Chiran Discovery

Explore Chiran, an out-lying castle town during Japan's feudal period and home base for the feared kamikaze pilots during World War II.

Take a scenic drive to Chiran to visit the well-preserved residences and gardens of the Samurai. Surrounded by moss-covered stonewalls and sporting black tile roofs, the 250 year old houses recapture the traditional flavor of the Edo Period. Today, Samurai descendants live some of the old estates, but many of the gardens are open to the public. Though small, each garden is an excellent example of borrowed landscaping, where the surrounding mountains and scenery are an integral part of the garden design.

Visit the memorable Tokko Heiwa Kaikan, or Peace Museum, dedicated to the young kamikaze pilots who trained near Chiran before embarking on suicide missions against Allied sea vessels in WWII. The museum commemorates the bravery and sad sacrifice of these young Japanese men, and makes a plea for world peace. Return to Kagoshima and the ship following your in-depth visit to Chiran.