Usuki, Utzki, Tzki

Today, I am getting on yet another train to Usuki, or as the guy at the station calls it "Uttzki". Over 2 hours and I fall asleep again. I am really getting into the "public transport sleep" mode of things. Thankfully, so far, I have always woken up on time. (Which probably means, tomorrow I won't). Usuki station is small, and requires me to climb steep stairs up and down before I am finally at the station proper. From there thankfully, it is only a short walk to the hotel. However, it is already looking like rain. I take my umbrella and wander off into the "city".

First, I walk threw the ruins of Usuki Castle. Like many things I find today, many things are yet to be discovered. Many of the explanations include "is unknown" or "has not yet been found". However, a few things are clear. When the castle was first build, the ground was still an island. As a lot of sand and sediment started to reclaim the sea, the lords decided to reclaim the soil for more ground to build. Nowadays, the island has fully become part of the bigger island called "Kyushu". During my wanderings through the ruins, I also meet a full class of elementary school children. I stand still and let them pass, as they all stare and some actually walk backwards to stare some more.

After this, I walk through some old samurai residences and the old town center. Of course, after a while, it feels like the rooms all blend together. If you've seen one you have seen the mold they all follow. However, there are very few old buildings in this good of a state, and I enjoy wandering around with Tatami under my feet. There is something oddly calming about it. The rain lets up and then comes back with a vengeance. Most of the rest of the day is spend under an umbrella.

I also take a bus towards some great stone buddha carvings. Again, it is unknown who or why, but there are some great statures carved into a volcano ash made rock wall. Some of them are in truly remarkable condition, if you imagine they are actually over 1000 years old.

Usuki is actually also famous for Fugu (blow-fish). I take a few minutes to think about the potential deadliness of blow fish, and the possibility that my trip will have a quite sudden end. But life is for living, and I wouldn't pass up the "best blow-fish in south Japan" for anything. I ask for a very good recommendation, and eat blow fish sashimi, tuna, tempura and much more.

Pictures Usuki