the Shimadzu family for hundreds of years.

01 Jan

03 Jan

Lose yourself and find tranquility
at the home of the Shimadzu family

Stately home and gardens of the Shimadzu family