Travel Guide to Chiran Samurai Residence, Kagoshima, Japan

Getting to Chiran Samurai Residence

The Chiran Samurai Residence is a historic area located in the town of Minamikyushu, Kagoshim Prefecture, Japan. Known for its well-preserved samurai houses and gardens, the area offers a glimpse into Japan's feudal past. To reach the Chiran Samurai Residence, you can follow these steps:

By Air and Bus:

1. Book a flight to Kagoshima Airport (KOJ).
2. From the airport, take a Limousine Bus to Kagoshima Chuo Station which takes about 40 minutes.
3. At Kagoshima Chuo Station, transfer to a local bus line, such as the Iwasaki or Nangoku Kotsu bus, heading towards Chiran. The bus ride takes about 1.5 hours.
4. Get off at the Chiran Samurai Residence stop (Chiran Bukeyashiki Iriguchi).

By Train and Bus:

1. Take a train to Kagoshima Chuo Station on Kyushu Island.
2. From Kagoshima Chuo Station, take the aforementioned bus lines towards Chiran.

By Car:

1. Rent a car from the airport or any major city in Kyushu.
2. Drive towards the southern part of Kagoshima Prefecture following the signs to Minamikyushu/Chiran area.
3. The drive can take about 1 hour from Kagoshima City.

Travel Tips:

• Check bus schedules in advance as they do not run frequently.
• Consider purchasing a Good Access Ticket which offers unlimited bus rides between Kagoshima and Chiran for a day.
• Car rental may provide more flexibility for exploring the Chiran area and other nearby attractions.

Additional Information

The Chiran Samurai Residence area is open to visitors throughout the year, but it's best to visit during the daytime. Ensure you set aside a few hours to fully enjoy and explore the serene gardens and historic homes. Most houses have entry fees, so be prepared with cash in Japanese Yen.