Nakatsu Castle
Today, I decided to spend some time exploring Nakatsu. I drove as far as I could, in the only direction that I haven't been yet in hopes of finding the "beach." I knew the beach isn't the same type of beach that I know, sand and all.. and the water is not the Pacific, but rather the bay between Kyushu (my island) and Shikoku, the next closest island. I did find water, but still I am unsure exactly what body of water it is. Here are pictures of what I found.
Then, I decided to try to find Nakatsu Castle. Of course, loving history as much as I do, this, to me, was an important part of understanding the history of this town. I was eventually successful by following the "spires" which could be seen from the beach. I spent a lot of time outside, taking pictures of the various buildings and shrines on the grounds. It took me a while to figure out how to get into the actual castle itself. Finally, I found it and paid the 400y entrance fee to a very nice old woman. I felt this trip was an important part of getting along in Japan by myself, and a good chance to practice my limited Japanese (Hello, Thank you, etc.) The castle grounds were lovely, but virtually empty. It was eerily quiet inside the castle, as I walked around and imagined the important people, who at one time occupied the building which held such high importance to the city. The view of Nakatsu from the fifth floor was amazing. Although it as a very cloudy day, I still got some great pictures of the town. The castle itself is five stories above ground, with a basement as well. It is 23 meters tall and has a total floor area of 795m2. Inside the castle, there was no furniture, but rather, it was set up like a museum showing armors and spears for successive lords; clothes, ancient painted pictures, ancient writings for territories, lists of samurai warriors and various manuals for military arts.
The castle and other buildings.
Another view of the castle and moat.
Samurai armor.
Going up to the top floor.
Overlooking Nakatsu.
Another Shrine area.
Ancient Scrolls.
Closeup of Drawings on Scroll.
Then, I decided to try to find Nakatsu Castle. Of course, loving history as much as I do, this, to me, was an important part of understanding the history of this town. I was eventually successful by following the "spires" which could be seen from the beach. I spent a lot of time outside, taking pictures of the various buildings and shrines on the grounds. It took me a while to figure out how to get into the actual castle itself. Finally, I found it and paid the 400y entrance fee to a very nice old woman. I felt this trip was an important part of getting along in Japan by myself, and a good chance to practice my limited Japanese (Hello, Thank you, etc.) The castle grounds were lovely, but virtually empty. It was eerily quiet inside the castle, as I walked around and imagined the important people, who at one time occupied the building which held such high importance to the city. The view of Nakatsu from the fifth floor was amazing. Although it as a very cloudy day, I still got some great pictures of the town. The castle itself is five stories above ground, with a basement as well. It is 23 meters tall and has a total floor area of 795m2. Inside the castle, there was no furniture, but rather, it was set up like a museum showing armors and spears for successive lords; clothes, ancient painted pictures, ancient writings for territories, lists of samurai warriors and various manuals for military arts.
The castle and other buildings.
Another view of the castle and moat.
Samurai armor.
Going up to the top floor.
Overlooking Nakatsu.
Another Shrine area.
Ancient Scrolls.
Closeup of Drawings on Scroll.