This area is covered by volcanic ash consisting mostly of pumice, which is well-drained but largely unsuitable for rice cultivation.

It is unknown when the castle was first constructed, but it is believed to have been in the 12th century by the local Chiran clan, around the time of the Shimazu shōen.

During this period, the Ijuin clan seized the west coast of Satsuma Peninsula, including the Chiran area.

[5] The castle town survived and was developed in the Edo Period as a residence for high ranking retainers of Satsuma Domain with the main street folded at the center for defense.

The castle remains consists of over 10 terraces of different sized spreads about 250 meter long square, which are surrounded by vertical cliffs.