Art appreciation in Kumamoto

Another hot and humid day in Kumamoto.

We started the day with a visit to a motorcycle mechanic in the hope that John’s scooter just needed the belt replaced.  Firstly we were told that they couldn’t do anything until Friday, but when we explained that we were only here for one more day and still had a long journey to make, the mechanic said he’d have a quick look.  Unfortunately, the problem is more that the belt, so the mechanic called Mr Tanaka at the rental office and asked what he should do.  As it would entail quite a big repair job, and we should be able to squeeze quite a bit of distance from the scooter in its current state, Mr Tanaka said to continue the journey and ring him again if it turns into a bigger problem.  The mechanic put the bike back together, added some ‘super oil’ additive and suggested that John should ride at a reasonable speed which is no problem for us!  When I went to the counter to pay, they indicated that there would be no charge – after spending 45 minutes taking the scooter apart and reassembling it!!  We were truly amazed and I pulled out all of my best Japanese gratitude words.

Our helpful and generous mechanics

We took the scooters back to the hotel then set off on foot for the Traditional Crafts centre.  We saw some beautifully crafted furniture, jewellery, carvings etc.   In one room was a group of men making woven items.  An 84 year old gentleman gave us each a woven bell.  One was already made and the other he whipped up on the spot.

Making baskets

After the crafts centre, we made our way over to the castle gate to meet our new-found Aussie friend who had organised tickets for the Impressionists Exhibition being held at the Kumamoto Art Museum. 

Another view of Kumamoto Castle

When planning the trip I hadn’t included seeing some Renoir and Monet paintings, but that’s just what we did! We then arranged to meet Catherine and her Japanese husband for dinner and went back to the hotel for a rest and shower.

Catherine outside the Kumamoto Art Museum

Catherine and her husband took us to a Mexican restaurant which was right next door to the Italian Tomato where we dined last night. We had some lovely food, a few drinks and a very convivial evening. Catherine is going to see if she can arrange some accommodation for us in Matsushima, our next stop after Kumamoto.

Where we didn't eat!

Flaming dessert at the Mexican Restaurant

They walked back to the hotel with us and showed us some gorgeous islands that they recommend we visit on our next trip to Japan. I must admit that I wouldn’t be surprised if there was another trip in the future! We really love it here and there’s still so much to see!

Enough for one day – and so to bed!! Oyasumi nasai.