Museum sights in Kagoshima
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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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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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