Chiran Castle

History

A castle was first constructed on this site in 1197 under the command of Minamoto no Yoritomo. In 1353, one of the brothers of the ruling Shimazu clan started a new Sata clan under the Shimazu as lords of Chiran Castle. Despite being involved in several conflicts the Sata ruled over Chiran Castle until the Edo Period. In 1591, the Sata lord was driven out by Hideyoshi for disobedience. In his absence, a fire broke out and burned down much of the castle. In 1615, Chiran Castle was officially decommissioned by the One Castle Per Province edict. The Sata clan however continued as the local Tokugawa representatives until the Meiji Period living on the castle grounds.

Visit Notes

Be sure to visit the old Samurai Quarter while in the area.

Gallery

Samurai quarter
map and sign

Castle Profile
English Name	Chiran Castle
Japanese Name	知覧城
Founder	Ei Clan
Year Founded	1197
Castle Type	Hilltop
Castle Condition	Ruins only
Designations	Next 100 Castles, Top 100 Mountaintop Castles, National Historic Site
Historical Period	Pre Edo Period
Features	samurai homes, stone walls
Visitor Information
Access	Hirakawa Sta. (Ibusakimakurasaki Line); car
Visitor Information	Free park is open any time. Pick up a map and brochure from the box at the parking lot.
Time Required
Website	http://www.chiran-navi.com/bukeyashiki/index.html
Location	Minami Kyushu, Kagoshima Prefecture
Coordinates	31° 22' 0.88" N, 130° 26' 34.44" E
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Admin
Added to Jcastle	2013
Admin Year Visited	Viewer Contributed