Michael A. Stecker
mastecker@gmail.com

Kumamoto Castle
Kumamoto Castle on Japan's southern island of Kyushu (east of Nagasaki) is one of the most impressive castles in Japan.  With about 800 cherry trees, the castle becomes a popular cherry blossom spot usually in late March and early April.

Kumamoto Castle was constructed in the early 1600s over a seven year period by the feudal lord (daimyo) Kato Kiyomasa. Less than 50 years after its construction, the castle and surrounding area were taken from the Kato clan and given to the Hosokawa clan which ruled the area from Kumamoto Castle for the next two centuries.