What to know
Shiroyama Park (城山公園, Shiroyama Kōen) is a downtown Kagoshima park that spreads across Mount Shiroyama. At 107 meters high, the mountain was once the site of a castle fortification, which gave it its name—Shiroyama literally means "castle mountain" in Japanese. The former castle grounds at the foot of the mountain now house the Reimeikan Museum.
The park is best known for the Shiroyama Observatory, offering spectacular views over downtown Kagoshima, Kagoshima Bay, and Sakurajima. The night view is also lovely, especially when a clear sky and bright moon keep Sakurajima visible. Nice views can also be enjoyed from the Satsuma no Yu outdoor hot spring bath at the nearby Castle Park Hotel, which is open to non-guests as well.
The park was also the site of the final battle of the Satsuma Rebellion in 1877. Local hero Saigo Takamori is said to have made his last stand at Saigo Cave, located within the park.
The Shiroyama Observatory can be reached by the City View Bus in about 25 minutes from Kagoshima Chuo Station.
Visitor information
Practical details to check before planning this stop.
- Hours
- 13:00 to 21:00
- Closed
- Admission
- 3500 yen (~$22.4)
- English name
- Original name
- Shiroyama Park
Verify details before visiting. Currency conversion is indicative and may vary over time.