Among the many highlights of the garden, two stone lanterns stand out. One is the largest in the garden, known as the Jumping Lion Lantern. Its massive capstone covers an area of eight tatami mats, and the lion standing atop appears to be descending from the sky, full of motion and energy.
The other is the Crane Lantern, named because its pointed capstone resembles a crane spreading its wings. Nearby, a stone shaped like a turtle represents longevity and prosperity.
These lanterns are not only decorative. As part of his modernization projects, Shimazu Nariakira conducted experiments here using gas lighting.
In 1857, coal gas was successfully lit in these lanterns, illuminating the garden. Encouraged by this success, Nariakira planned to light the streets of Kagoshima with gas lamps. Sadly, he passed away before seeing this dream realized. Had it succeeded, Kagoshima, not Yokohama, might have been Japan’s first gas-lit city.