Saigo Nanshu Memorial Hall

Overview

The Saigo Nanshu Memorial Hall is a museum located in Kamiryuocho, Kagoshima City, Kagoshima Prefecture. Opened in July 1978, it stands next to the Nanshu Shrine and Saigo Takamori's grave within Nanshu Park. The exhibits focus on Saigo Takamori, along with Okubo Toshimichi and the Meiji Restoration. Nearby are historical sites such as the stone walls of the former private school where Saigo's army launched the Satsuma Rebellion, Shiroyama (where the final battle took place), Saigo Cave, and the site of Saigo Takamori's death. The hall is also located in Kagoshima's old town (Kamachi district), rich in historical sites like the Fukushoji Temple ruins. The Saigo Nanshu Memorial Hall offers a clear understanding of Saigo Takamori's life through dioramas, panels, and personal belongings. Abundant materials related to the Meiji Restoration and the Satsuma Rebellion vividly recreate the era. The hall boasts numerous valuable exhibits, including Saigo Takamori's own calligraphy and portraits, bullets and flags from the Satsuma Rebellion. The first floor features a diorama of Saigo Takamori's life, an exhibit on the achievements of Shimazu Nariakira (the 28th lord of the Satsuma Domain), a "Learn More About Saigo" corner (digital museum, video library—Saigo Takamori's life, animation produced by the Kagoshima Prefecture Educational Foundation—Saigo and Okubo, etc.), and a museum shop (selling books and related goods). The second floor displays a diorama of Saigo Takamori's life (post-Meiji era), Saigo Takamori's clothing, personal effects, and portraits; his calligraphy and Chinese poems; materials related to the Satsuma Rebellion—bullets, flags, photographs; Satsuma biwa (a type of lute) and Satsuma swords; and a video library (the Satsuma Rebellion, the exchange of virtue between Kagoshima and Yamagata Prefectures). The annex/study room houses the original bronze statue of Saigo and Sugawara Michizane in conversation, calligraphy by Saigo and Okubo Toshimichi, and 2,000 books related to Saigo. In the forecourt of the Saigo Nanshu Memorial Hall, red and white plum trees, donated in 2006 by Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine (Dazaifu City, Fukuoka Prefecture) to the Saigo Nanshu Memorial Association, bloom in early spring. This is based on a legend that Saigo Takamori offered prayers there on Sugawara Michizane's death anniversary. The Saigo Nanshu Memorial Hall is a recommended sightseeing spot for history buffs and anyone interested in Kagoshima's history and culture.