Kagoshima and the British Royal Family: Historic Royal Visits to Sengan-en

Discover the remarkable connections between Kagoshima, the British Royal Family and Admiral Tōgō Heihachirō.

When people in Britain think of Japan, places such as Tokyo, Kyoto and Mount Fuji may come to mind first. Yet Kagoshima, situated at the southern end of Kyushu, has its own fascinating history of connections with Britain.

One particularly interesting example can be found at Sengan-en, the former residence and garden of the powerful Shimadzu family, where members of the British Royal Family were welcomed in 1906 and 1922.

Both visits took place during an important period in Anglo-Japanese relations, and both involved one of Japan's most celebrated naval commanders, Admiral Tōgō Heihachirō.

Sengan-en — The Residence of the Shimadzu Family

For centuries, Kagoshima and the surrounding Satsuma region were ruled by the powerful Shimadzu clan, one of Japan's most influential samurai families.

Sengan-en was established in 1658 by Shimadzu Mitsuhisa, the 19th head of the family. The residence and its traditional Japanese garden overlook the magnificent Sakurajima volcano and Kagoshima Bay.

The estate served not only as a retreat for the Shimadzu family but also as a place to entertain distinguished guests, including foreign diplomats and members of royal families.

During the nineteenth century, Satsuma became one of the driving forces behind Japan's modernisation. Despite the Anglo-Satsuma War of 1863, relations between Satsuma and Britain developed rapidly, particularly through exchanges in education, technology and industry.

In 1865, the Satsuma domain secretly sent a group of students to Britain to study Western science, technology and institutions. Their experiences contributed to Japan's transformation into a modern industrial nation.

Against this historical background, Sengan-en became an important setting for encounters between Japan and Britain.

1906 — Prince Arthur of Connaught Visits Kagoshima

In 1906, Prince Arthur of Connaught, a grandson of Queen Victoria and an officer in the British Army, visited Japan on behalf of King Edward VII.

His mission was to present Emperor Meiji with the Order of the Garter, Britain's highest order of chivalry.

The visit reflected the increasingly close relationship between Britain and Japan following the Anglo-Japanese Alliance of 1902, which had been renewed in 1905.

During his visit to Kagoshima, Prince Arthur visited Sengan-en, where he was welcomed by Shimadzu Tadashige, the 30th head of the Shimadzu family, who had studied at the Imperial Japanese Naval Academy in Etajima, and Marshal-Admiral Tōgō Heihachirō, who had received his naval training in Britain.

Tōgō had become internationally renowned following his decisive victory over the Russian Baltic Fleet at the Battle of Tsushima in 1905.

It is particularly interesting that two prominent Japanese figures with naval backgrounds, one educated in Japan and the other in Britain, welcomed a member of the British Royal Family at Sengan-en.

Their meeting symbolised the close naval and diplomatic ties that had developed between Britain and Japan in the early twentieth century.

1922 — The Future King Edward VIII Visits Sengan-en

Sixteen years later, another member of the British Royal Family visited Kagoshima.

In May 1922, Edward, Prince of Wales, who would later become King Edward VIII, travelled to Japan as part of an official royal tour.

During his visit to Kagoshima, he was entertained at Sengan-en by members of the Shimadzu family.

Shimadzu Yasuhisa represented his elder brother, Shimadzu Tadashige, who was in Britain at the time.

Admiral Tōgō Heihachirō also took part in welcoming and entertaining the Prince of Wales.

According to contemporary accounts, the programme included a tour of the gardens, lunch and performances of traditional Japanese music and martial arts.

Among the performances was the tenbuku, a traditional bamboo flute associated with the Satsuma region.

The Prince also planted a commemorative tree during his visit.

For a young British prince travelling through Japan, the visit offered an opportunity to experience the distinctive culture and hospitality of Satsuma.

Admiral Tōgō Heihachirō — A Personal Link Between Kagoshima and Britain

One of the most fascinating figures connecting these royal visits was Admiral Tōgō Heihachirō (1848–1934).

Born in Kagoshima, Tōgō began his naval career during a period when Japan was rapidly modernising its armed forces.

In 1871, he travelled to Britain to study naval affairs and spent several years learning about British maritime traditions and technology.

He trained aboard the merchant marine training ship HMS Worcester and gained practical experience at sea.

His years in Britain helped shape his understanding of modern naval operations.

Tōgō later became one of Japan's most distinguished naval commanders. During the Russo-Japanese War, he commanded the Japanese Combined Fleet and achieved a decisive victory over the Russian Baltic Fleet at the Battle of Tsushima in 1905.

This victory brought him international recognition.

His connection with Britain was particularly significant. He had received part of his naval education there, and Japan's modern navy had been strongly influenced by British naval technology and training.

By the time Prince Arthur visited Japan in 1906, Tōgō had become a national hero.

Sixteen years later, he was present at Sengan-en to welcome the future King Edward VIII.

Tōgō's involvement in both royal visits illustrates the close personal and historical relationships that had developed between Britain and Japan.

From Satsuma to Modern Kagoshima

Today, Kagoshima is known for its dramatic volcanic scenery, warm climate, rich agricultural traditions and outstanding Japanese tea.

The region has also become one of Japan's major tea-producing areas.

While Uji, near Kyoto, is perhaps the best-known name associated with Japanese matcha, Kagoshima has developed its own important tea industry, combining favourable growing conditions with modern production methods.

During our recent visit to Kagoshima, we explored the region's tea-growing areas and visited Sengan-en, where we discovered more about these remarkable historical connections with Britain.

For us, Japanese products are more than simply items to buy and sell. They are also an opportunity to introduce the places, people, history and traditions behind them.

Continuing the Connection — Kagoshima Matcha in Britain

At Iwata Japan Shop, our aim is to introduce authentic Japanese products to customers in Britain, together with the stories and traditions that make them special.

Our Kagoshima Matcha Powder is one example.

Sourced from Kagoshima in southern Japan, our 50g packs are particularly suited to preparing matcha lattes at home.

More than a century ago, members of the British Royal Family travelled to Kagoshima and experienced the hospitality of the Shimadzu family at Sengan-en.

Today, we hope to continue the long-standing connection between Kagoshima and Britain in our own small way, by sharing Japanese tea and culture with customers across the UK.

From Kagoshima to Britain — one cup at a time.