Iriai Fumoto Bukeyashiki-gun (Samurai Residence District)

Overview

Iriai Fumoto Bukeyashiki-gun is a rare place with a history stretching back to the Kamakura period, where the Iriaiin clan ruled under the Satsuma Domain. The area features a harmonious blend of a medieval mountain castle (the remains of Kiyairo Castle) and an Edo-period and later townscape, nestled within a curving street layout bordered by the Higiwaki River (which served as a moat) and cobblestone walls. Iriai Fumoto is one of the 'fumoto' – samurai residence districts – into which the Satsuma Domain divided its territory (over 110 in total). Registered as a Japan Heritage site, this Satsuma samurai residence district captivates history buffs and casual visitors alike with its unique atmosphere. A visit to the former Masuda Residence is highly recommended; it offers a glimpse into the lifestyle and architecture of that era. Built in the early Meiji period on the site of a Buddhist temple destroyed during the anti-Buddhist movement (haibutsu kishaku), this thatched-roof house with an earthen floor provides a vivid image of daily life then. Other highlights in Iriai Fumoto include the castle ruins and winding alleyways. The ruins allow you to imagine the former grandeur of the castle, while the narrow, twisting paths evoke the everyday life of the past. Iriai Fumoto Bukeyashiki-gun is a captivating destination for history enthusiasts and casual travelers alike. Be sure to pay it a visit!