
Henry's Wonderful Journey
As an avid traveler with a passion for history and culture, Japan has always been a dream destination for me. This spring, I finally set foot on this mystical land, and one of the highlights I eagerly anticipated was visiting Fushimi Castle in Kyoto.
Arriving at Fushimi Castle
Early in the morning, I set off from downtown Kyoto, taking the subway and bus to reach Fushimi Castle. As soon as I got off the bus, I was greeted by the majestic castle walls and the vermilion gate, instantly transporting me back to Japan’s Sengoku period. Fushimi Castle, also known as Fushimi-Momoyama Castle, was built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1592 as his residence and a symbol of his power. Standing there, I felt the weight of history, as if Hideyoshi’s shadow still lingered within the castle walls.
Exploring the Castle
Inside the castle, my first stop was the tenshukaku, the main keep. This tall structure is the iconic centerpiece of Fushimi Castle. From its top, you can overlook the entire Kyoto basin, offering a breathtaking view. Our tour concierge, Mr. Hiroshi, greeted us warmly. Fluent in English and deeply knowledgeable about Fushimi Castle’s history, he provided us with detailed maps and pointed out key sites and important information.
Echoes of History
Fushimi Castle is not just a military fortress; it has witnessed numerous historical events. For instance, the Battle of Fushimi in 1600, a prelude to the Battle of Sekigahara, where the castle lord Torii Mototada and a small number of soldiers defended against the Eastern Army. Although they ultimately fell, their heroic deeds have been celebrated through the ages. Standing before the ancient walls, I could almost hear the echoes of the fierce battles. Mr. Hiroshi vividly narrated this history, showing us bullet marks on an old stone wall from the battle. His storytelling enriched my understanding and appreciation of this significant historical event.
Thoughtful Service
Throughout the tour, Mr. Hiroshi was incredibly attentive. He provided foldable chairs for us to rest when we got tired and handed out bottles of refreshing green tea on this warm day. Whenever we had questions, he patiently and thoroughly answered them, often offering additional information based on our interests. At one point, I showed particular interest in a samurai armor exhibit. Not only did Mr. Hiroshi explain the intricate details of its craftsmanship, but he also led me to a small adjacent gallery displaying more artifacts related to samurai culture.
Sake and Local Delicacies
After leaving the tenshukaku, I wandered through the castle gardens, admiring the blooming cherry blossoms and tranquil ponds. Outside the castle, I visited the nearby Fushimi Sake District, renowned for its sake breweries. Mr. Hiroshi recommended a traditional sake brewery for us to visit. He even made reservations for a guided tour of the brewery and acted as our interpreter during the sake tasting, enhancing our understanding of the brewing process and the unique qualities of the sake. Each sip had a distinctive aroma and rich flavor, attributed to Fushimi’s excellent water quality, a key reason for its famed sake.
Farewell
As the sun set, I reluctantly left Fushimi Castle. This trip not only allowed me to witness Japan’s history firsthand but also to experience the unique charm of Kyoto. From the grand architecture of Fushimi Castle to its historical stories, and the attentive service of Mr. Hiroshi, everything deepened my appreciation of Japanese culture. Back at my hotel, I eagerly wrote down the day’s experiences in my travel journal. Fushimi Castle, with its legendary aura, will always hold a special place in my memories. I look forward to the day I can return to this land and uncover more of its mysteries.
Conclusion
As the sun set, I reluctantly left Fushimi Castle. This trip not only allowed me to witness Japan’s history firsthand but also to experience the unique charm of Kyoto. From the grand architecture of Fushimi Castle to its historical stories, and the attentive service of Mr. Hiroshi, everything deepened my appreciation of Japanese culture.
