Saigo Takamori Exile Residence
西郷南洲謫居跡
The thatched house in Ryugo village, Tatsugo Town, where Saigo Takamori lived for three years during his exile to Amami. It is still looked after by the descendants of Aikana.
In 1859, Saigo Takamori, a hero of the Meiji Restoration, was exiled to Amami Oshima by the Satsuma Domain. He lived in Ryugo for about three years, where he married a local woman, Aikana, and had children. The thatched house he later built is still looked after by his descendants, generation after generation. Inside are displays of Saigo's belongings and letters. Admission is about 200 yen. Simply greet the caretaker when you visit. The house is on the west shore of Ryugo Bay, about 25 minutes by car from Naze. The nearby bay is peaceful, and this small site is a good place to learn about the relationship between Satsuma and Amami.
Opening hours
09:00–17:00 (irregular closures)
Nearby sights
- Oshima Tsumugi Village
- Heart Rock & Tebiro Beach (Akaogi)
- Gamousaki Observation Park
- Amami Park & Tanaka Isson Memorial Art Museum
- Tomori Beach
- Ayamaru Cape
- Amami Museum
- Ohama Seaside Park