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Senganen Garden
"Senganen Garden" was the villa of SHIMAZU Clan, who were the feudal lords of Satsuma Domain in the Edo Age (1603-1868) . The garden was built in 1658 by SHIMAZU Mitsuhisa (1616-1695) . "Sengan Garden" is located to the north-east of Kagoshima City. You can access to the garden by a City View Bus.It was late November when I visited "Senganen Garden", a Chrysanthemum Festival was held. Chrysanthemum flowers were in full bloom and the stone lantern was decorated by chrysanthemum flowers. 
After passing through the display of chrysanthemum flowers, you will see the main gate of "Senganen Garden". The gate was built in 1895, twenty-eight years after the Edo Age was ended. 
Behind the Main Gate, you will see the "Suzu-Mon" Gate, which means the Tin Gate. The "Suzu-Mon" Gate was the main gate of "Senganen" Garden in the Edo Age. Only the feudal lord and his heirs allowed to use the gate. 
If you walk to the right after passing through the "Suzu-Mon" Gate, you will see the "Senganen Garden". You will see Mt. Sakurajima behind the lawn garden.
Mt. Sakurajima is an active volcano and the symbol of Kagoshima. The feudal lords of Satsuma Domain stayed at the villa and enjoyed seeing this scenery. They must have lived in luxury. The below picture shows the Jumping Lion Lantern, which is the largest stone lantern in the garden. On the top of the stone lantern, you will see a Chinese guardian lion. 
If you go straight after passing through the Tin Gate, you will see the palace building, named "Hama-Goten". After the Edo Age ended in 1868, the head of Shimazu Clan lived in the palace building. Living area added to the original building in the Meiji Age (1868-1912) for this purpose. |
