December 12, 2007 Day 11: Chiran
Chiran is a small town in the middle of the Satsuma Peninsula in Kagoshima Prefecture. Within the town there is a preserved samurai district with houses and gardens that date back about 250 years. Chiran’s isolated location at the southern end of Kyushu has allowed the district to keep much of its historical character intact.
The preserved samurai district consists of a 700 meter long street within downtown Chiran that runs parallel to the main thoroughfare. The street itself is very attractive, with the rock walls and hedges of residences and the forested hillsides in the distance. Unlike some other samurai districts, it is also free of telephone poles and parked cars that would detract from the historic atmosphere. Seven gardens attached to samurai residences are open to the public, while the buildings themselves cannot be entered. One admission ticket allows tourists to visit all seven gardens.
Beyond its historical sites, Chiran is renowned for its natural beauty. The town is famous for its high-quality green tea production, and the surrounding landscape is dotted with picturesque tea plantations. Visitors can enjoy strolling through these verdant fields and even participate in tea-picking experiences during the harvest season.
A visit to Chiran would be incomplete without exploring the Chiran Peace Museum For Kamikaze Pilots. This museum, located on the site of the former Chiran Air Base, offers a poignant look into the lives of the young pilots who made the ultimate sacrifice during World War II.