Shrine
Terukuni Jinja
Kagoshima•295m(4 min walk)
Mount Shiroyama
城山Kagoshima
Viewpoint
What makes this place special?
At a Glance
Mount Shiroyama is a low hill in the centre of Kagoshima, about 107 metres high, with a lookout over Kagoshima Bay and Sakurajima. As part of the Kagoshima Castle ruins it is a National Historic Site, and it is also a Natural Monument. The hill once served as the rear stronghold of the Shimazu castle below, and after 1614 it was closed to entry and grew back into dense forest.
A nature trail opened in 1972 passes more than 600 kinds of subtropical plants, including camphor trees and ferns. The hill is best known for the Battle of Shiroyama in 1877, the final clash of the Satsuma Rebellion, in which Saigo Takamori's forces were defeated. Sites linked to the battle remain, among them the cave that served as Saigo's headquarters and the place where he died. On clear days the lookout also shows the Kirishima range and Mount Kaimon, and it is popular for night views.
Goshuin within a short walk
Temples, shrines and castles near Mount Shiroyama that give goshuin, closest first.
How do I visit?
Visit Duration
45 minutes
Community
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