From a hotel in Satsumasendai City, it took less than 30 minutes by rental car.
The spacious grounds beyond the large parking lot, along with the entrance gate, make the whole place look like a real castle—perfectly fitting for a “Samurai Armor Theme Park”!
With a bit of mist that day, the atmosphere was even more impressive.

Inside the museum, armors worn by famous Sengoku warlords and those used in movies and TV dramas were displayed in long rows. (For armor-lover MIKI, it was pure bliss!)

There were also armors of the Three Great Unifiers of Japan.

The brilliance of the gauntlet design and Craftsmanship were breathless!

Within the grounds, you can visit the armor factory, try wearing armor, enjoy target shooting, and more.
If you reserve in advance, you can even try on full armor of famous Sengoku warlords like Oda Nobunaga, Date Masamune, Sanada Yukimura, Takeda Shingen, Uesugi Kenshin, and others!
MIKI and her friend joined a course where, for just 500 yen, you can ride a decorative horse wearing a simple helmet and haori.

After watching the craftsmen’s skilled techniques in the factory, we headed to the gift shop.
They had everything from armor-pattern T‑shirts to armor for cats.

We left Samurai Armor Marutake completely satisfied.
Afterward, we enjoyed a seafood rice bowl at “Eguchi Hourai Kan” and admired the sunset sinking into the East China Sea♪

Kagoshima has a unique culture even within Kyushu—full of charm.
MIKI couldn’t stop smiling and is already eager to visit again.

By the way, speaking of the Shimazu clan, here are more recommendations♪
At Sengan-en, you can also experience armor dressing or traditional samurai attire (for both men and women).

And why not extend your trip to in Minamikyushu City?
It’s known as “Little Kyoto of Satsuma” and is designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings.