The plan for the day was to visit the Aso volcano, stop at a potter where we would have a light lunch, and then visit the Kumamoto Castle prior to taking the bullet train back to Kyoto.
The drive to the volcano was a couple of hours through some mountain roads. There were some lush forests and valleys, some grazing cattle, a few tunnels and a lot of winding road.
When we reached the volcano, we had a short break to walk up to the viewing spots, take some pictures and observe the boiling cauldron down below. It was VERY windy and a bit chilly but that didn't stop us.
As you can see from Granny's hair blowing, it was quite windy at the viewing level. The magma appears yellow-green. It was not glowing red like the magma we had seen in Hawaii.
From here, it was off to the potter for our visit and light lunch. It turned out to be potters - husband and wife - instead of just one person. She did most of the wheel work and he did the non-turned forms. Below are some pictues of the work area.
Across the street from where we parked for the potters, there was a field being worked. I thought it was interesting. I think they are growing onions.
From here it was on to Kumamoto Castle. I have included the plaque at the entrance because it gives a better explanation than I could. And there is Granny ready to enter the castle grounds.
Of course we had to have the obligatory picture with the Samurai warrior.
We entered the main tower and had intentions of going to the top. However, better judgment prevailed. We wanted to survive for the remainder of the trip.
An example of the Mushagaeshi - warrior repelling walls.
Also on the grounds of the castle is the Honmaru Goten Palace. Although the palace is a recreation, it shows how the daimyo (The feudal lords that ruled a large part of Japan until the middle of the 19th century.) would entertain their guests. The rooms were large, VERY simple and beautifully decorated with scrolls and wall hangings. We were only allowed around the perimiter of the rooms. Also flash photography was not permitted.
Below are some pictures of a few rooms and a number of the scrolls and panels that decorated the walls. They really are beautiful.
Now it was time for the long train ride back to Kyoto. Even on the bullet train it was going to take about 3 hours. We bought ourselves dinner. Granny had a bento box and I had a chicken and rice dish. Both were adequate and filled the cavity.
Tomorrow is our last full day. We are schedled to visit a temple and gardens.
