From ancient prestige to industrial revolution, immerse in Kagoshima's history
2 hour private experience
Location: Kagoshima City
Offered in Japanese, with a friendly Deeper Japan guide interpreting in your language
Meet the Master
What you’ll do
Join a history expert specializing in both Kagoshima's Shimizu clan and Japan's rapid age of industrialization, in a tour of the grounds of Senganen and its surronding areas. See preserved historical sites and arts while hearing about the Satsuma clan's past.
Who can attend
Children must be 12+
Availability
Everyday excepts Mondays
Session 1 (10:00 - 12:00)
Session 2 (13:00 - 15:00)
Session 3 (15:00 -17:00)
What to wear
Comfortable footwear is recommended
Access
10 minutes by car from Kagoshima Station
40 minutes by car from Kagoshima Airport
Echoes of an Empire
Nestled at the southern tip of Japan’s main island, the powerful Satsuma Domain—present-day Kagoshima Prefecture—was once one of the country’s wealthiest regions, second only to the Kaga Domain in Kanazawa. Ruled by the Shimizu family, whose lineage traces back to the Kamakura Period and the nascent rise of samurai culture, Satsuma played a central role in many of Japan’s pivotal historical moments. From its involvement in the annexation of Okinawa to its influence during the Meiji Restoration and its early industrial advancements, the region has long stood at the crossroads of tradition and transformation.The legacy of both the Shimizu clan and Satsuma heritage continues to live on, not just in the impact and history they left, but also through precariously preserved sites such as the Senganen gardens, which keep a glimmer of feudal life frozen in time. Framed by coastal views of Kagoshima Bay and the plumes of volcanic activity rising from Sakurajima's peaks, the gardens offer a living window into the grandeur of Satsuma’s past. Join a published historian who oversaw the direct management of Senganen on a private, guided immersion into Kagoshima’s impressive history—an exclusive journey into the heart of samurai legacy and modern innovation.
Cancellation Policy
Please make your booking at least 3 days in advance. See cancellation policy here.
A detailed itinerary will be emailed to you once your booking has been confirmed.