Chiran

Chiran has been an important site through the ages, leaving it full of interesting sites for visitors. The largest carved pagoda in the country, believed to date from the 1100s, sits on the banks of the Kiyomizu River, near cliffs inscribed with ancient Buddhist images. In the 18th century, samurai established impressive residences and gardens in the town. A stroll in the area is like walking in yesteryear. And most recently, Chiran hosted the base of kamikaze pilots in World War II. The Chiran Peace Museum details this history and promotes world peace. 

Chiran is renowned for its high-quality green tea. Journey into the tea plantations to witness rows of carefully maintained green tea bushes and enjoy drinks and sweets made from freshly picked leaves. By the coast, there are plenty of spots to appreciate views of the bright blue ocean, including at the picturesque Kamafuta Shrine, said to bestow good luck on visitors. 

Deliver messages of the tragedy of war and the dignity of peace and life

A Testament to the Importance of Worldwide Peace
To tell a true story for future generations and to wish for eternal world peace, the Chiran Peace Museum for Kamikaze Pilots collects, preserves, and displays the belongings, final letters, and documents which were left behind by the members of the army special attack corps, who died at the battle of Okinawa at the end of the Greater East Asia War (called the Pacific War after rhw war).
Each of the farewell notes and relics displayed show the absurdity of war as well as the pilot's feelings, and make us recall the importance of peace, our lives, and family bonds.

The samurai country of Satsuma features samurai residences with tidy rows of stonewalls and substantial gates.
This beautiful town with traditional gardens is celebrated as "Little Kyoto in Satsuma".
The Japanese government designated it an "Important Preservation District for Group of Traditional Buildings and seven gardens are named as "a place of scenic beauty".
The walls of each house were built for protection in the age of provincial wars, from the 15th to early 17th century.

You too can receive divine favor!

At this shrine, which is also well known as a spiritual oasis, you may get a blessing for driving out evil spirits by offering a prayer with a pot cover over your head, and good fortune or good luck in battle by tossing a pot cover.

Enjoy the charming coastlines and take a leisurely stroll through the rich nature.

Ino Tadataka, who walked around all of Japan for surveying 200 years ago and made the map of Japan, declared this place the most "magnificent view under the sun"
The park is also popular with couples for being a place where you can make your wishes come true.
If you ring the happy bell in the park, your love will have a happy ending.
The seashore along the park is a fishing-spot rich in lobster.

The Sanskrit characters and line engravings carved with thoughts on a rock wall.

On the 400m wide cliff,on the right bank of the Kiyomizu river in Iwaya Park, are 193 Buddhist images.
The Sanskrit characters, memorial pagodas, and Buddhist statues were carved between the Heian era and the Meiji era.
In pressiuely, the "Great Five-Storied Pagoda", which is presumed to have been carved in the Late Heian Era, is the biggest carved pagoda in Japan, with a height of 12m.

This museum shows the relationship between Satsuma and England.
You can enjoy British style tea and confectioneries.

The great reaches of the extensive tea plantations, like a green carpet, is an example of typical Japanese rural scenery.
The tea grown in Minamikyushu City has been awarded first prize many times at the National Tea Fair, and is the second largest tea crop.