Kokura - Kokura Castle

The weather was great today. I took a ferry from Shimonoseki's Port of Shimon to Moji Port on the opposite shore, then transferred to a train and arrived in Kokura in less than half an hour. The journey was surprisingly smooth and leisurely. The first stop after getting off the train was Kokura Castle. What makes this castle unique is its "Tang-style" design, which is rare in Japan. The upper levels are wider than the lower ones, resembling inverted stacked blocks. It's said that some people once thought this design would collapse, but it has stood strong for hundreds of years. Architects would probably be intrigued to study how it was built. Even more fascinating is Kokura Castle's connection to the legendary swordsman Miyamoto Musashi. The famous duel on Ganryu Island was approved by the lord of this castle, making it the starting point of this historical event—a truly vivid image. After exploring the castle, I took a stroll along the banks of the Murasaki River and visited the Montbell store nearby. Although I spent quite some time browsing, I only ended up buying a waterproof pouch and a T-shirt. Before evening, I took a train back to Hakata. Despite walking quite a bit throughout the day, the pace was relaxed. Kokura may not be as bustling as Fukuoka, but its understated charm, combined with a sense of historical depth, makes it a perfect destination for a sunny day of sightseeing.