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Viewpoint · Kagoshima, Kagoshima
Shiroyama Observatory
A hill of about 100 meters in central Kagoshima, with subtropical forest and a viewpoint over the city, the bay and Sakurajima; the Satsuma Rebellion ended there in 1877.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
A look at the place
Shiroyama Observatory in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
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Discover
About Shiroyama Observatory
Shiroyama, the “castle hill,” is a hill of about 107 meters in central Kagoshima, behind the site of the Shimazu castle. The top of the hill is covered in subtropical forest, with old trees, and has a lookout from which you can see the whole city, Kinko Bay and Sakurajima opposite. It is the best-known view of Kagoshima.
The hill has a place in Japan’s history. In 1877, Saigo Takamori, one of the leaders of the Meiji Restoration, turned against the new government in the Satsuma Rebellion. The last battles were at Shiroyama, where he died. On the slope is the cave where he spent his last days, and in the city center, at the foot of the hill, a large bronze statue shows him in army uniform.
Below the hill, on the site of the former Tsurumaru Castle, are the Reimeikan history museum and the stone walls with the moat, where bullet marks from 1877 can still be seen. The castle’s main gate has been reconstructed. Streets and stairways connect the viewpoint to the center.
The hill trail, about a 20-minute climb from the Reimeikan area, passes through the forest and small lookouts. If you don’t want to walk, you can go up by bus or car to the parking lot next to the viewpoint. At night, the view of the city lights is another good reason to go up.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 30 minutes at the viewpoint; one and a half hours including the trail, Saigo’s cave and the Reimeikan Museum.
Best time
In the morning, when visibility is usually better, or late afternoon and at night for the city lights. On days with volcanic ash in the air, the view is obscured.
How to get there
The City View tourist bus stops at the viewpoint, about 20 minutes from Kagoshima-Chuo Station. On foot, the trail climbs from the Reimeikan area in the center in about 20 minutes.
Tip
Go up by bus and descend on foot along the trail, passing Saigo’s cave and finishing at the museum and the old castle moat.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Shiroyama Observatory
How do you get up to the Shiroyama observatory?
By the City View bus, which stops next to the observatory, or on foot via the trail that starts near the Reimeikan Museum, with about a 20-minute ascent. There is also parking for cars.
Who was Saigo Takamori?
A samurai from Satsuma who helped overthrow the shogunate and later led the Satsuma Rebellion against the Meiji government in 1877. He died at Shiroyama and is remembered in statues and museums in Kagoshima.
Is it worth going to Shiroyama at night?
Yes, to see the city and waterfront lights. The volcano appears only as a silhouette. The observatory is in an open park.
Can you see Sakurajima from Shiroyama?
Yes, the volcano faces you across the bay. On days with ash in the air or fog, the view can be obscured.
Beyond the guide
