For Participants
Site Tour
Complimentary Sengan-en Tour for Participants of the 14th Cherry Blossom Symposium (CBS2026)
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We are pleased to offer a complimentary guided tour of Sengan-en to all attendees of the 14th Cherry Blossom Symposium. This exclusive opportunity provides a chance to explore the historic residence of the Shimazu family, enjoy panoramic views of Sakurajima, and gain insight into the rich cultural heritage of Kagoshima.
| Tour Schedule | Date: Tuesday, April 9, 2026 Time: 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM |
|---|---|
| Meeting Point | Kagoshima Sun Royal Hotel (Please gather by 1:30 PM) |
| Transportation | A chartered bus will take participants to and from the venue. |
- *Capacity: Limited to 30 participants. Priority will be given to overseas participants.
- How to Participate:
- Details on how to register for the complimentary Sengan-en tour will be provided at a later date. Please stay tuned for further announcements.
Tour Highlights
Guided Garden Walk: Explore the elegant gardens, koi ponds, and seasonal flowers with an English-speaking guide.
- Point of interest 1:
Shoko Shuseikan Museum - Discover 800 years of Shimazu family history in Japan’s oldest Western-style stone factory. This beautifully preserved building showcases the legacy of one of Japan’s most influential clans and their role in the country’s modernization. A must-see for history lovers visiting Kagoshima!
- Point of interest 2:
Reverberatory Furnace Ruins & World Heritage Orientation Center - Step into the birthplace of Japan’s industrial revolution. These stone ruins once supported a towering 16-meter furnace built by the visionary Shimazu Nariakira. Next door, the Orientation Center brings the story to life with detailed models, exhibits, and films exploring Satsuma’s bold leap into modernization. A key site of the “Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution” World Heritage listing.
- Point of interest 3:
The Former Shimazu Residence (Goten) - Step into the refined world of the Shimazu lords. This elegant residence once served as the home of the Shimazu family and a venue for welcoming distinguished guests from Japan and abroad. Visitors can explore the audience chamber and the lord’s private quarters, beautifully preserved to reflect their original splendor. Don’t miss the breathtaking view of Sakurajima from the veranda-truly one of the finest in all of Kagoshima.
- Point of interest 4:
In Front of the Goten Residence - Enjoy the iconic view cherished by generations of the Shimazu family. On clear days, the majestic Sakurajima volcano rises above Kinko Bay, creating a breathtaking scene that perfectly captures the spirit of Kagoshima.
- Jambo Mochi:
- The tour also includes a tasting of Jambo Mochi, a beloved traditional sweet from Kagoshima made of grilled rice cakes with a sweet soy glaze.