Sengan-en was built as a second home by Shimazu Mitsuhisa,19th head of the Shimazu clan, in 1658. The vast Japanese garden, one of the most notable in the country, is one of the top attractions in Japan, and one of the leading attractions in Kagoshima as well.
There are a number of sights to see in the massive 50,000 square meter garden, with flowers blooming throughout the seasons, such as crane lanterns originally used for experiments with gas lighting, and Kyokusui garden where a so-called Kyokusui no En party is held every April. The building where successive generations of lords of the clan spent their time still survives, and visitors can see inside.
The former Shuseikan Machinery Factory, located within Sengan-en, is Japan's oldest Western-style stone machinery factory built in 1865 and has been designated as an important cultural property by the national government.   Currently, the building is called the Shoko Shuseikan Main Building and used as the Shoko Shuseikan Museum that teaches the 800 year history of the Shimazu Clan. The former Shuseikan Machinery Factory, along with a portion of Sengan-en, were registered the Japan's Meiji Industrial Revolution World Heritage Sites in 2015. Incidentally, there is also Satsuma Kiriko cut glass workshop open for tours as well. There is also a facility offering you a chance to experience the traditional culture of Kagoshima by wearing Japanese armor or kimonos, as well as trying your hand at archery.
This is a must see destination when traveling from Kagoshima to Miyazaki.
（Photograph provided by Kagoshima Prefecture Visitors Bure）