Question 1

How do I get there from Kagoshima-Chuo Station?

Accepted Answer

About 75 minutes on the Kagoshima Kotsu bus from Kagoshima-Chuo Station, alighting at Bukeyashiki-iriguchi, then 1-2 minutes' walk. By car it is about 9-10 minutes (about 9 km) from Chiran IC on the Ibusuki Skyline.

Question 2

Can I combine a visit with the Chiran Peace Museum?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the Chiran samurai residence gardens and the Chiran Peace Museum are both in the Chiran area of Minamikyushu City, about 5-10 minutes apart by car, so both can be seen efficiently in a day.

Question 3

What are the opening hours and closed days?

Accepted Answer

Open 9:00-17:00, all year round, every day from 1 January to 31 December. The gardens may close in exceptional conditions such as a typhoon.

Question 4

How long does a visit take?

Accepted Answer

The seven gardens line a samurai street about 700 m long, and walking it takes about 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes. Allow more if you stop at the cafes and tea houses nearby.

Question 5

Can I take photographs?

Accepted Answer

Photography is allowed of the samurai street and the exteriors of the gardens. Please follow the signs on site for the rules inside individual houses and gardens. There are many photogenic spots, and a photo competition is also held.

Question 6

How much is admission?

Accepted Answer

For individuals it is 530 yen for adults and 320 yen for children (elementary and junior high school). Groups of 30 or more pay 430 yen and 250 yen. Children under school age enter free. One ticket admits you to all seven gardens.

Question 7

Is there anywhere to eat or rest?

Accepted Answer

There are tea houses and restaurants serving local dishes along the samurai street, including Kojoan. Sweets made with Chiran tea and local dishes are both worth trying.

Question 8

When are the autumn leaves at their best?

Accepted Answer

They are usually at their best from late November to early December, when large ginkgo trees colour the samurai street beautifully. Fresh green in spring, shade in summer and quiet in winter make the gardens worth seeing all year.

Question 9

What are the seven gardens?

Accepted Answer

The seven gardens, designated a national Place of Scenic Beauty, are all in the dry landscape style except the Mori residence, which has a pond. Their distinctive style combines large clipped hedges with rock arrangements and shows the influence of southern cultures such as Ryukyu. The stone walls, hedges and gates preserve the feel of an Edo-period settlement.

Question 10

Is there a connection with NHK historical dramas?

Accepted Answer

Scenes for the 2018 NHK drama Segodon were filmed in the Chiran samurai district, making it a popular spot with fans of the series.

Question 11

Is there parking?

Accepted Answer

There are car parks around the samurai residence gardens. They can be busy in the tourist seasons, so we recommend arriving early.

Question 12

How do I get there?

Accepted Answer

About 9-10 minutes by car from Chiran IC on the Ibusuki Skyline. About 75 minutes on the Kagoshima Kotsu bus from Kagoshima-Chuo Station, alighting at Bukeyashiki-iriguchi, then about 1-2 minutes' walk.

Question 13

Is there parking?

Accepted Answer

Parking is available. Please check the official information for details.

Question 14

What is the address?

Accepted Answer

13731-1 Kori, Chiran Town, Minamikyushu City, Kagoshima Prefecture (garden office)

Question 15

How much is admission?

Accepted Answer

Individuals: adults 530 yen, children (elementary and junior high school) 320 yen. Groups of 30 or more: adults 430 yen, children 250 yen. Under school age free.

Question 16

When is it closed?

Accepted Answer

Open all year.

Question 17

What are the opening hours?

Accepted Answer

9:00-17:00.

How can we help you?

Quick categories