Selected as one of CNN’s 31 most beautiful gardens in Japan – featuring a rare “Cat Shrine” that doubles as a clock

▲ A view of part of Sengan-en from above.

Reported and photographed by Reporter You / Kyushu

A trip to Kagoshima would not be complete without visitingSengan-en, a key historical site. Once the private villa of the Shimazu clan, the lords of Satsuma, Sengan-en boasts one of Japan’s most beautiful gardens, ranked among the top 30 by CNN, as well as a rareCat Shrine, making it a must-visit spot for cat lovers.


▲ From within the garden, you can see Sakurajima.


▲%肌敖杈巴ピ啊痹?胙∶NN Japan’s most beautiful gardens, the stone turtle (pictured below) is a highlight.


Built in 1658 (the 1st year of the Manji era) by the 19th lord of the Shimazu clan, Shimazu Mitsuhisa, Sengan-en has been preserved through generations, maintaining its original architectural and garden features. Within the grounds, you’ll find the ruins of a reverberatory furnace, a viewing restaurant, the palace (Goten), and the Tin Gate. Huang Gonghui, a guide from Sengan-en’s Tourism Department, says the garden is a must-see, utilizing the borrowed scenery (shakkei) technique to frame Sakurajima across Kagoshima Bay as a distant view and turning Kagoshima Bay itself into a pond.

While Japanese gardens often feature dry landscape (karesansui) designs, Sengan-en’s “borrowed scenery garden” captures dynamic seasonal changes by integrating the natural landscape rather than freezing time. Huang points out that visitors should not miss the pine tree (a large pine), the turtle (stone turtle), and the crane (stone lantern)—symbols of longevity. This garden was also ranked 30th among CNN’s selection of Japan’s 31 most beautiful gardens, ranking higher than Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion).


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After the abolition of the kazoku (peerage) system in 1949, Sengan-en came under the management of Kagoshima City. In 1957, it was returned to the Shimazu family and managed by Shimazu Shokusan. In 1958, it was designated as a Place of Scenic Beauty. The “Cat Shrine” within the garden is also a must-visit spot for Taiwanese travelers. It was built to honor the cats brought by Shimazu Yoshihiro, a Satsuma lord, during his military campaign in Korea. He used their pupils to tell time. Only two cats survived the journey back, so the shrine was erected to show gratitude.

Aside from cat lovers, even watchmakers visit the Cat Shrine to pray for prosperous business. Around the shrine, you’ll find various related ritual items, and June 10th is celebrated as an important festival day for the Cat Shrine.


▲ A 150-pound iron cannon, reconstructed here, was once stationed at a coastal fortress in Kagoshima.
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▲ The Goten (palace), including rooms once used by Shimazu Tadayoshi.

Surrounding Sengan-en is the Shuseikan, the largest factory complex in East Asia. It was once a hub for iron manufacturing, cannon production, shipbuilding, and the crafting of Satsuma kiriko glassware. Out of fear of becoming a U.S. colony, Satsuma invested heavily in military and scientific advancements, drawing global attention. Within Sengan-en, you can also see many examples of Satsuma kiriko, whose delicate, translucent beauty comes at a premium—and is definitely worth seeing.

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Sengan-en
Address: 9700-1 Yoshinocho, Kagoshima-shi, Kagoshima
Phone: 099-247-1551
Admission: Adults 1,000 yen, elementary and junior high school students 500 yen

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