KAGOSHIMA
ISO GARDENS (SENGAN'EN)
Caitlin and Naomi first meet here
"She stopped to give one of the rocks along the edge a quick dusting and sat down--knees drawn up, skirt pulled down to her ankles. Mottled fish lurked just beneath the surface of the filmy water before her, and she set her pack down behind her, tossed a few pebbles, and watched as the carp tumbled over one another to gulp at the fanning ripples." (PAGE 15)
| Sengan'en, formerly called Iso Gardens (Iso Teien in Japanese) and the setting for the opening chapter of Ash, is situated in the north of Kagoshima City alongside Kinko Bay and overlooking the volcano Sakurajima. The elaborate grounds, with bamboo groves, rock gardens, and a stream that was used by the elite for poetry parties, were laid out with the adjoining villa in 1660; the spot was a favorite of Shimazu lords, who used it as a summer home. Although in Ash, the garden contains a ropeway to take visitors to the top of Isoyama, this eyesore (as well as a tacky amusement park) has since been removed, leaving the hiking path, Caitlin's way up, the only means of taking in the impressive view from the summit--where Naomi hands her the will. |
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Sakurajima • Iso Gardens (Sengan'en) • Kirishima and Ebino-Kogen • Local pottery
For the Shimazu family's account of their background and Sengan'en, see:
http://www.minc.ne.jp/shimadzu/heritage/Eheritage.htm
