Kyushu/Chuguku Japan Day 5 - Kumamoto

We took the direct train from Hiroshima to Kumamoto.  

Even though it's 380km away, it only took us 1h 40min by train! 

First we went to Keika Ramen to try out the Kumamoto style ramen

http://keika-raumen.co.jp/

According to the guide book, the stewed pork is supposed to be soft, melt in your mouth while not fattening but I had a big lump of fat :(

with Katsu - 

I prefer this then the other one

We then walked to the Kumamoto castle.  We entered through the "Closed" gate..
It's called the "closed gate" because historically it's normally closed but it was opened while we were there.

Giant tree!!! 

The gift shop featured lots of Kumamon (The black bear that represents Kumamoto)

The castle

Kumamoto castle is one of the top 3 must visit castle across the whole Japan

Love the artwork inside the castle.
There was a video showing how they have restored them which was very interesting

so beatiful! 

There were these two men outside the castle teaching kids how to fight like a samurai :p
It was hilarious

Model of the original castle

View from the top 

Went to visit the Residence of Hosokawa Gyubu - an ex-samurai's home.
It's tastefully decorated! love it.

We then get some snacks on the main shopping street
This was recommended on our guidebook - you can get red / white fillings.
very soft and pillowy

For dinner, we went to the Ninja restaurant lol 

Keith wanted to go to the Ninja restaurant already when we were in Kyoto but it was fully booked. 

so when we walked past it, he said we have to go back.. 

so all the waitors/waitresses dressed up as ninja and each of us have our very own cabinet with a black curtains :p 

To start we were offered these ninja star bread :p with some condensed milk .. 

It is definitely style over substance lol but it's a nice touch

Stewed pork

Sashimi on dry ice

Giant croquette

Fatty tuna chazuke

Deep fried mochi with cheese

The food there was good - like what you would expect from a normal Japanese restaurant.  

I was expecting more - atmosphere wise. 

Like I would expect the waitors/waitresses to act more like ninja (e.g. zooming from one place to another haha )

not sure if it's because we don't speak Japanese, or maybe I was just expecting too much. 

we were given two toy swords as souvenirs when we leave though.