Ishin Furusato Kan (Restoration Home Museum)

Ishin Furusato-kan is a facility where visitors can enjoy various aspects of people, technology, and exchange, focusing on the activities of the great figures of the Meiji Restoration. Using videos, dioramas, and robots, the museum introduces Kagoshima’s history and the achievements of its predecessors in an easy-to-understand manner. It is an interesting and enjoyable experience for visitors.

Ishin Furusato Kan is a history museum located in Kajiya-cho, Kagoshima City, Kagoshima Prefecture. The museum displays exhibits related to the history of the Satsuma clan and Japan, mainly focusing on the Meiji Restoration.

Kajiya-cho was the birthplace of many people related to the Satsuma clan who were active during the period from the Meiji Restoration to the Russo-Japanese War. Therefore, the historical novelist Ryotaro Shiba described the town as “so to speak, it is as if the period from the Meiji Restoration to the Russo-Japanese War was fought within a single town.

The most famous people from this area include Saigo Takamori and Okubo Toshimichi, who are known as the “Three Greats of the Meiji Restoration”; Togo Heihachiro and Oyama Iwao, who led Japan to victory in the Russo-Japanese War and were known as “Oyama of the land and Togo of the sea;” and Yamamoto Gonpei, the 16th and 22nd Prime Minister of Japan. Many monuments to the birthplace of these historical figures are located in the vicinity of the Ishin Furusato Kan.

At Ishin Furusato Kan, visitors can learn about the achievements and historical background of these great men. Those interested are encouraged to visit.

The following exhibits are available at Ishin Furusato Kan.

1st floor “The Way of Heroes”

Atsuhime (Princess Atsushi) (Tenzhakuin) Corner
Exploring the End of the Edo Period: Education in the Township
The time when Satsuma was looking at the world
Corner displaying a model of the Shoheimaru, the Hinomaru (Japanese flag), and the roots of the Kimigayo (Japanese national anthem)
Exhibition corner about Saigo Takamori and Okubo Toshimichi
Learning zone about the Meiji Restoration
Satsuma tourist information zone

B1F “The Road of Restoration

Restoration Experience Hall: There are models of the Kajiya-cho area and life-size robots of Saigo Takamori, Okubo Toshimichi, and others, and the drama “The Road to Restoration” depicting the Meiji Restoration is performed using sound and video (7 times a day).
Drama “Satsuma Student, to the West”: This drama recounts the events of young samurai ordered by the Satsuma clan to study in England despite the Edo Shogunate’s ban on overseas travel (6 performances a day).

In addition, in the thematic exhibition rooms 1 and 2, there are exhibits on the Shuseikan project, the Satcho alliance, the restoration of the monarchy, the overthrow of the shogunate movement, and the Sonno expulsion of the barbarians, as well as introductions to famous Kagoshima personalities. We hope you will visit the museum if you are interested in learning more about Kagoshima.