Enjoy events in each season at Sengan-en against the backdrop of active volcano Sakurajima. Experience the rich cultural heritage of Kagoshima, and the traditions of the 800-year-old Shimadzu family for an unforgettable memory of your trip to Japan.
A collection of Hina dolls and over 400 intricately detailed accessories will be on display at the Shoko Shuseikan Museum Annex. The amazingly detailed miniature accessories tell the story of the daily life of a Japanese princess.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.