William. As an addendum to Kirk’s post, I’d like to recommend my favorite museum in Kumamoto, the Handicrafts Promotion Center In Kawashiri. The town is a hidden treasure, where rivers originating in the hinterland meet the sea, so Kumamoto’s precious goods could be shipped throughout Japan, particularly metal work such as knives and Higo zougan. Train and bus access is available, and the town itself is worth the trip. http://www.kumamoto-kougei.jp/