Chiran Samurai Manor Gardens (知覧武家屋敷庭園)

Flow of the course

About this spot

The Chiran samurai manor buildings, known as "Satsuma's Little Kyoto," are a townscape that preserves the character of a samurai settlement called Fumoto (麓), one of the external administrative centers established by the Satsuma domain in the Edo period. The streets lined with well-aligned stone walls and beautifully trimmed hedgerows have been designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Historic Buildings of Japan, and the seven publicly accessible gardens are designated as National Scenic Spots. Most feature dry-landscape gardens depicting mountain-and-water scenes using stone and sand, with only one featuring a pond-style garden with water. The gardens expertly incorporate Mount Mogake (母ヶ岳), which towers behind the settlement, as borrowed scenery. Walking through and comparing the individuality of each garden deepens your appreciation of the aesthetic sensibilities embodied in the streets.

Tips

One admission ticket provides access to all seven gardens. Seeing the entire street and gardens requires considerable walking, so comfortable shoes are recommended. Early morning, before tour buses arrive, offers peaceful surroundings and few crowds.

Best time to visit

Approximately 2 hours required. Early morning before tour buses arrive is quiet, and the green hedgerows are most beautiful in morning light

Access & map

〒897-0302 Kagoshima Prefecture, Minami-Kyushu City, Chiran Town, Kori 6196-2