Shiroyama Observatory

An observatory located in the heart of the city. The observatory is situated on 107-meter-high Mt. Shiroyama and looks out over the sites of numerous ancient battlefields connected to the Satsuma Rebellion. Over 600 varieties of temperate and subtropical trees and plants grow thick on the small mountain, including giant camphor, ferns, and sweet viburnum, making it a popular destination among locals to relax and refresh themselves. The observatory offers a sweeping view of Sakurajima, Kinko Bay, and the streets of Kagoshima City, and, on clear days, visitors can enjoy a vast panorama extending all the way to the Kirishima Mountains and Kaimondake Volcano in Ibusuki. The observatory is also famous for its beautiful nightscape. This fantastic scenery has also been designated a National Historic Site and Natural Monument.