Nestled along the northern coast of Kagoshima City, Sengan-en is a historic Japanese garden and stately home that offers a captivating glimpse into the legacy of the Shimazu clan.

Established in 1658 by Shimazu Mitsuhisa, this 50,000-square-meter estate masterfully incorporates the active Sakurajima volcano and Kagoshima Bay into its design through the traditional technique of “borrowed scenery” (shakkei).

Visitors can explore serene ponds, bamboo groves, and seasonal floral displays, as well as the residence that once hosted dignitaries like Edward VIII and Nicholas II. Adjacent to the gardens, the Shoko Shuseikan Museum, Japan’s oldest surviving Western-style stone factory, chronicles the region’s pivotal role in the country’s Meiji-era industrialization, earning the site UNESCO World Heritage status in 2015.