ABOUT
About this spot
Kagoshima Castle (also known as Tsurumaru Castle) is the castle ruins of the Satsuma domain's 770,000-koku seat, built around 1601 (Keicho 6) by Shimazu Iehisa. Using the Shiroyama hill behind it as a natural fortress and building the residence at the foot, in a style called "yakata-zukuri," it conveys to this day the spirit of the Satsuma samurai, who valued simplicity and sturdiness. The highlight is without question the "Gorōmon" gate, restored in 2020. Boasting one of Japan's largest scales, at about 20 meters in both height and width, its overwhelming presence has become a new symbol of Kagoshima. In addition, bullet marks from the Satsuma Rebellion remain vividly in the stone walls, allowing you to feel the turbulent history from the late Edo period to the Meiji era on your skin. Today the "Kagoshima Prefectural Museum of Culture Reimeikan" stands on the site of the main enclosure, where you can learn in depth about Kagoshima's history and culture. Statues such as those of Saigo Takamori and Komatsu Tatewaki are scattered around the area, making it an irresistible walking course for history lovers. It is a spot we hope you will visit on a family trip, a solo journey, or a weekend historical exploration.
Last updated March 26, 2026