As Fukuoka continued to be covered in dark cloud I headed south to my next destination of Kumamoto. This is more centrally located in Kyushu Island and home to a famous large castle complex. There was a train to Kumamoto at 12.49 but as I rushed to the platform the doors shut. The next train was 1.18. As I was eating my sandwich I heard announcements for other trains running thru Kumamoto. So I realized I can take a train passing thru Kumamoto instead of one going directly there. There was a train going to Kagoshima at 1.09 so I was able to get on that but in the unreserved carriage. This had reclining seats with wooden backs and a more lower grade look to the carriage. I dont think there was much difference in the ticket price and I had a pass so it didnt matter anyway. The train ride was only 30 mins from Hakata to Kumamoto Video : JR Shinkansen Sakura leaving Fukuoka http://youtu.be/vnxCwQInIbs At Kumamoto station there were people dressed up to greet arrivals and hand out tourist promo bags. It was all in Japanese and promoting some coastal islands nearby. I went to the touris info office to get directions to the castle and my hotel. Keeping up the tram tradition, Kumamoto also had 1930s style trams with wood floors. It was nice and quite nostalgic riding in a historical tram. Video : Kumamoto Tram http://youtu.be/Ip99zuo9DPU100% Tram ticket was 150Y ($2.25). However when I put in 200Y expecting change back the driver indicated that they do not give change. I wasnt bothered anyway. Beside the castle is a small complex of orange temple buildings. I went in to explore not knowing if I will come back this way later. It was nice and interesting to explore but I wanted to head into the larger castle and had already seen a few nicer temples in Fukuoka today.