Kagoshima, Japan

Chiran Samurai District & Peace Museum

Explore Serene Gardens and Thought-Provoking Exhibits Contemplate peace as you explore several gardens and a war memorial in Chiran. Travel back to Japan’s Edo period while touring Chiran’s samurai district, a neighborhood of well-preserved homes dating back around 250 years. The homes are still occupied by residents and several of their gardens are open to the public. Tucked behind tall moss-covered stone walls and hedges, these charming gardens of stone, verdant trees and sculpted shrubbery intermingle with the surrounding landscape to create a tranquil oasis. Afterward, visit the Chiran Peace Museum, which is dedicated to the kamikaze pilots who flew suicide missions during World War II. Built as a peace museum dedicated to the memory of these young men, its exhibits highlight the value of life, with touching mementos and a selection of the last letters written by the pilots to their loved ones before their final missions. * Moderate - Walking portions may be long and somewhat challenging with occasional step-ups, stairs and inclines. Total time walking or standing normally ranges from 1.5 to 3 hours.