Inuyama Castle

The weather here lately has been somewhat unpredictable. It snowed yesterday but today was sunny and 58 degrees? Being that it was a nice day, Kim took me to Inuyama Castle. It was a fun little day trip as I have not been out of the city since I've been here. I learned a little more about the train and subway system and found out that there is a train station a couple blocks from my house. I bought a 5000 yen ($60) train pass that allows me to take the train or subway where ever I want. You just put the pass into the machine and it deducts the fair each time you use it. It is a pretty complex system but once you figure out how to match the colors on the schedule to the colors of the train to the colors on the ground, you might get to where you want to go. Good thing I had my tour guide to show me the way.

Inuyama Castle was built in 1537 by one Oda Yojirou Nobuyasu the uncle of Japan's most popular Samurai Oda Nobunaga. It is the oldest standing castle in Japan. It was passed on to many different Lords and was almost completely torn down before it was handed over to the Japanese Government as a "National Treasure" in 1935. In 1965, restoration was completed to its current condition.

Castles were under frequent attack so there are many designs that helped to protect the Lord of the castle. Here, Kim is walking up the first flight of stairs. The stairs are nearly vertical so that invaders could not easily run up and attack. Attackers were forced to hold on to the railing.

Other defense designs were gaps in the floor boards that allowed one to see intruders below. Another Castle purposefully made the floors creek so intruders could be heard coming.

There were armor rooms, secret rooms, and stone rooms where they would drop boulders off the edge and on to intruders scaling the walls.

The entire structure was built using no nails. It is an elaborate craftsmanship of tongue and grove and dove tailing the structure together. It is completely earthquake proof. It even includes its own fire protection system (see picture below).


Other than that, the castle was surrounded by many gorgeous views. The castle sits on top of a mountain so it has a 360 degree view on top. Kim and I took it as a photo opportunity to share with you all. Below I am pointing towards Nagoya.

Things They Do...

I walked in a different direction today... one that I have not gone yet. I brought my camera just in case I found something interesting. I walked around an arcade with many shops and restaurants. There is so much to see but I wish I could understand what it all meant. Here are a few oddities that I came across:

A Discount Clothing Store with Guest Appearances by Darth

A Cool "Fuckin" Sign

Hawaii is never too far away...


I found the "Squatter"

It's My Birthday

Kim and her Japanese friends took me out to a bar called the "One Coin" for my birthday. It was NOMIHODAI which meant that it is all you can drink! Oh boy... it was a fun night as I recall. Pictures below will explain.

You ever hear Japanese sing Bon Jovi?

Rook Right Den Rook Left...

Note to self... "rook right, den, rook left" before crossing the street. Things are some what different here as I am adapting myself to the city and culture. Getting around on foot is easy. If I find myself lost, I just jump in a taxi tell them Shirakawa Koen (the park next to my apartment). A couple of lessons that I've learned so far.

1) Use the restroom before you leave the house.

My Japanese language skills are quite basic. I can ask where or if I may use the restroom but after that, communication comes down to a lot of hand signals and made up words. Needless to say... there were a couple of close calls.

2) Avoid crossing the street in the bike crosswalk

There are 2 crosswalks at major intersections. The crosswalk (above) with the bike is mainly for bicycles and therefore they have the right of way. Be careful because they won't stop if you are in their way.

Concrete Jungle

Nagoya is huge... There are all sorts of mischievous things for me to get myself into. Tomorrow I will explore this concrete jungle. Kim has been working in Tokyo since we arrived. It will give me a chance to get lost and aquaint myself with the area on my own.

Goodbye Seattle... Hello Mr. Robato

After 7 unforgettable years in Seattle, Washington, I decided to pack my bags and head off to Nagoya, Japan.

Nagoya is the 3rd largest incorporated city and 4th most populous urban area in Japan. It falls between Tokyo and Osaka. It's main industries are automotive and aerospace. Companies such as Toyota are headquartered out of Nagoya and Mitsubishi and Kawasaki have R&D divisions.

Let the adventure begin...