The next thing was the interior of a great Daimio’s Palace and to be entertained in regular Japanese fashion. The house of the Daimio selected for the occasion belonged to a Japanese noble whose income is estimated at £800,000 a year. He was absent, but a Prince of Japan was there to receive and do the honours. A Japanese fish dinner has been often described. We had to sit on the mats and eat with chop-sticks, drink cups of hot _saki_ with the chief men, into which fun the Duke of Edinburgh cordially entered. In front of the banqueting room was a theatre, and a selection of plays performed during the feast. This was done by the retainers of the Daimio, according to ancient custom. The actors were men; the chief performers wore masks. The dresses were gorgeous, and looked as if new for the occasion. We did not understand the language, but Mitford had kindly, beforehand, translated the plays. The motion of the actors was so exactly like that of a turkey cock with his tail spread out, that any one who has watched that bird, or a peacock under similar circumstances, strutting about, needs no further description. After the plays were over certain mysterious-looking boxes were brought from the theatre and placed at the feet of the Prince for inspection. On being opened they proved to be the masks that had been used on this occasion, four in number, carved out of wood and painted. There was the lovely face of woman, the comic, the tragic, and one I may call the diabolical. These were said to be 400 years old. After this we pulled on our boots, mounted, and rode away, escorted as before, taking rather a circuitous route that the Prince might see something more of the city. On getting home found that Stanhope had come up to stay with Adams. A covered place has been erected in front of the house for the acrobats, so convenient that you see everything from a chair in the verandah. Another such place has also sprung up, which looks like an equestrian circus, but which I find is to be used for wrestling. In fact, nothing has been forgotten by these kind and hospitable people that can add to the comfort or amusement of our Prince. I forgot to mention that after our return on Saturday we found the falconers waiting in full costume. The hawking, however, was very tame. A small species of water-rat was driven out of the ditches, which a small hawk clawed before it had gone 5 yards. [Sidenote: Sept. 7.] Wrestling appears to be a national pastime, and is conducted with much order and ceremony. The Prince had a large party of Daimios and chiefs to luncheon yesterday, after which meal we proceeded to see the combat.