Chiran Discovery

OVERVIEW

Stroll through a historical neighborhood where samurais once lived and browse a museum that memorializes Japan’s World War II kamikaze pilots. Upon reaching the castle-town of Chiran, you will walk down a lane lined with stone walls, behind which lie a number of centuries-old samurai houses that recapture the essence of the Edo Period. Descendants of the samurai still inhabit some of the estates, although the gardens of other residences are open for browsing. The gardens are designed to maximize the views of the surrounding landscape. Chiran is also known for its wartime airbase where hundreds of kamikaze pilots trained for their suicide missions. While perusing the exhibits in the Chiran Peace Museum, you will see some of the pilots’ personal effects, which add a human dimension to their ultimate sacrifice and insight into their motivation. Outside, you will find a plane recovered from a seabed where a kamikaze pilot crashed.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Stroll a lane in Chiran lined with beautifully maintained samurai residences and gardens.
• Notice how the gardens are designed to complement the surrounding landscape.
• Browse the Chiran Peace Museum, which tells the story of the kamikaze pilots that trained there.
• See a recovered kamikaze plane from World War II.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.