Postcard from Karatsu Castle, Kyushu

I think this castle has been famous on Japanese TV/manga? How would I know!

My journey here across NW Saga prefecture was delightful (but slow), with trains not connecting and a lot of sitting around in Imari (honestly, not much to see or do there at all!). So, I bought a beer, found a nice place to sit in the sun, and read my book.

I was worried the castle would be in the dark already, but it was beautifully illuminated as I got into Karatsu station at sunset. I could see it resplendent on its perch, and made straight for it. Obviously a hilltop castle, and commanding the coastline of Karatsu Bay & the mouth of the Matsuura River. 

Nobody else was around, the stars came out. The shadows danced, my batteries ran low. Although I couldn't get into the keep (and no chance next morning as I had to really run to back to work on the first train) I did have plenty of the evening to absorb the majestic location, see the fishermen out on the bay, and hear absolutely nothing else - just the gentle breeze in the trees. Chance to sit down, take a breath, and really enjoy being where I was!

Yes, the castle is rebuilt. Yes, it's concrete...the masonry is awesome, the ramparts bewildering, the location breathtaking; the history & the legends abundant. I'll post again about the trains & their marvelous liveries (stay tuned, they're incredible!). I know I will not have many chances to come this way again, so allow me for indulging myself :)

If you have any chance at all to head west from Fukuoka, I really recommend Karatsu-jo!

Enjoy Kyushu

 You think Kyushu is far from Matsumoto, don’t you? It’s true it’s a long way, but if you take a flight, it takes only an hour and a half from Matsumoto airport to Fukuoka, and from there to the Shinkansen station, Hakata, is only fifteen minutes. My plane took off from Matsumoto airport at 15:30, and I arrived in Kumamoto at 18:00. It is not far!

 

Kumamoto is a pleasant city, not too big, not too small; just right medium size. There is a beautiful castle in the center of city, nostalgic trams trundle around, and there are lots of green spaces even in the city centre.

 

JR Kyushu runs some interesting special trains services. These are completely different from regular trains. Most of these kinds of trains were designed by Etsuji Mitooka, who is a great industrial designer. These trains are eye-catching on the outside, and inside have amazing designs and original styling. One of them has a bar in the train car, another has sofas and bookshelves; there are also lovely mummy & kids’ chairs, wonderful viewing decks, etc.

The inside of "Aso-boy"

 

I experienced the journey from Kumamoto to Beppu aboard “Asoboy”. As a passenger, you can spoil yourself with original food, buy branded souvenirs and be treated to special service. In the train, there are some play spaces for children and lovely pair seats for children and parent. I enjoyed the panoramic view of Mount Aso from the high viewing seats. The friendly crew offered to take memorial photographs for travelers. It was an exciting, lovely experience. I enjoyed a lot.

 

On this trip I realized again how wonderful Kyushu is, especially abundant with beautiful waters. You can enjoy a wide variety of amazing hot springs, or “Onsen”, in places like Beppu, Yufuin and Kurokawa. You can explore unique cities and see abundant nature. Of course, the food is lovely. As I experienced, the people are calm and kind as well.

Teruki