Tabaruzaka Seinan Civil War Museum

This small museum stands on the site of the Battle of Tabaruzaka, the largest engagement of the 1877 Satsuma Rebellion, where imperial government forces defeated samurai rebels over 17 days in March. The rebellion began when former samurai of the Satsuma domain marched on Tokyo, stopping to besiege Kumamoto Castle on the way. The museum's second room presents a video reenactment with diorama, lighting, and sound. Exhibits show the clear material gap between the sides: government conscripts carried breech-loading Snider-Enfield rifles, while the rebels, running short of both ammunition and funds, melted used bullets for reuse and printed local currency. Outside, a reconstructed battle-scarred storehouse stands near the cherry tree and azalea-planted park.