Chiran Samurai Residence Garden

Chiran Samurai Residence Gardens are gardens created from the 1700s to 1800s with Mt. Okadake as a backdrop. Seven gardens are designated scenic spots. They are located on the Samurai Residence Street within an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings. Only the Mori Residence Garden is a pond-stroll (chisen) style; the other six are dry landscape (karesansui) gardens. The gardens include: Saigo Keiichiro Garden, Hirayama Katsumi Garden, Hirayama Ryoichi Garden, Sata Mishu Garden, Sata Tamiko Garden, Sata Naotada Garden, and Mori Shigekata Garden. They are also designated as a National Place of Scenic Beauty. Crossing Kawakami Bridge over the Fumoto River leads into the garden area. Today you can view the former Takagi family residence and seven residences with their gardens. The area is often called the ‘Little Kyoto of Satsuma,’ and strolling through the gardens offers distinct impressions at each site. Along the street, koi swim in clear water channels, creating a highly elegant atmosphere. Access: from JR Kagoshima-Chuo Station, take a Kagoshima Kotsu bus bound for Chiran; get off at ‘Buke Yashiki Iriguchi’ stop, and it’s right there.