Shiroyama

Shiroyama is a Japanese toponym used for several hills and districts. The name, meaning "castle hill" (and sometimes rendered as Shiroyama with different kanji), is commonly applied to elevations near former castles or strategic sites.

The most famous Shiroyama is the hill in Kagoshima City, Kagoshima Prefecture, which overlooks Kagoshima Bay and sits near the ruins of Kagoshima Castle. It is best known as the site of the last stand of Saigō Takamori during the 1877 Satsuma Rebellion. After the rebellion, Shiroyama was developed into a park area that includes the Saigō Takamori statue and a viewing platform for city and bay vistas.

Beyond Kagoshima, other locations nationwide carry the name Shiroyama, including hills, parks, and urban districts. In many cases, the designation indicates a prominent hill associated with a historical fortification or scenic overlook. The exact kanji and local history vary by site, but the use of Shiroyama as a toponym reflects a common practice in Japanese place-naming.