Castles Castles Everywhere!

Before Colin deployed we wanted to fit in as many day trips as possible. I think it really was Colin's effort to make sure I was comfortable driving longer distances on the left side of the road in the land of Kanji road signs. If that is the case, it definitely worked. So the weekend before he left we decided to take a drive out to the city of Kumamoto, southeast of Sasebo. One of the things we are quickly learning about living in Japan is you should always think about two things when you plan a trip anywhere.

1. How long will it take given the slow speed limits
2. How much will it cost in tolls.

We didn't think about either of these before we left.

Oops.

It ended up taking 2 1/2 hours each way and costing a whopping $70 in tolls. Ouch. However I think this trip was almost worth it as I became more comfortable with the roads, we saw some beautiful countryside and Elin had a blast climbing more stairs at the castle in the city of Kumamoto we visited.

I am learning that one of the many things that makes Japan so darn beautiful are the castles. Unlike the ornate, glittering castles we're accustomed to seeing in Europe, Japanese castles are much more understated and very zen like…imagine that! According to this site, there are approximately 274 castles in Japan. Given how little usable land area the country has, that is pretty impressive to me. 2 down, 272 to go!

Kumamoto Castle, built by Kato Kiyomasa dates back to 1607. Similar to most castles in Japan it has a pagoda like structure to it which means….lots of stairs! After a 2 1/2 hour car ride Elin was ready to climb them all. And so she did. And what a view!

                                       

It is funny how one would think winter time is a terrible time to sightsee. However I found the scenery surrounding the castle just gorgeous. Especially when you have this cute little bugger to photograph. 

Imagine what this will look like when the cherry blossoms bloom on these branches!

                                                   

As you can see it had just rained so there were lots of puddles to step around. Or jump in. Which is exactly what E did. Not exactly scenic but very necessary. 

Mom forgot to button the onesie. Oopsie. 

Queen of the Puddles!

Aside from the castle we didn't find much else to do in Kumamoto, at least anything toddler friendly.  While I am happy we went we will probably not go back, at least by car. As I mentioned roads are expensive to drive on around here, something this Cali girl & Texas boy are still getting used to! 

Fortunately the drive home was peaceful. Elin enjoyed a rare car nap. Puddles are exhausting!

Matane,
Caitlyn