Kochi Castle

What’s that coming over the hill? It’s Kochi Castle!

Smack in the middle of Kochi’s city centre, surrounded by the neon signs of fast food restaurants and glamorous sky scrapers, Kochi Castle stands proud as an important part of Japanese national history.

This is one of only twelve remaining Japanese castles that survived various natural disasters and wars. Built at the turn of the seventeenth century, most buildings date back to 1748 when it was reconstructed after a fire (wooden castles, man). This is a fantastic chance for you to experience for yourself what it might have been like to be one of the Yamauchi lords, the ruling family whose lands covered Tosa, the old name for Kochi.

Unlike other castles, Kochi’s main tower (or donjon) was actually used to house its feudal sovereigns when it wasn’t being used for military reasons. Other castles such as the ones in Nagoya and Osaka had separate residential buildings. Perhaps the Yamauchi enjoyed the thrill of knowing you could an arrow in the head while eating dinner…

Or perhaps it was worth it for the great views that the lookout point offers, which you can still take advantage of. History buffs will also enjoy the local treasures and historical objects that are currently housed within the castle itself. Many more wonderful finds will be made available when the new Kochi Castle Museum of History opens in 2017.

Trivia

10 Reasons Why You Need to Visit Kochi

10 reasons to visit this little-known gem in southern Japan. As if you need an excuse.

Address

Japan, 〒780-0850 Kōchi-ken, Kōchi-shi, Marunouchi, 1 Chome−2−1, 高知城

By train

From Kochi Station, the tram takes 15 minutes and requires a transfer of trams at Harimayabashi. Kochijo-mae is the closest tram stop to Kochi Castle.

By foot

If it’s nice weather, take a stroll from JR Kochi Station to get a feel for the town and soak up the sea breeze. It takes 20 minutes from Kochi Station or a 10-minute walk from the downtown area around Harimayabashi.