New Year's scenery at Kato Shrine in Kumamoto City

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Within Kumamoto Castle, there is a shrine called "Kato Shrine" that enshrines Kato Kiyomasa, the samurai who built Kumamoto Castle.
This is a photo of when we visited Kato Shrine on the morning of New Year's Day 2025. There weren't that many visitors, so we were able to take our time to finish our New Year's greetings.


Date: January 2, 2025
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/4DRn6ufkCSEPN5nd6


The next photo was taken in July of last year (2024) at the same location on an ordinary day.
On a normal day, it can be a much quieter visit.
Date: July 11, 2024

At the entrance to the shrine, there is a place to wash your hands called a "temizuya."
During the New Year, the "temizuya" at Kato Shrine was covered in flowers and was very beautiful.

At the entrance to the shrine office, Kumamon, the mascot character of Kumamoto Prefecture, dressed as a samurai, was welcoming visitors.

The highlight of Kato Shrine is the view of Kumamoto Castle from up close.
Everyone will be amazed by the magnificent sight of Kumamoto Castle.

I made a short movie of my visit.


Postscript
In the evening, I passed by Kato Shrine again and was surprised to see how many people were there. It must have been quite crowded during the day.
If you want to visit the shrine quietly, the morning seems like the best time to go.
 

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