Sights in Kagoshima
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A
Saigō Nanshū Kenshō-kan
Displays at the Saigō Nanshū Kenshō-kan tell of Saigō Takamori and the failed rebellion. Although the Great Saigō had played a leading part in the Meiji Restoration in 1868, in 1877 he had second thoughts about the curtailment of samurai power and status, and this led to the ill-fated Satsuma Rebellion. Kumamoto's magnificent castle was burnt down during the rebellion but when defeat became inevitable, Saigō retreated to Kagoshima and committed seppuku (ritual suicide by disembowelment).
Despite his mixed status as both a hero and villain of the Restoration, Saigō is still a towering figure in the history of Japan. His square-headed features and bulky stature are in…
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Sengan-en
Starting in 1658, the 19th Shimazu lord laid out this beautiful bayside garden, Sengan-en, incorporating one of the most impressive pieces of 'borrowed scenery' to be found anywhere in Japan - the fuming peak of Sakurajima. Look for the stream where the 21st Shimazu lord once held poetry parties - the participants had to compose a poem before the next cup of sake floated by (Haiku verse was no doubt popular). The villa of Shimazu-ke was once a second home of the omnipotent Shimazu clan.
Women in elegant kimonos guide you through the villa, after which you are served traditional tea and sweets. Look for a moment at the tea bowl's pattern or shape before you take a sip, if …
reviewed
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Shōko Shūseikan
The museum of Shōko Shūseikan, adjacent to Sengan-en, once housed Japan's first factory, built in the 1850s. Exhibits relate to the Shimazu family - in fact most of the 10,000 items are precious heirlooms, including ancient scrolls, military goods and pottery. The art of kiriko (cut glass) has been revived at an on-site workshop.
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B
Museum of the Meiji Restoration
Museum of the Meiji Restoration has hourly performances by robotic Meiji reformers, including Saigō Takamori. Exhibits and historical high-tech dioramas, labelled mostly in Japanese, laud Kagoshima Meiji-era firsts (Japan's first telegraph, first gas lighting, among others).
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C
Kagomma Sentō (Onsen)
Kagoshima boasts no less than 50 public onsen baths. Local favourite Nishida Onsen (M0090; 255-6354; 12-17 Takasu) is just a few minutes' walk from JR Kagoshima-Chūō. Kagomma Sentō (Onsen) is five minutes' walk from the Sakurajima Port.
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D
Reimeikan
On the former site of Tsurumaru-jō - the walls and the impressive moat are all that remain of the 1602 castle, and bullet holes in the stones are still visible. Inside you'll find interesting exhibits on Satsuma history and ancient sword-making displays.
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E
Kagoshima City Museum of Art
Kagoshima City Museum of Art has a small, permanent collection of works by modern-day Kagoshima painters, as well as some 16th-century porcelains and wood-block prints. Be sure to see the collection of Sakurajima paintings.
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F
Nishida Onsen
Kagoshima boasts no less than 50 public onsen baths. Local favourite Nishida Onsen is just a few minutes' walk from JR Kagoshima-Chūō.
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G
Kagoshima City Aquarium
Kagoshima City Aquarium is well done, not least the examples of local marine life, giving glimpses of spectacular diving in the Southwest Islands.
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