When visiting Kagoshima, don't miss Sengan-en, the Shimadzu family's garden from the Satsuma Domain that uses borrowed scenery. You can get there directly from downtown by bus or streetcar, making it very convenient.
I recommend buying an experience package so you can enjoy the thrill of archery and the fun of making your own Satsuma kiriko glass charm. You can also feast on local specialties and jambo mochi in the garden. It's well worth setting aside an entire afternoon to explore at a leisurely pace. This Japanese garden uses Kinko Bay as its pond and Sakurajima as its artificial hill. As you stroll around, you can sometimes see the active volcano across the bay billowing white smoke. The view is breathtaking.
After entering, I recommend first heading all the way toward the wooded area at the far end. Even in December, we were lucky enough to catch the beautiful sight of golden ginkgo leaves intertwined with deep-red late-season maple leaves. Along the way, don't forget to visit the Cat Shrine, a rare shrine in Japan where people pray for their cats' safety and health. Next to it is a unique little shop selling elegant Japanese-style goods and small cat-themed crafts, making it a great place to pick out souvenirs and preserve warm memories of this garden visit filled with history, nature, and hands-on fun.
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