Chiran
The City Telling of Respect for Peace to the World
Minami Kyushu City is located in the southern part of the Satsuma Peninsula and is a popular sightseeing city welcoming 700,000 people a year. The historical Chiran Fumoto district is located in the central part of the city and a number of classical samurai residences still remain. With its beautiful traditional townscape from the Edo period, the city has been called the “Little Kyoto in Satsuma” for many years. What should be remembered about this city is that it was the location of a Japanese army military base during the Pacific War. Today, the Chiran Peace Museum is open on this site. Documents related to the war and letters written by young members of Tokkotai (suicide attack units) are exhibited. This is the place people can learn about the meaning of peace and Chiran is the city advocating peace to the world. From an agricultural aspect, Chiran is a top production area of Japanese green tea and has received a number of awards, including the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Prize.
Sightseeing Highlights in Chiran
Chiran Samurai Residence and Garden Area
The group of classical samurai residences and Garden in the Chiran Fumoto district belonged to Satsuma Castle’s domain. Today, seven Japanese gardens in the district are designated as sites of National Scenic Beauty.
Chiran Peace Museum
A number of items which belonged to the young member of the Tokkotai (suicide attack units during the war), their farewell notes, letters to the family, and battle planes are exhibited.
Museum Chiran
With the theme of “Cultural Waves Crossing Each Other,” many cultural items from the Minami Kyushu and Ryukyu (Okinawa) areas are exhibited.
TEALAN Satsuma English Tea World
The museum exhibits materials introducing the history of Satsuma from the British perspective. You can enjoy local black tea certified by the Japan Tea Association in the museum.
Hotaru-kan
A museum dedicated to Tome Torihama who was loved and respected as the Mother of Tokkotai (suicide attack units during the war) members.
Iwaya Park and Shimizu Rock-Carved Buddhas
In spring, about 1,000 cherry trees bloom in the park, and in summer, you can enjoy a flowing water pool that uses a natural river.You can also see natural boulders and 200 Buddha statues carved into the rock walls in the park.
Roadside Station Kawabe Yasuragi no Sato
We stock a variety of products unique to the local area, such as fresh vegetables picked that morning and tofu and miso that are locally produced.
Hatake-no Sato Midori-kan
Visitors can try and enjoy some agriculture experience (making green tea) and 3D theater.
Kamafuta Shrine
Kamafuta Gankake Prayer is a unique tradition of how people visit this shrine and offer the prayer. A person holds a lid of large cooking oven (kamafuta) on the head and walk about 10 meters from the torii shrine gate to the shrine hall. It is believed that this can prevent bad fortunes from coming to the person.
Kamafuta-nage is another interesting tradition. A person throw a small lid of a pot about 3 meters above the pot. If one succeeds to let the lid get into the pot, it is believed that the person will become fortunate and healthy.
Bandokorobana Nature Park
Along the National Road #226 and on the way down to the beach from Mizunarikawa, this park offers a superb view which was praised as the best scenery of Japan by Tadataka Ino, who created the first map of Japan in the Edo period. Especially, the view of Mt. Kaimondake, aka Mt. Fuji in Satsuma, is outstanding. The sea around the park is a habitat for seahorses. Because seahorses live as a couple, they are symbol of happiness, good health, good romantic match-making, a good relationship between husband and wife, and safe child delivery in Japan. There is a bell “Kissho” in the park. Many couples visit here and ring the bell believing ringing the bell can bring them a happy romantic relationship and safe child birth.
Seahorse House
Seahorse House in the park is Japan’s only seahorse cultivation center accepting tourists. The seahorse is such a mysterious creature because it is the male who lays eggs. Enjoy watching pretty seahorses up close.
Ono-dake Park
From the observatory on the mountain’s summit, people can enjoy a superb view of Mt. Kaimon-dake (aka Mt. Fuji of Satsuma), Ikeda Lake and Kinko Bay and Osumi Peninsula from afar. This mountain is believed to bless people with a long and healthy life. Many people visit upon their important celebratory ages such as 77 (Kiju), 88 (Beiju) and 108 (Chaju) and climb to the top up the 108 stairs.
Important Annual Events in Chiran
Kawanabe Futsuka Market and Chiranmachi Futsuka Market
This market has been in operation for over 230 years, with around 400 stores lining the streets and always bustling with people.
Chiran Tokko Base the War Dead Memorial Festival
People pray and console the spirits of 1036 war dead who lost their precious lives as the members of Tokkotai (suicide attack units) during the Pacific War.
Satsuma Mizu Karakuri
This show of puppets and tricks is operated by waterwheel power. Stories are based on Japanese myths and folk tales. An important cultural heritage only found in Kagoshima Prefecture.
Chiran Neputa Festival
Seven large Neputa (large paper float; 5 meters high and 4 meters wide) of powerful samurai figure will parade around the city accompanied by the festive sound of drums and whistles.
Kawanabe Gion Festival
A large parade made up of floats, music, children, mikoshi portable shrines and dancers will pass along the shopping street. In the evening, about 2,000 fireworks will adorn the night sky.
Speech Contest: Message for Peace from Chiran
People from around Japan send messages about the “importance of peace” and “respect for life.”
Ei Gossoi Festival
Gossoi is a dialect in the region meaning “all together.” Citizens of Chiran become “Gossoi” and enjoy this big festival.
Little Kyoto Furusato Festival
Little Kyoto in Kyushu will come together and display local products and specialties. Samurai parade and local folk entertainment shows are also performed.
Kawanabe Magaibutsu Festival with Agricultural Festival
Ball-toss game, events on the stage and flea market will be opened.
Akari-no Michishirube ～ Chiran Tosairo ～
About 7,000 pieces of paper. Bamboo lanterns will light up the entire Chiran Samurai Residence area, allowing you to enjoy the fantastical atmosphere of the samurai residences for just one night.
Food & Specialties of Chiran
Chiran Tea
The mild climate and rich natural environment produces good quality Japanese tea. Chiran produces the largest quantity of Japanese tea as a single town which has won first prize in many competitions.
Satsuma Sweet Potato (Beni Satsuma, Chiran Beni)
Fresh-baked sweet potato (Chiran Beni & Beni Satsuma) are selected as the Kagoshima Brand. Chiran produces the largest quantity of sweet potato as a single town
Japanese Beef
Kawanabe Beef is a name of the brand which is given only to the cattle raised for over 15 months on the farm. It is the Level 4 grade certified by the Japan Meat Association.
Egg
Chiran produces the largest quantity of egg in Japan. Delicious sweets using fresh eggs from Chiran are must-try.
- Access
- 80-min. by bus from Kagoshima Chuo Station
20-min. by taxi from Kiire Station on the JR Ibusuki Makurazaki Line
70-min. by car from Kagoshima Airport
- Contact
- Minami Kyushu City Commerce and Industry Section
- TEL：0993-83-2511 / FAX：0993-83-2050
- E-mail： kankou@city.minamikyushu.lg.jp
- URL： http://www.city.minamikyushu.lg.jp/