Sakura at Kumamoto Castle (熊本城)

I took many pictures of Sakura (=cherry blossoms) and people enjoying Hanami (=a cherry blossom viewing party) in Kumamoto Castle.

Summery 
Kumamoto Castle is one of the three famous castles of Japan and was built by Kato Kiyomasa. With 800 cherry trees surrounding the castle, Kumamoto Castle has become of the popular cherry blossom spot in late March and early April.

On 30 March 2010, we had scheduled a Hanami Party both at Kumamoto and Oka Castles. We enjoyed for a Hanami Party in Oka Castle, but we couldn't do that at Kumamoto. When we arrived at Kumamoto Castle around 5:45pm, the gate was already closed! Instead, we took four pictures of cherry blossoms in full bloom around the castle.

Cherry trees in bloom at the entrance.

Cherry trees in bloom at Miyuki-zaka (行幸坂) slope that leads to the castle.

"Hanami" or a cherry blossom viewing party near the main entrance.

We had a cherry blossom viewing party again on 31 March 2011. Today was a nice weather, so we had decided to take a drive to see cherry blossoms in full bloom around the castle. The castle's cherry trees are approaching full bloom, with over 50% of the flowers already open. We enjoyed for a cherry blossom viewing party.

Cherry blssoms in bloom at the Uto Yagura (宇土櫓) keep tower. 

Cherry trees in bloom at the main keep.

Cherry blossoms in bloom at the bizen-bori moat with Iida-maru five story towers in background.

Cherry trees in bloom at Miyuki-zaka (行幸坂) slope that leads to the castle.