"Sengan-en", the Shimazu family's villa of scenic beauty and retro Starbucks.

Did you know that there is a retro Starbucks Coffee next to the famous Sengan-en, the villa of the Shimazu family in Kagoshima City?
Here we introduce the highlights of Sengan-en garden and how to access it, and the Starbucks Coffee Kagoshima Sengan-en branch!

Sengan-en Garden, the villa of the Shimazu family, is one of the most famous gardens in Japan and one of the most popular tourist attractions in Kagoshima!
The magnificent view of Kinko Bay and Sakurajima is beautiful, and the palace, a favorite of successive generations of the Shimazu family, also serves as a guest house.
It is also a place that led the modernization of Japan and the whole area was registered as a World Heritage Site in 2015 as "Sites of Japan's Meiji Industrial Revolution".

■If you use public transportation :
If you take the Kagoshima City view, which circulates around Kagoshima, you will arrive at Sengan-en in about 50 minutes from Kagoshima Chuo station.

↑Here is a one-day pass for Kagoshima City view!
It runs every 30 min from 8:00 to 17:00 and costs JPY 600 for adults and JPY 300 for children! Tickets are available at the Kagoshima Chuo station tourist information center, Sakurajima port tourist information center, Kagoshima city tourist Information center, and various other locations.

■By car :
50 min by car from Kagoshima airport
Approximately 20 min by car from Kagoshima Chuo station.
There is a parking lot at Sengan-en, which is easily accessible by car, although it costs JPY 300 per visit!

Unlike the Daimyo garden, Sengan-en garden does not have a large pond or artificial hill.
This is because Kinko Bay and Sakurajima are right in front of the garden.
This view, which is said to offer the most beautiful view of Sakurajima, was loved by successive generations of the Shimazu family.

It is the main gate of the Edo period, and the roof is not made of tiles but of tin, a specialty of Kagoshima.
Only the feudal lord and his successors could pass through this vermilion-lacquered gate, a symbol of high status.

During the Warring States Period, the 17th Yoshihiro measured time on the battlefield with the eyes of his cat.
The Nekogami is a shrine enshrining the two cats that returned alive, and people from all over Japan visit to pray for the longevity of their beloved cats.
The souvenir store right next to the shrine is recommended for cat lovers, as there are many cat goods on display!

Since the 19th Mitsuhisa established the garden as a villa, it has been passed down through successive lords of the domain.
During the 12 years that the 29th Tadayoshi lived in Kagoshima, it was used as the main residence.
Currently, one-third of the original building remains, including the rooms that were reconstructed in 1884.

In Sengan-en garden, there is a restaurant called "Okatei" where you can enjoy the local cuisine of Satsuma while looking at the magnificent view of Sakurajima with a Japanese-style café where you can enjoy Kagoshima's specialty matcha and green tea, fresh sweets, and "Shirokuma" shaved ice, The mochi shop serves Janbo mochi, a local Kagoshima delicacy loved by Satsuma warriors.

Starbucks Coffee Kagoshima Sengan-en opened in March 2017, though, It was originally built as "Former Serigano Shimazu family gold mine office," registered as tangible cultural properties They renovated it in a modern way based on the concept of a place to invite important customers (Salon de Siren) to a special space that blends history and modernity!

The interior is retro and stylish, and the view of Sakurajima from the second floor window gives a feeling for a great coffee break.

It is also good to take a break at the cafe in Sengan-en but how about spending a relaxing time at the retro Starbucks next door?
This is a must-visit spot when you visit Sengan-en garden.