<p>A large stone lantern in the garden next to the villa</p>

A large stone lantern in the garden next to the villa (Photo: Mandy Bartok)

Sengan-en

Kagoshima's lovely traditional stroll garden

Mandy Bartok Jan 07, 2015 - 1 min read

<p>A large stone lantern in the garden next to the villa</p>

<p>The former home of the Shimazu family in Sengan-en</p>

<p>A maple tree's colors linger into December</p>

<p>On the hill, you can just make out white kanji painted on the rock, an unusual feature for a Japanese garden</p>

<p>A carpet of yellow gingko leaves covers the garden</p>

<p>The garden has several teahouses, though not all can be entered</p>

<p>There is a small but lovely bamboo forest at the back edge of the garden that is home to several wild boars</p>

Sengan-en is Kagoshima's renowned Edo-era stroll garden, situated in the northern part of the city. Once the home of the ruling Shimazu family, the garden relies heavily on the surrounding landscape to create the effect of 'borrowed scenery". The most impressive feature of Sengan-en is its stunning views of Sakurajima, the smoking volcano just across the bay. In autumn, this is one of the city's top locations to view the autumn leaves. The garden is a stop on the Kagoshima City View Bus Line.

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Find out more about Sengan-en.

Mandy Bartok

Mandy Bartok @mandy.bartok

Japan resident for 10 years, with time spent in Okinawa, Kumamoto and Tokyo.