NHK Taiga Drama in 2018 is Saigo Takamori.
He is the great contributor to the modernization of Japan and a historical hero of Kagoshima Prefecture.
I am happy since he and I are from the same prefecture.
In the drama, a famous actor Mr. Suzuki Ryohei plays role of Mr. Saigo.
I think that many people get interested in the drama and Mr. Saigo, so I decided to prepare travel guide articles for those travelers.
CONTENTS
Pickup！
Kinko-Bay Yorimichi Cruise
In 1863 Anglo Satsuma War occurred between Satsuma Domain and the Great Britain.
Satsuma had suffered from the lack of human resources and this war contributed to the return of Saigo Takamori from the exiled place Okinoerabu Island to Satsuma Domain.
By taking Yorimichi Cruise of Sakurajima Ferry, you can view Kanze which had been fortified with stone walls during Anglo-Satsuma War.
１．Appearance of Saito
① Secret of Portrait
Many Japanese people learn his face at school, but actually the portrait is not him.
See Article→Secret of Saigo’s Portrait
②Statue of Saigo Takamori
Speaking of Saigo’s statue, the statue at Ueno Park (Tokyo) is very famous. His statue also stands in his hometown Kagoshima. He puts in military clothes.
See article→Statue of Saigo Takamori
The Saigo’s Statue at Saigo Park (Kirishima City) near Kagoshima Airport is the biggest human statue in Japan. Saigo wears traditional Hakama.
See Article→Saigo Park
２．Visit Travel Sites of Saigo’s Lifetime!
Birthplace of Saigo Takamori
In 1828, Mr. Saigo was born at this place of Kagoshima City as a son of Samurai family of low class.
See Article→Birthplace of Saigo Takamori
Meditation Training Stone
Saigo Takamori practiced meditation training with young fellows such as Okubo Toshimichi.
See Articles→Meditation Stone Park
2nd House of Saigo
Saigo sold the former house and moved to the 2nd house with his family.
See Article⇒Former Site of Saigo Nanshu’s House
Former Site of Saigo’s Farming House
Saigo engaged in agriculture to get income at the site.
See Article⇒Former Site of Saigo’s Farming House
House where Mr. Saigo recovered
Mr. Saigo and his friend Buddhist priest Gessho jumped into Kagoshima Bay to commit suicide in 1858. Only Mr. Saigo was rescued.
See Article→House where Mr. Saigo recovered
Exiled to Okinoerabu Island
Saigo offended Shimadzu Hisamitsu and was sentenced to Okinoerabu Island
He was imprisoned in Okinoerabu Island for 1.5 years after imprisonment in Tokunoshima Island for 2 months.
See Articles→Landing Spot of Saigo Takamori (Okinoerabu Island)
His prison mark has been left at Wadomari-cho of Okinoerabu Island.
See Article→Saigo Nanshu Museum
Ruin of Residence of Mr. Saigo
He returned to Kagoshima after Meiji Restoration. His residence was located near Kagoshima Chuo Station.
See Article →Ruin of Take Residence (Kagoshima City)
Seinan Civil War
Seinan Civil War took place in 1877. The war was the last battle of Japanese history.
Saigo Takemori leds his 6,000 army and headed to Kumamoro Prefecture. The way which they passed has been preserved as it had been at that time.
See Article→Tatsumonji Zaka
Last of Mr. Saigo
Seinan Civil War (1877) was the last civil war in Japanese History.
Headquarters of Mr. Saigo’s Military.
See Article→Headquater of Mr. Saigo’s Military
See Article→Bullet Marks on Stone Walls of Shigakko
See Article→Saigo Cave and Suicide Site of Mr. Saigo
Shrine Worships Mr. Saigo
His popularity has never ceased even after his death. He finally became a God!
See Article→Nanshu Shrine
①Statue of Okubo Toshimichi
Best friend and rival of Saigo Takamori.
See Article→Statue of Okubo Toshimichi
②Statue of Komatsu Tatewaki
He contributed to the Taisei-Hokan or the return of authority from Tokugawa Mirlitary Government to emperial family. Japanese actor Eita played his role in the NHK Taiga-drama “Atsuhime (Princess Atsu). His statue stans in front of Saigo Takamori face to face.
See Article→Statue of Komatsu Tatewaki
③Statue of Shimadzu Nariakira
He was the 28th leader of Shimadzu clan and the ruler of Satsuma Domain. He chose his smart subordinates including Saito Takamori regardless of their social classes. Nariakira is also the inventer of Japanese “Hinomaru” flag. Terukuni Shrine (Kagoshima CIty) worships him.
See Article→Terukuni Shrine
④Statue of Godai Tomoatsu
He is known as the Father of Osaka. Many Japanese ladies cried for his death when Godai died at the NHK morning TV drama series “Asagakita”. In the drama, Mr. Dean Fujioka playes the role of Godai.
See Article→Statue of Godai Tomoatsu
⑤Statue of Princess Atsu
Princess Atsu is the wife of 13th lord of Tokugawa Shogun. Actress Miyazaki Aoi played her role at the NHK drama series. Princess Atsu made great contribution to the continuation of Tokugawa family and peace of Japan.
See Article→Statue of Princess Atsu
⑥Birthplace of Kirino Toshiaki
⑦Birthplace of Beppu Shinsuke
Saigo’s Favorite Spa
Saigo loved Nakajima Spa (Hioki City) and visited the spa three times.
When Saigo stayed at Unagi Spa, Eto Shinpei asked Saigo to fight against the Meiji Government.
Spinoff
Following video shows “Kawara-soba” or famous food of Yamaguchi Prefecture. The food has the relationship with Saigo Takamori.
In 1877, the Satsuma forces led by Saigo Takamori surrounded Kumamoto Castle. During that battle, Satuma forces baked wild grasses and meats on Japanese roof tiles. The Kawara Soba noodle derives from this story. Seaweeds, radish and egg are put on the tea-tasted soba noodles.
Saigo Takamori Travel Map
I made a map which indicates the travel sports regarding Mr. Saigo Takamori. I hope this will help your travel in Kagoshima, Japan!
