Kumamoto Castle, built under the leadership of Kato Kiyomasa, was completed 400 years ago, in 1607. Most of it was destroyed by fire in the Seinan Civil War of 1877, but the main and secondary towers were rebuilt in the 1960s.
The castle is truly one of the highlights of the city, and this year there are numerous festivities to help celebrate its long history. Among the programs are concerts of taiko, dance, koto, shamisen, and others. There was a palanquin race and a beautiful display of candles along the approach to the castle and in the river and the long wall.
Having purchased an annual pass, I've made a habit of visiting the castle every month or so, to see it in different light and in different seasons. Hisako and Yukari just finished a two-month long course to become official volunteer tour guides of the castle, and I was fortunate enough to be given their first tour. They did a wonderful job.
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