Shiroyama Observatory
城山展望台
A free observation deck on the hill behind downtown Kagoshima, offering the classic view of the city, Kinko Bay, and Sakurajima together.
Shiroyama is a small hill 107 meters high, north of downtown Kagoshima. It is the site of a mountain castle from the Sengoku period, and it was the scene of the final battle of the 1877 Satsuma Rebellion, in which the Satsuma army led by Saigo Takamori made its last stand before defeat and Saigo's suicide. The hill still holds historic sites, including Saigo Takamori's Cave and the Place Where Saigo Died. The Shiroyama Observatory at the top offers a view of downtown Kagoshima, Kinko Bay, and Sakurajima across the water. It is Kagoshima's most classic postcard view, and it is especially beautiful in the evening and at night, earning it recognition as a 'Japan Night View Heritage.' The hill also preserves subtropical primeval forest. From the foot of the hill, you can walk up in about 20 to 30 minutes, starting from the Tsurumaru Castle (Kagoshima Castle) site, the Reimeikan museum, or the statue of Saigo Takamori. Admission is free. The Shiroyama Hotel (SHIROYAMA HOTEL kagoshima) nearby has an open-air hot spring with a view of Sakurajima. Getting there: take the city sightseeing bus from Kagoshima Chuo Station for about 25 minutes to 'Shiroyama' stop, or walk about 30 minutes from Tenmonkan. Note: the mountain roads have little lighting at night, so it is best to take a bus down after enjoying the night view.
Opening hours
All day (free)
Nearby sights
- Terukuni Shrine
- Statue of Saigo Takamori
- Tsurumaru Castle Ruins & Reimeikan
- Tenmonkan
- Museum of the Meiji Restoration
- Nanshu Shrine & Cemetery
- Kagoshima City Aquarium (io world)
- Ishibashi Memorial Park