On the fifth day, we finally left Nagasaki and travelled by train down to Kumamoto. We considered using the ferry to cross the sea to Kumamoto instead of the long train route, but it turned out that rail was (a) quicker and (b) a damn sight more convenient.
The interesting thing about Kumamoto is that the main station is 30 minutes walk away from the main town centre. It was quite a contrast - I thought Kumamoto was a sleepy town until I reached the grid of malls and restaurants and Starbucks'. I also felt there was a Ropponginess about the place too...
We went to the impressive Kumamoto-jo, as evidenced by the above photo, and spent a great deal of time exploring the castle and its surroundings.