In the spring, we went to Kumamoto-jo (-jo just means castle).
Kumamoto-ken is the prefecture just south of mine (Fukuoka-ken) and Kumamoto-shi is the major city. The castle is where the first major battle between the traditionalist samurai and the modern leaning government took place that was depicted in The Last Samurai (only it was not an American helping them, more like a few Europeans). It is called the Satsuma Rebellion.
The castle is now 401 years old. They rebuilt the hall that was the main socializing area (the Lord`s Inner Hall) for the 400th anniversary--only they didn`t finish it in time. When we went, it had only been open for a couple of months. It was very nice. It was made with a light-colored yellow wood that was in strong contrast to the black keep, towers and walls.
As a matter of fact, Kumamoto-jo is called the Black Castle because of the blackness. Osaka-jo is called the white castle. I still have pictures from last year posted below that you can see and the castle behind me in the picture on the upper right is Osaka-jo.
Kumamoto-ken is the prefecture just south of mine (Fukuoka-ken) and Kumamoto-shi is the major city. The castle is where the first major battle between the traditionalist samurai and the modern leaning government took place that was depicted in The Last Samurai (only it was not an American helping them, more like a few Europeans). It is called the Satsuma Rebellion.
The castle is now 401 years old. They rebuilt the hall that was the main socializing area (the Lord`s Inner Hall) for the 400th anniversary--only they didn`t finish it in time. When we went, it had only been open for a couple of months. It was very nice. It was made with a light-colored yellow wood that was in strong contrast to the black keep, towers and walls.
As a matter of fact, Kumamoto-jo is called the Black Castle because of the blackness. Osaka-jo is called the white castle. I still have pictures from last year posted below that you can see and the castle behind me in the picture on the upper right is Osaka-jo. Kumamoto-jo is one of the three best castles in Japan. The Japanese love classifying things as the best in a category. I always get mystified when they ask me what is my favorite something or other what is the best because I don`t always think like that as a general rule. When I am asked what is my favorite country to have visited, I always balk--how do you answer that? The people everywhere I go are great--why would I say anyone was better than another? I can only have one favorite food? For a list of the top three things in many categories, go to http://wikitravel.org/en/Japan%27s_Top_3#Three_Famous_Gardens.
The castle, like most, has been rebuilt. This was started in 1960. Most of the damage came from the Satsuma Rebellion. One corner tower on the wall is the only thing left undestroyed. It has been renovated, but it is still considered an original structure, 400 years old!
Ever wondered what the facilities in a fuedal Japanese castle look like?Kumamoto was just an hour drive south of my place. Mutsumi and I
went with one of my students from the adult English conversation class (eikaiwa) I taught last winter. He came with his wife and two young boys. His name is Goichi--I am afraid I do not remember the rest of their names. The picture is Goichi and his oldest son.
went with one of my students from the adult English conversation class (eikaiwa) I taught last winter. He came with his wife and two young boys. His name is Goichi--I am afraid I do not remember the rest of their names. The picture is Goichi and his oldest son.
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