The Chiran peace Museum in Kagoshima Prefecture is one of those locations that leaves a lasting impression on you for many years to come. The museum is located in a very rural part of the prefecture and down on the southern point of Kyushu Island allowing its strategic location to attack the advancing allied forces through the Okinawa Islands. The region of Japan was very important to the Japanese War Machine as Nagasaki was the hub of the Imperial Navy and Chiran was the hub of the Imperial Air force.
The museum has attempted to commemorate the army pilots who were known as the kamikaze pilots with stories of personal comments to their parents before their suicide missions in the days to come. When I first visited this museum over 20 years ago, there was limited if not any English whatsoever. However, today, I’m proud to announce that there has been a real impetus put on the fact that as foreigners, we are only told one side of the many World War II stories. It is these personal accounts and heartfelt messages of the young soldiers to their parents that really give you an indication of what it was really like during that faithful time. The peace museum tells about the true situation of that time to provide posterity and devote itself to contribute to permanent world peace.
20 years ago, only the Japanese visitors would leave the premises with tears in their eyes, now with the English translations and interactive displays, It is pretty much a certainty that all visitors will leave this attraction with a profound effect and a deeper understanding of the opposition during this turbulent time. The Chiran peace Museum has been able to collect many artifacts over the years with the highlight being several Japanese zero fighters that are permanently encased inside and also outside in the memorial park. One of the zero's has been left intact and shows the damage it occurred during one of the many air forays into enemy territory. A real find!
This is a true World War II historical significant site that has been able to mend many fences and bring Japan back to where it stands today. A trusted and respected ally of the west and one of the hottest destinations to visit in the 21st century.
Please check out the Chiran Peace Museum of the map below:
Please click on these photos below to enlarge:
Main building
Important military locations
The entrance
Peace Fountain
Kamikaze Pilots
Japanese Zero Fighter
Peace Bell
Sleeping quarters
Peace Cranes
Damaged Zero
Please look at these videos below to see more about the Chiran Peace Museum.
There is something about Green Tea that is very fascinating. We all know that Green Tea is good for us, it's great for the brain and improves cognitive function, great for aiding digestion and it's an excellent drink to help with weight loss and for skin and eye quality. The green tea industry in Japan is booming as demand from abroad has been peaking in the last 10 to 15 years.
The best thing is that the Green Tea region of Ureshino is right in my backyard and its such an interesting and picturesque location to explore. I will endeavor to promote this region of Kyushu and give those Green Tea lovers insights into production techniques and the history of the town.
The best place to do this is at the Ureshino Tea Exchange Museum located in the middle of the town. It has everything that one could need to understand more about Green Tea in general.
1) There is a quaint little museum in the building which although sign posted in English doesn't have extensive information. However there is just enough to get the gist of what is going on within the historical background and the production process.
Please click on the photos below to enlarge:
English guide is available
Background Information
Main floor
Interesting place to explore
Tea moments
Tea Production
Tea regions of Japan
Tea fields
Stages of production
2) There is a tea cafe located inside the building which allows you to try some of the various tea products. There are a multitude of hot and cold drinks as well as many different types of sweets to enjoy.
Profile of various farmers
The menu
Tea Cafe
Plenty of seating
2 person table
Plenty of awards
3) The sales shop is a place where you can buy quite a few products to take home with you. Teas and sweets round up the products on offer. They also offer a great selection of ceramic tea pots that shouldn't be missed. The ladies may I say are completely friendly and try to help you at every opportunity. I am sure you will enjoy the interactive experience.
Plenty of sweets
The teas of Ureshino
Tea options
Options galore
Tea pots
4) The tea fields outside are also a nice option to explore. On this cold wintery day (we had quite a bit of snow the previous 2 days) it was a pleasant surprise to see a white dusting of snow on the top of the hedges. The nature involved with these outdoor scenes are very powerful indeed and add to the overall experience of the situation.
I am sure you will agree that the combination of these 4 combined attractions make the Ureshino Tea Exchange Museum a special place to visit.
Please check out the Ureshino Tea Exchange Museum on this map below.
Please click on these videos below to see more of the Ureshino Tea Exchange Museum:
Here are some photos of a recent family tour enjoying the experience of sampling Green Tea.
