Saigo Takamori, Segodon
Throughout Kagoshima, you will see depictions of a male character with thick eyebrows, large round eyes, a crew cut, and a round face, often wearing a yukata. This is Sego-don, a historical hero to the people of Kagoshima. He was the leader of the Satsuma army, which helped overthrow the Tokugawa shogunate in the mid-19th century. Ironically, with the fall of the samurai government, all samurai lost their status and became commoners. The former Satsuma samurai grew dissatisfied and started a rebellion. Sego-don was involved and became its leader, but the rebellion failed and he died. He was the man who led Satsuma to a position of great influence, yet died for that same cause. He remains a deeply revered hero here.
His Statue is at the foothill of Mt. Shiroyama.
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Seinan War (Rebellion)
The Satsuma domain was a leading force in overthrowing the Tokugawa shogunate. However, the new Meiji government that followed proceeded to abolish the entire samurai class system and its privileges. This left many former samurai—including those from Satsuma—deeply dissatisfied with the new regime. Their discontent eventually erupted into a rebellion, which their former leader, Saigō Takamori, felt compelled to join and lead. The Satsuma forces were defeated, and Saigō died by suicide. Because of his integrity and tragic end, he is remembered as a legendary hero in the Kagoshima region.
Other Sightseeing Spots in Shiroyama
Shiroyama Observatory
The Shiroyama Observatory, located atop 104-meter-high Mount Shiroyama, offers an excellent panoramic view of Kagoshima City, Sakurajima, and Kinko Bay.
Saigo Takamori Cave
This is the cave where Saigo Takamori spent his last six days.
The Ruins of Tsurumaru Castle
You can see bullet holes on the stone walls, reminding you of the severe battle here in the Seinan War.
