Golden Week - Day Three - Kumamoto

I left my hostel in Nagasaki at 8:00, and took the streetcar to the station. I stopped at a Lawson's to get some chicken for breakfast (hey, don't judge), and I saw this sign:

Ok, no big deal... oh wait, what does that say?

"Let's enjoy singing and dancing a limited time to one's heart's content". Quite the juxtaposition.

Four hours on a bus and I arrived at Kumamoto station. After walking in circles for literally an hour, I called the hostel to have them help me find the damn place. They walked outside and waved to me. On the bright side, the roof had a view of Kumamoto Castle.

... and a funny sign. I don't have a Scooby-Doo what 'to shinny up' means.
* My British friend taught me "Scooby-Doo"







Then it was time for dinner. I decided to try the local specialty, basashi. Basashi is (prepare yourself) raw horse. Yea.
Well hey there Mr. Ed.....

I biked over to a local butcher, and paid ¥380 for 100g.


And then I ate it. With a little soy sauce and some spicy ginger. Honestly, it's pretty good. It has a similar texture as sushi.

Onward, to Kumamoto castle!

Paper lanterns lined the street.

I'm getting pretty good at taking my own picture, if I do say so myself.

No matter what you do in your life, you will never be as badass as this man. He is in full armor, riding a damn TIGER! Also, he appears to be wearing a wizard hat. Maybe he's the Japanese version of Harry Potter.

Kumamoto Castle made out of toothpicks.

I have found every Toyoko Inn in Kyushu. They always seem to be right around the corner from where ever I am. Also, one of the older couples in the hostel was from Kobe too. It's a small world, after all.