Izumi Fumoto Samurai Residences

Overview

The Izumi Fumoto Samurai Residences, located in Izumi City, Kagoshima Prefecture, are a designated Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings. During the Edo period, under the rule of the Satsuma Domain, approximately 150 samurai residences were systematically built as a defensive outpost against the Higo Domain. The area still retains its original townscape, with streets laid out in a grid pattern, stone walls, hedges, and stately samurai gates that speak volumes about the lives of the samurai of that time. The stone walls, in particular, are a breathtaking sight, built from locally sourced obsidian. The charm of Izumi Fumoto Samurai Residences lies not only in its historic architecture but also in its harmony with nature. Lush bamboo groves and gardens bursting with seasonal flowers surround the residences, providing a tranquil atmosphere for leisurely walks. Within the site is the Izumi Fumoto History Museum, showcasing diorama models, videos, and historical documents that offer insights into the lives of samurai and the history of the Satsuma Domain. You can also visit the open-to-the-public samurai residences, Takezoe Residence and Zeisho Residence. The Takezoe Residence, once home to the Takezoe family, who served as senior vassals of the Satsuma Domain, is a precious building reminiscent of that era's lifestyle. The Zeisho Residence, home to a Satsuma Domain official, is another historically valuable structure. Izumi Fumoto Samurai Residences offer a truly immersive experience, feeling like a journey back in time. Take your time to wander through, imagining the lives of Edo-era samurai and reflecting on the history of the Satsuma Domain.