Hideyoshi Toyotomi rose from the peasant classes to become the “defacto leader of Japan” (Wikipedia) in the 1500s. He worked relentlessly to unify Japan and perhaps a teency bit towards big-noting himself as evidenced by the (posthumous?) tales of being born under a mysterious new star and the commissioning of clothing designs typically worn only by the emperor (let’s not even mention the number of concubines).
He developed effective governance systems and organized hitherto complex, individualistic farming systems into accountable (and taxable) ‘conglomerates’.
His rise to power is attributed in part, allegedly, to his warming of the previous leaders winter sandals under his armpits indicating an astute, yet seemingly temporary, understanding of ego-needs and power-politics.
He is known to us today through a really cool ninja tourist souvenir shop, a stylish econimyaki and octopus balls bar and, of course, the awesome castle which houses them.
A massive painting depicting the ‘summer siege’ and ultimate fall of the castle after Hideyoshi’s death is spectacular and, in the authors view, the fruit of all samurai movies, anime and manga comics subsequently produced – breathtaking!
We had breakfast in a lovely art deco Cafe not far from our accommodation, then walked the back streets some 50min to the castle. It was freezing and getting colder (10°C feels like zero).
After we walked the 8 stories to the top of the castle tower, enjoyed the view and checked out the tower museum exhibits, we headed, inevitably, to the cafe and gift stores. The latter included a ninja star knife throwing section where we won some (foam) blow dart weaponry and a Taku drum sounding for our efforts.
Hot coffees to gird our loins for the cold and down to the blossom garden that, to our surprise and delight, had just kicked into gear. Hats off to the girls in shorts and mini skirts and the lady getting photographed in a short-sleeved thule summer dress. We trust they survived the cold!
It was a bitter walk back home in the blustery twilight, with gale force winds and forecasts of rain turning to snow. Victuals back at our ryokan (crisps and a glass of wine) fortified us for our evenings search for food and we survived the short hike to last night’s BBQ beef restaurant.
We figured the minimal crowds compared to last night were on account of the bitter conditions but as we flowed, satiated and warmed from the restaurant into the throngs, we realized we were in fact just early.
A brisk walk around the crowded back streets and home to warmth and bed! Tomorrow we head home.
How good were the blossoms to be just out in the freezing weather just for you!!
Guess every meal or snack time is a warming brew of some kind in a warm place!
You both look very well on all this walking in the cold!
I know – so fortunate! Yes thanks, there’s something wonderful about striding out on a brisk, sunny morning. Especially when everything about is new! In the cold, the view in through the timber framed windows to the flaming pans and steaming pots within is very enticing! We’re at Osaka Airport now for our Internal flight to Haneda before heading for Sydney.