2016 | Hello from the Five Star Vagabond

Japanese Garden Kanazawa Castle

November 30, 2016 by David Herd

Gyokusen’inmaru Garden

Japanese Garden Kanazawa Castle

Japanese Garden Kanazawa Castle is absolutely stunning as you can see from the header in this post. This is one of my favourite photos from my two week seven city Shinkansen trip in October 2016.

Constructed in 1634 if flourished for between 200 & 300 years before being abandoned. However a full reconstruction began in 2013 to produce the wonderful result we see today.

Japanese Garden Kanazawa Castle

After a five minute uphill walk you arrive at the castle entrance.

Adjacent to the castle

These are a few shops just before you reach the castle.

Kanazawa Castle

A huge fire in 1759 destroyed the whole castle then it was re-built in 1788. That year is also when 11 ships with 1,530 people onboard, 736 of them convicts, arrived in Botany Bay a few miles south of Sydney Harbour in Australia. This event is known to all us Aussies as “the first fleet”.

My hotel was great value in a perfect location, book through THIS LINK for an excellent discount. Make sure you are in the downtown one at Korinbo, it’s more convenient than the one near the station.

The Imori moat

If you are going to build a castle then you gotta have a moat.

Spectacular

Once again I was very lucky to have the beautiful blue sky to highlight my photos of Kanazawa Castle.

The buildings look new

Even though it was rebuilt 228 years ago it still looks brand new. 🙂

As usual built on a hill

The castles always take the high ground, all the better to resist their enemies.

Through the gate we go

The Ni-no Mon is what they call the second gate.

Picture perfect

As you can see the buildings and grounds are in perfect condition.

Not a cloud in the sky

A perfect day for wandering around Japanese Garden Kanazawa Castle and the beautiful Kenrokuen garden right next door to the castle.

I was so fortunate to have perfect weather

Photos look so much better when there is a beautiful blue sky. There seems to be a lot of rain between November & February.

Japanese Garden Kanazawa Castle

A final look at this beautiful garden within the castle walls.

Toyoko Inn

My hotel was great value in a perfect location with free WiFi, book through THIS LINK for an excellent discount.

Thank you for visiting my Japanese Garden Kanazawa Castle photo blog.

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Famous Japanese Garden Kanazawa

November 27, 2016 by David Herd

Beautiful Japanese garden

Famous Japanese Garden Kanazawa

Famous Japanese Garden Kanazawa, an eastern coastal city, Kenrokuen is rated number one out of 167 things to do in Kanazawa by TripAdvisor. It certainly is a tranquil peaceful place to wile away a few hours.

Famous Japanese Garden Kanazawa

The garden has an area of 11.4 hectares & is located on a hill in central Kanazawa next to Kanazawa Castle.

Absolutely beautiful

My hotel was great value in a perfect location only 14 minutes walk from the gardens, book through THIS LINK for an excellent discount.

Close to everything

Toyoko Inn is an excellent place to stay.

Artificial lake

Close to the Kenrokuen Garden Kanazawa Japan is the Kanazawa castle which is certainly worth a visit.

Prince Yamoto Takeru

His historical existence is a mystery but there are books that date his life to the 4th century.

Kenrokuen Garden lantern

There is a surprise around every corner of Famous Japanese Garden Kanazawa.

Which way shall I go?

Decisions, decisions, there is so much to see at Kenrokuen Garden Kanazawa Japan. Perhaps I’ll just take a selfie. 🙂

Make sure you have lots of time

The gardens are quite huge so make sure you allocate at least 2 or 3 hours to enjoy it fully.

I was so fortunate to have perfect weather

Photos look so much better when there is a beautiful blue sky. There seems to be a lot of rain between November & February.

Let’s check the maps

It seems like these ladies are planning carefully planning their schedule. 🙂

Just behind those ladies

Is this rather large stone statue.

Famous Japanese Garden Kanazawa, stone bridge

One of the stone bridges at Kenrokuen Garden Kanazawa Japan.

Carp or Koi I presume

There were quite a lot swimming in the lake.

Rated one of the three best gardens in Japan

It’s easy to see why this garden is so highly rated in Japan.

Toyoko Inn

Thanks for visiting my Famous Japanese Garden Kanazawa photo blog.

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Japanese drummers Geisha District

November 26, 2016 by David Herd

Kazue-Machi-Chaya-District-Kanazawa-Japan

Near Higashi Chaya District

Japanese drummers Geisha District

Japanese drummers Geisha District Kanazawa is located along the Asanogawa river only five minutes walk from the larger more popular Higashi Chaya District. Geishas are the traditional, female Japanese entertainers who regularly perform in these areas.

Japanese drummers Geisha District

The district overlooks the Asanogawa river & seems rather quiet & peaceful.

That was until I heard the sound of drums

Fabulous Japanese drummers

The noise seemed to be somewhere up on the hill so I took some narrow winding steps up to the top. I was so lucky to be in the right place at the right time, I was walking through Kazue-machi, the old geisha district located along the river between Asanogawa Ohashi Bridge and Naka-no Hashi Bridge, when I heard these fabulous drums.

Five minutes they added a flute

Japanese drummers + flute

I was so happy to be able to see these wonderful street performers in action. About ten days later I had some more good fortune in Nagasaki when I saw some more fabulous drummers doing their thin. Check out my photo blog through THIS LINK.

Japanese drummers Geisha District

Chaya houses have a beautiful lattice called “kimusuko” on the walls of the ground floor.

Tiny streets

As you can see many of the streets are just tiny narrow alleys in Kazue Machi Chaya District Kanazawa.

Tea House

The historical rows in this tea-house town have been designated as Japan’s cultural assets since 2008.

Lattice is called “kimusuko”

A typical Chaya house which is noe a tea house or restaurant.

Many interesting buildings

So many photo opportunities in Japan which is one of the many reasons I love travelling here.

Torii Gate

Torii gates usually mark the entrance to Shinto shrines, however they seem to be used in many other areas as well.

Another example

This large Torii gate is quite different to the previous one.

Toyoko Inn

My hotel was great value in a perfect location, book through THIS LINK for an excellent discount. Make sure you are in the downtown one, it’s more convenient than the one near the station.

You can take a bus but I prefer to walk

The Busses leave from the front of Toyoko Inn. Turn left just before you cross the river to get to Kazue Machi Chaya District Kanazawa.

Thanks for visiting my Japanese drummers Geisha District Kanazawa photo blog.

Holiday Inn

Fabulous views, excellent restaurants & a very good room rate if you book through THIS LINK.

The building in the middle is the Holiday Inn, on the left is the Amari Hotel which is another very good five star hotel. Use THIS LINK to book for a very good room rate.

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The best Pattaya budget hotel, 3 pools & opposite Central Marina shopping mall. For a great room rate just book through THIS LINK.

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Old Geisha Town Kanazawa

November 25, 2016 by David Herd

Higashi-Chaya-District-Kanazawa-Japan-Geisha

Two-story Chaya houses

Old Geisha Town Kanazawa

Old Geisha Town Kanazawa, Higashi Chaya is one of three similar districts in Kanazawa. The cities tourism department holds a Geisha show in these Chaya districts every Saturday. Another district is Kazue-machi which is featured in another post.

Higashi Chaya District Kanazawa

A chaya house has a beautiful lattice called “kimusuko” on the walls of the ground floor.

A close look at the lattice

Hopefully the rather large body of the well fed FiveStarVagabond does not stop you getting an idea of the “kimusuko”.

Old Japanese Geisha Town Kanazawa

I’m guessing this is probably where the Geisha girls perform every Saturday.

A couple of locals sharing a happy moment.

The chaya houses used to be in central Kanazawa but were moved into four districts away from the city centre in 1820.

Photo opportunity

We all love photos to help us remember these wonderful places.

Hello boys

I’m sure the big guy on the right had an Australian accent.

Smile please

TripAdvisor rate the Higashi Chaya District 3rd out of 167 things to do in Kanazawa so naturally the tourists (including myself) flock here with their cameras.

Magnificent blue sky

How lucky was I to have this beautiful sky?

My hotel was great value in a perfect location, book through THIS LINK for an excellent discount.

Time to relax with an icecream

A rather unique tradition in Kanazawa is to sprinkle edible gold leaf on top of ice cream and other food. Check out my Omicho Fresh Food Market Kanazawa photo blog for other examples.

Higashi Chaya District Kanazawa

This whole area along with Kazue-machi which is close by, and Gion in Kyoto have been designated as Japan’s cultural assets.

Just across the bridge is Kazue-machi

Kazue-machi overlooks the Asanogawa river.

sound of drums

Fabulous Japanese drummers

Watch this video on YouTube

The noise seemed to be somewhere up on the hill so I took some narrow winding steps up to the top. I was so lucky to be in the right place at the right time, I was walking through Kazue-machi, the old geisha district located along the river between Asanogawa Ohashi Bridge and Naka-no Hashi Bridge, when I heard these fabulous drums.

More great homes

Higashi Chaya District Kanazawa really has quite a wonderful unique style.

If you are feeling lazy

These guys are at your service. 🙂

But first lets negotiate the price. 🙂

It seems like a very friendly negotiation.

Lovely shop

Lots of nice shops & tea houses in Higashi Chaya District Kanazawa.

Toyoko Inn

My hotel was great value in a perfect location, book through THIS LINK for an excellent discount. Make sure you are in the downtown one, it’s more convenient than the one near the station.

Thanks for visiting my Old Geisha Town Kanazawa photo blog.

Checkout some more of my terrific blogs on the links below.

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Fabulous views, excellent restaurants & a very good room rate if you book through THIS LINK.

The building in the middle is the Holiday Inn, on the left is the Amari Hotel which is another very good five star hotel. Use THIS LINK to book for a very good room rate.

Sabai Wing North Pattaya

The best Pattaya budget hotel, 3 pools & opposite Central Marina shopping mall. For a great room rate just book through THIS LINK.

Sutus Court is a great budget hotel right i the heart of one of Pattaya’s main bar areas, just use THIS LINK for a terrific room rate. 420/100 Moo 9 Soi Buakhao.

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Omicho Seafood Market Kanazawa

November 24, 2016 by David Herd

Omicho Seafood Market

Omicho Seafood Market Kanazawa

Omicho Seafood Market Kanazawa, Omicho was a delight to visit, the noise, the atmosphere & the food. I enjoyed a terrific lunch with edible gold leaf sprinkled on my sashimi.

Fresh seafood packed on ice

The only problem I found was finding somewhere to sit after you purchased some food.

Fresh crab very good

These look great but reasonably expensive at 4,500 Yen.

Omicho Seafood Market Kanazawa

There were lots of species here I was not familiar with.

Salmon roe is absolutely fantastic

I could almost eat it every day.

My hotel was in a perfect location just a short walk to the market, book through THIS LINK for an excellent discount.

So many choices

The market really does have an enormous variety of seafood.

Fresh fruit as well

Being Japan the quality is very high indeed.

I decided to have lunch at one of the popular restaurants

Very busy and excellent fresh sashimi.

Omicho Seafood Market Kanazawa, very crowded

Well it was Sunday lunch time so I guess that is one of the busiest times to be there.

Omicho Seafood Market Kanazawa, check this out

The sashimi came in three sizes, I chose the middle one, it was excellent.

How about the edible gold leaf?

Kanazawa’s history with gold leaf began 400 years ago. Kyoto and Edo (modern-day Tokyo) used to make gold leaf, Kanazawa now is the only remaining production hub of the coveted craft.

Lets have a closer look

Naturally the leaf is used in jewelry, cosmetics etc as well as the edible product you see here.

Check out my YouTube video

Omicho seafood market Kanazawa Japan

The salmon roe is absolutely delicious.

Fresh oysters

I really love fresh oysters but I decided they were a little too expensive and I have five more cities to visit. 🙂

A great selection of seafood

Omicho Market has been around for over 300 years, initially however it only supplied the privileged towns near the castle. Finally in 1904, the market was opened to the public and ever since then has been one of the most popular places to shop in Kanazawa.

Sushizanmai

Sushizanmai is my favourite chain of Japanese restaurants with the best one at Tsujiki markets in Tokyo. I have also eaten at their branch in Osaka & Fukuoka.

The market is 10 minutes walk from my hotel

You can take the bus but I prefer to walk.

Toyoko Inn

My hotel was great value in a perfect location with free WiFi, book through THIS LINK for an excellent discount.

Thanks for visiting my Omicho Seafood Market Kanazawa photo blog.

Please check out some of the most popular below, and thank you for visiting.

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Holiday Inn

Fabulous views, excellent restaurants & a very good room rate if you book through THIS LINK.

The building in the middle is the Holiday Inn, on the left is the Amari Hotel which is another very good five star hotel. Use THIS LINK to book for a very good room rate.

Sabai Wing North Pattaya

The best Pattaya budget hotel, 3 pools & opposite Central Marina shopping mall. For a great room rate just book through THIS LINK.

Sutus Court is a great budget hotel right i the heart of one of Pattaya’s main bar areas, just use THIS LINK for a terrific room rate. 420/100 Moo 9 Soi Buakhao.

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Hiroshima city food transport

November 22, 2016 by David Herd

Ōta River Hiroshima

Hiroshima city food transport

Hiroshima city food transport, as you would expect the top four or five things to see in Hiroshima revolve around the shocking event on August 6th 1945. Sadly 140,000 people lost their lives when U.S. airmen unleashed the first atomic bomb on the unsuspecting Hiroshima civilians.

Three days later of course the repeated the horror at the beautiful city of Nagasaki.

Hiroshima Peace Clock Tower

One of many symbolic monuments within the Memorial Peace Park the clock tower marks the exact time of the explosion, 8.15 am.

The castle

Reconstructed in 1958 after being totally destroyed by the bomb, a must to see when visiting this very nice city. Check out my photo blog through THIS LINK.

Hiroshima streetcars

Streetcars or trams are a great way to get around the city, however I prefer the bus. If you hold a JAL rail pass the bus is free, this particular one called the loop bus leaves from in front of the Hotel Granvia beside Hiroshima station. There are two different routes which take you past all the Hiroshima attractions, you simply hop on & off as many times as you wish. For a super room rate with free WiFi just book through THIS LINK.

Covered shopping arcades

They are a common feature in most Japanese cities, rain hail or shine you can move around & shop in comfort.

Japanese Craft Beer Café

Close to the railway station & my hotel is Raku Beer a Japanese Craft Beer Café, an interesting selection of excellent beer.

Pour me another please.

There is a happy hour daily from 5pm to 7pm.

Another great meal

Many restaurants in Japan are noisy, busy and a lot oif fun & atmosphere. This one was all those things along with terrific food.

Barbequed chicken

To my surprise they also sold Jack Daniels & Soda in large mugs.

Jack & soda with Crispy burdock root

Now there’s a new combination.

Crispy burdock root

Crispy burdock root, a Eurasian species of plants in the sunflower family, cultivated in gardens for its root used as a vegetable. Not only had I never tried it, I had never heard of it before, apparently the nutritional benefits are quite high.

My new friend

Made sure I always had a JD & lots of food. 🙂

Daikichi

I tried to look up the meaning of Daikichi & got several different explanations. 🙂

Hiroshima city food transport

One of my best dining experiences so far on my seven Japanese cities adventure.

So many interesting bars & restaurants in Hiroshima.

In fact it’s a case of so many bars & such little time. 🙂

Hiroshima city food transport

Wandering through the back streets is a marvelous experience in Japan, I don’t know of any safer country except perhaps Singapore.

Hiroshima at night

In all Japanese cites there is always lots of neon lights.

A happy group of tourists

Japan is a place where you can’t help being happy.

Even this old fellow looks happy

He seems to have a large collection of colourful dolls.

A typical corner bar restaurant near my hotel

You don’t have to walk far in Hiroshima to get a cold beer or some food.

Opposite my hotel

The bridge take you to an elevator down to the underground arcade to the station.

Toyoko Inn

My hotel is in a perfect location close to the station and a short walk to the major Hiroshima shopping area.

Underground plaza

From the railway station you walk through this underground arcade which brings youout about 80 meters from my hotel.

Good band playing in the plaza.

Good band playing in Hiroshima shopping mall

As well as entertainment there are coffee shops etc here.

Toyoko Inn

Location is perfect & very good room with free WiFi. For an excellent rate just book through THIS LINK.

Thanks for visiting my Hiroshima city food transport photo blog, please check out my Nagasaki city blog on THIS LINK.

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Hiroshima Castle reconstructed 1958

November 21, 2016 by David Herd

Hiroshima-Castle r-constructed-1958-Japan-atom-bomb

Castle entrance

Hiroshima Castle reconstructed 1958

Hiroshima Castle reconstructed 1958 after being destroyed by the atomic bomb on August 6th 1945. Originally built in 1590 and there is concrete bunker where the first radio broadcast originated after the 1945 atomic bomb.

Bridge across the moat

Originally there were three moats however today only the inner moat remains.

Hiroshima Castle reconstructed 1958

The keep is a stunning five story 26 meter high building, very popular for selfies as you can imagine. 🙂

Let’s take a selfie

The selfie is nearly as popular with ladies as their handbag mirror. 🙂

I climbed the stairs to the top

From here you get a wonderful view of Hiroshima. This building is now a museum with an entry fee of 360 Yen, or $3.25 USD as at November 21 2016.

View from the top

Up to now I have been very lucky to experience terrific weather, so much better for taking photographs.

Hiroshima population is 1,196,853

Curiously there are 40,000 more females in the city than males.

Mountains in the distance

Hiroshima Castle is just north of the Atomic Dome and the Peace Museum.

The atomic bomb

Certainly one of the most horrific events ever in the history of the world. Please check out my photo blog on the Peace Memorial Park.

Hiroshima Castle reconstructed 1958, Museum

Many interesting exhibits in the five story museum.

Gold plated roofing tile

Roof tiles don’t get any fancier than this. 🙂

Dating back to the 16th century

I have never seen a better looking roof tile in my life. 🙂

A Samuri suit

I’m guessing this is what your well dressed Samuri wore in the 16th century, my apologies for the reflection on the glass cabinet.

Adjacent to the castle

Forgive me for not knowing the purpose of this gate & building adjacent to the castle.

One of the most interesting visitors at the castle

When a lady visits the castle she needs to dress to impress. 🙂

Many thanks for visiting my Hiroshima Castle reconstructed 1958 photo blog.

My highly rated hotel was in the perfect location next to Hiroshima station and close to tram & bus stops. For a discounted room rate & free WiFi just book through THIS LINK.

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Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

November 20, 2016 by David Herd

Atomic Bomb Dome

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park as expected was an emotional experience that I will never forget. Seventy one years ago at 8.15 am on August 6th 1945 U.S. pilots dropped an atomic bomb immediately killing 140,000 people. The Genbaku Dome you see above was the only building left standing near the centre of the bomb’s blast.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

The A-Bomb Dome from the Aioi Bridge, the bomb exploded right above the building, however the vertical columns in the building were somehow able to withstand the downward force of the blast.

It’s amazing the building survived

The bomb actually exploded 160 meters from the Dome & as you would expect everybody inside was killed instantly.

The Bell of Peace

Built in 1964 to symbolize the creation of a movement for a world without nuclear weapons and war.

Dedication of the Peace Bell

Of course as we all know, three days after the bomb was dropped on Hiroshima they also bombed Nagasaki. Many people believe it was not necessary to wipe out another 70,000 civilians as Japan was on the point of surrendering.

Cenotaph for the A-bomb Victims

The Cenotaph is inscribed, “Let all the souls here rest in peace, for we shall not repeat the evil.”

Cenotaph & park

A memorial is held here every year on August 6th.

Flame of Peace

Since it was lit on August 1, 1964 it has burned continuously to symbolize a commitment that all nuclear weapons should be removed from our planet.

Children’s Peace Monument

At two years of age Sadako Sasaki was exposed to the bombing, she contracted leukemia ten years later and died. Shocked by her death, her classmates called for a monument to mourn all the children who died from the atomic bombing. Credit City of Hiroshima.

For me this represents the saddest memory of all

The mass murder of thousands of innocent children in Hiroshima & Nagasaki is for me the saddest part of this horrific event which we can only hope will never be repeated.

Magnificent trees

Located as you walk through the entrance of Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park.

Trees beside the flame of peace

In the distance you can see the Atomic Bomb Dome or Genbaku Dōmu.

Goddess of Peace

Representing 3 religions, Angel’s wings for Christianity, Face of Buddha, & Shinto emblem on belt.

Obama visits Hiroshima

An historic meeting with Prime minister Abe on May 27 2016. Here are their speeches.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Thank you for visiting my Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park photo blog, we can only hope such a shocking event will never happen again.

How powerful was Hiroshima?

Compared to weapons of today it could be considered small, however that is not the case, it killed 140,000 people.

Robert Lewis, the co-pilot of the U.S. bomber “Enola Gay,” later wrote, “My God what have we done?”

That horror, encapsulated by those few words, continues to resonate worldwide.

My highly rated hotel was in the perfect location next to Hiroshima station and close to tram & bus stops. For a discounted room rate & free WiFi just book through THIS LINK.

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Kumamoto trams sake yakitori

November 20, 2016 by David Herd

Too much sashimi is never enough

Kumamoto trams sake yakitori

Kumamoto trams sake yakitori was on my list travelling from Hiroshima to Kagoshima on the Shinkansen, so I decided to spend 24 hours in Kumamoto to see the earthquake damage to the beautiful castle.

Kumamoto trams sake yakitori

One of my passions is Japanese food, which help make my visits to the great country a total joy.

As for the sake

Well that’s another story, it kind of sneaks up on you after 2 or 3 small bottles. Made from rice, “Sake” is an alcoholic beverage peculiar to Japan. It has a long history dating back to the 3rd century A.D.

Yakitori

Plus edamame washed down with cold beer, delicious.

Lots of choices here

Often language can be a barrier in Japan, however in restaurants like this you just have to point. 🙂

Seattles best coffee

Any idea who they may be having a go at, and I wonder what Starbucks thinks of the name? 🙂

Seattle’s other coffee

From what I have read about Seattle it always seems to be raining, perhaps that’s why everybody sits in coffee shops because it’s too wet to go outside. 🙂

Their coffee & cake suits me

I must admit I am a Starbucks fan.

Covered arcades

Japan in famous for it’s covered arcades which are simply shopping walkways crisscrossing the cities. Many as you can see have circular transparent domes running along the roof line letting in light and sunshine.

Pachinko

Japanese people seem to be addicted to these noisy gambling parlors which occupy prime positions in all of the busy parts of a city. The pachinko machine is like a vertical pinball machine with no flippers and a large number of relatively small balls. The noise inside these parlors is so loud it certainly must have a detrimental effect on the hearing of their customers.

Heavily promoted

Walking past you are nearly knocked over by the noise. 🙂

Trams fares are only 170 Yen

A great way to get around the city, comfortable & cheap.

I think upstairs is some sort of shrine

I couldn’t quite work out if this was a shrine or a temple.

Part of the ritual

The people visiting here would step through this circle a number of times before continuing upstairs.

Toyoko Hotel

My budget hotel was in an excellent location, good rooms with free WiFi, for a great rate just book using THIS LINK.

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Plus free cancellation .

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Earthquake damages Kumamoto Castle

November 19, 2016 by David Herd

Earthquake-Trams-food-Kumamoto-Kyushu-Japan

Kumamoto Tram

Earthquake damages Kumamoto Castle

Earthquake damages Kumamoto Castle, I was travelling on the Shinkansen from Hiroshima to Kagoshima & decided to spend 24 hours in Kumamoto to see the earthquake damage to the beautiful castle. I am very glad I stopped, firstly the damage was more than I expected, secondly Kumamoto turned out to be yet another very interesting Japanese city. The colourful efficient trams were a great way to move around the city.

Comfortable, cheap & efficient

My hotel the Toyoko Inn was in a terrific location but I couldn’t check in until 3 pm so I took a tram to the castle and walked around the perimeter.

First glimpse of the castle

My first reaction was there didn’t seem to be much damage, however I was totally wrong.

Not too much damage on this side

However the further around I went the worse the damage was.

The extent of the damage is starting to show

Naturally the castle is closed due to the damage and lots of work is being carried out.

Crumbling walls

Very few structures have survived the centuries since the castle’s construction in 1607. The original castle keep burnt down in 1877 just before the siege in in the Seinan Civil War.

Three years to repair wall

The city hopes to repair the main keep within three years, while the rest of the grounds are expected to require about 20 years to be fully repaired.

What a mess

Naturally as you would expect the castle grounds are closed to the public indefinitely until further notice. Knowing the nature of Japanese workmen they will ensure the repaired buildings and grounds will be close to perfect for the public to once again enjoy this great Japanese castle.

Earthquake damages Kumamoto Castle

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Toyoko Hotel

My budget hotel was in an excellent location, good rooms with free WiFi, for a great rate just book using THIS LINK.

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Gyokusen’inmaru Garden

Japanese Garden Kanazawa Castle

Adjacent to the castle

Kanazawa Castle

Spectacular

The buildings look new

As usual built on a hill

Through the gate we go

Picture perfect

Not a cloud in the sky

I was so fortunate to have perfect weather

Japanese Garden Kanazawa Castle

Beautiful Japanese garden

Famous Japanese Garden Kanazawa

Absolutely beautiful

Close to everything

Artificial lake

Prince Yamoto Takeru

Kenrokuen Garden lantern

Which way shall I go?

Make sure you have lots of time

I was so fortunate to have perfect weather

Let’s check the maps

Just behind those ladies

Famous Japanese Garden Kanazawa, stone bridge

Carp or Koi I presume

Rated one of the three best gardens in Japan

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Near Higashi Chaya District

Japanese drummers Geisha District

That was until I heard the sound of drums

Five minutes they added a flute

Japanese drummers Geisha District

Tiny streets

Tea House

Lattice is called “kimusuko”

Many interesting buildings

Torii Gate

Another example

You can take a bus but I prefer to walk

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Two-story Chaya houses

Higashi Chaya District Kanazawa

A close look at the lattice

Old Japanese Geisha Town Kanazawa

A couple of locals sharing a happy moment.

Photo opportunity

Hello boys

Smile please

Magnificent blue sky

Time to relax with an icecream

Higashi Chaya District Kanazawa

Just across the bridge is Kazue-machi

sound of drums

More great homes

If you are feeling lazy

But first lets negotiate the price. 🙂

Lovely shop

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Omicho Seafood Market

Fresh seafood packed on ice

Fresh crab very good

Omicho Seafood Market Kanazawa

Salmon roe is absolutely fantastic

So many choices

Fresh fruit as well

I decided to have lunch at one of the popular restaurants

Omicho Seafood Market Kanazawa, very crowded

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How about the edible gold leaf?

Lets have a closer look

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Fresh oysters

A great selection of seafood

Sushizanmai

The market is 10 minutes walk from my hotel

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Ōta River Hiroshima

The castle