OK, so I've actually been out a little bit more than I let on. These are from a trip with a couple of friends from work to the city of Hikone, on Lake Biwa, Japan's largest lake. Apparently, every city must have its own castle.
Lanterns - These were for a festival to be held that night.
The Castle - Hikone Castle.
Bird - This guy was snagging fish as they innocently swam by.
Shoes - No shoes were allowed in the castle.
Garden1 - A view of the castle from the nearby Castle Garden.
Garden2 - This was once a feudal Lord's garden home. Notice the thatched roof.
Vehicle - This funky thing is foot-powered. It loads and unloads at an elevated platform and you peddle around a big loop.