The Chiran Samurai District has a combination of former residences for the elite warrior class of feudal Japan, as well as seven traditional gardens for visitors to explore. Located at the center of the Satsuma Peninsula of downtown Chiran, many Japanese locals refer to this area as little Kyoto of Kagoshima. The specially preserved district with its houses and gardens can be traced back to the Edo period with a historical atmosphere undisturbed by electrical polls or vehicles parked on the streets. The 700 meter long path fortified by stonewalls and hedges have been specially designed to give the samurai warriors a strategic advantage if they were ever under attack by enemies. One of the main attractions at this samurai district would be the seven gardens available for visitors to explore. 5 out of the 7 traditional gardens are karesansui dry gardens incorporating Kyushu’s shirasu pumice with volcanic ashes to portray water surfaces in most Japanese style gardens. The remaining 2 gardens features a pond, as well as trimmed shrubs shaped into forming mountainous ranges in Kagoshima. Travelers can experience dining in some of the restaurants in the area, which have been renovated from the old architecture providing a special atmosphere to rest from touring the samurai district.
