Satsuma Denshokan

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Satsuma Denshokan

Showcasing masterpieces of Satsuma ware and works that reflect the rich history of Satsuma, a cultural treasure Japan is proud to share with the world.

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Head Editor : Satsuma Denshokan

Located within the grounds of the Japanese inn Ibusuki Hakusuikan in Ibusuki City, Kagoshima Prefecture, this museum has been awarded one star in the Michelin Green Guide. Its concept, “Visit here and you’ll understand Satsuma,” is brought to life through a collection of around 3,000 items gathered over two generations—the founder of Hakusuikan and his son, the current owner. From this vast collection, about 380 pieces are on display at any given time.

The museum is divided into four exhibition halls:
・Kinran-no-Ma, adorned with 10,000 sheets of gold leaf covering its walls
・Ishin-no-Ma, showcasing lavish Satsuma ware kinrande (gold-decorated ceramics)
・Satsuma-no-Ma, focusing on great historical figures such as Saigo Takamori
・Mingama-no-Ma, featuring works by painters of the Satsuma art school

The building itself is modeled after the Byodoin Phoenix Hall in Uji, Kyoto. Flanked by side wings and surrounded by ponds that reflect the architecture like a water mirror, it boasts a tiled roof, intricate latticework, and kumiko woodcraft details. In the garden, you can also admire wisteria transplanted from the World Heritage–listed Byodoin.

In addition, the museum houses a restaurant themed around local production and consumption, as well as a museum shop offering Satsuma ceramics and original goods.

Highlights

  • Exhibits works that showcase Japan’s traditional beauty as well as the history and culture of Satsuma.
  • Guided by the concept “Visit here and you’ll understand Satsuma”.
  • Awarded one star in the Michelin Green Guide.
  • The building itself is modeled after the Byodoin Phoenix Hall, a highlight in its own right.
  • Also features a restaurant and museum shop.

Photos

  • An exterior inspired by the Byodoin Phoenix Hall

    An exterior inspired by the Byodoin Phoenix Hall

  • The Kinran-no-Ma, its walls entirely covered in gold leaf

    The Kinran-no-Ma, its walls entirely covered in gold leaf

  • The Ishin-no-Ma, displaying gold-decorated Satsuma ware (kinrande)

    The Ishin-no-Ma, displaying gold-decorated Satsuma ware (kinrande)

  • At night, the scenery reflected in the water mirror becomes even more breathtaking

    At night, the scenery reflected in the water mirror becomes even more breathtaking

Official FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.

Q

Do you have signs or pamphlets in foreign languages? (If you do, which languages are available?)

A

English and Chinese pamphlets available.

Q

Is free Wi-Fi available in the area?

A

Free Wi-Fi available in the Art Museum.

Q

Are there coin lockers?

A

No, but luggage can be stored at the reception.

Q

Is it possible to re-enter the premises?

A

It is possible on the same day.

Q

Is there a smoking area?

A

Yes, outside the entrance.

Q

Can I use the restaurant Fenice for lunch?

A

Yes, on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays from 11:45am to 2:15pm (last order at 1:45pm).

Reviews

1
  • 黃天保

    武士文化打造的,雖然地方不大,但細節都做得很到位,像是武士刀、盔甲、古老的生活器具什麼的,看起來都超精緻,有一點像走進歷史劇的場景!

Details

Name in Japanese
薩摩伝承館
Postal Code
891-0404
Address
Ibusuki Hakusuikan 12131-4 Higashikata, Ibusuki City, Kagoshima
Telephone
0993-23-0211
Closed
Open every day(Closed for maintenance occasionally)
Business Hours
9:00am - 6:00pm(Admission allowed until 5:00pm)
Wednesdays 9:00am - 1:00pm(Admission allowed until 12:00pm)
Thursdays 1:00pm - 6:00pm(Admission allowed until 5:00pm)
Admission
Adults 1,500yen, University students 1,200yen, High school students 600yen, Elementary and junior high school students 300yen
Access
About 7 minutes by car from JR Ibusuki Station.
Credit Cards
Not accepted
Official Website
Official Website (Japanese)