Kyushu 2023 - Kumamoto Castle

 

Our initial plan was to visit Miyazaki Gorge on this day, but as the weather was still rainy, I decided to cancel and change it to a visit to the Kumamoto Castle instead. We made our way after breakfast, and it wasn't too hard to find once we found the castle wall. As we made our way to the main building, we saw a lot of damaged structure along the way. Few years back in 2016, there was a great earthquake here, and there were significant damaged to the city, the country side, and the castle. 

Restoration was still in progress, but the main castle building was opened in 2021. It was significant milestone for the city and it's people as a sign of resistant to the force of mother nature. Somehow, that made me kinda glad that I was visiting the castle on that day. It was my way of showing my support to the city of Kumamoto.

After climbing up a small hill, we finally arrived at the main building. The castle mascot was there to greet visitors too :)

As was the silver fish. I find that most castle have a kind of fish structure on the top of the castle. It was almost like their good luck charm or something. 

Inside the castle, there are more information about these fishes. I saw a similar gold one on my visit to Nagoya Castle too. They kinda looked like monster fish. And it always puzzle me why a fish was chosen to be on top of a castle in a landed area. Perhaps it was because of the close relationship between Japanese people and the sea? Goes to show I don't really read the information available in the castle museum! Lol. Cause I'm pretty sure there is an explanation for it. 

Sigh, since we're in the age of AI, I decided to ask the web and got this answer: 

"The fish-like orca-shaped ornaments, known as shachihoko, adorning the roofs of Japanese castles are mythical creatures believed to protect against fire. These creatures, often depicted with the body of a carp or orca and a lion or tiger head, are thought to control water and rain, thus preventing or extinguishing fires."

Carrying on the tour, I though this dark entrance to the castle was rather medieval. 

And finally, the actual entrance to go inside the castle. I like the cloth hanging over the entrance. I bet one says enter, the other says exit? But since I'm not Japanese, that subtle detail is lost on me!

One of my favourite things to look at inside a museum is how they showcase their culture and information. I must say, I was pretty impressed here. I will have one or two dedicated post later on showing you some of the cool exhibit that I love. 

From the stone castle looking down, I spotted a wooden looking castle on the castle ground too. I though these structures were beautiful, especially among the green landscape after the rain. I wonder if they were guest houses for visiting guest. I wouldn't mind staying in one of these.

And as mentioned in previous post, the view of Kumamoto City from the castle in the morning was just stunning. Clouds hanging in mid mountain. To think that I once paid a morning tour to see this in Alishan and saw nothing. Here, I could just stood there and watch as the clouds move and part as the temperature changes from cool to warm as the sun rises over the horizon. Beautiful Kumamoto :)

Kumamoto Tower caught in this shot. Mystical. 

There was a section in the castle were notable person in Japan left their wishes for the city of Kumamoto and the castle. I didn't think I would know anyone, but I spotted this one name :)  One of my favourite Japanese actor. On it, he wrote "Welcome Back" when he visited the castle after the restoration. Fun fact, part of Rurounin Kenshin was filmed in Kumamoto, hence there was a sense of attachment for him to the place.

In fact, he even has a booked on it, where all profit goes back to the city's restoration. And yup, you guess it, I bought a copy of it as well. I used part of my prize money for it, but it was still supporting a cause!