Kato Kiyomasa

Castle Hopping: Nagoya Castle (July 2026)

The main keep is closed, but Nagoya Castle is still packed with things to see: Ninomaru Garden, stone wall repairs, the giant Kiyomasa Stone, and the masons' mark hunt that stole my heart. A solo lap around the castle, finished off with miso nikomi udon.

2026.07.12

Castle Hopping

Castle Hopping: Kumamoto Castle (June 2026, Day 2)

Numbered stones awaiting their turn, a crane finally in motion, the aerial privy, old photos laid over the now, and signing up as a reconstruction castle lord.

2026.06.15

Castle Hopping

Castle Hopping: Kumamoto Castle (June 2026, Day 1)

A castle keep brought back to life, and stone walls still lying in ruins. A solo day at Kumamoto Castle as it is right now, mid-recovery.

2026.06.14

Castle Hopping

Castle Hopping: Kumamoto Castle Route Map (June 2026, Day 1)

A companion route map for Castle Hopping: Kumamoto Castle (June 2026, Day 1), following the walk from Kumamoto Airport's tourist card to the castle keep and great ginkgo.

2026.06.14

Castle Walk Route