Kochi Castle — Attraction in Kochi

At the end of the Tokugawa Shogunate period, the Japanese neglected or intentionally destroyed many of their own historic castles. While Kochi Castle is not huge, it does date back to well before the Meiji Restoration. As I get into my later 50's with various joint problems, I find it is a bit harder now to scramble to the very top of the castle, but the view of Kochi City is still worth it. If you ever get one of the tour guides to show you around, they will be sure to mention the "stone dropping holes" -- which look suspiciously like urinals for the guards to me! The grounds are beautiful, though the stones certainly can't compare in size to those used at Osaka Castle.

Bring some bread to feed the fish and birds and turtles outside the castle entrance area.

You can get a combined ticket that includes the new Castle Museum across the street from the castle entrance. Taken together, I'd say they are definitely the number one thing to visit in the...

Visited in May 2023

Although the castle building itself was erected in 1600s, I learned that an original old (although rudimentary) castle proceeded it. The leaders of Yamauchi clan found it abandoned and decided to build the current, more modern castle from the ground up.

The castle wasn't as big as its contemporaries, especially considering the size of the city built around it. However, being one of those survived the calamity of World War 2 intact, it is a gift for generations to come.

Like other Japanese castles, the climb to the top of the main structure is pretty arduous, with steep ladders. Nevertheless, the view of the city from the top is rewarding. Oh, and after descending from it, don't miss the the informative diorama displaying whaling activity in feudal Japan (Tosa region was one of the few that allows this industry in the past), which is almost as...

A majestic and stunning place to visit in Kochi. We went on March 22, 2024, at about 10:45am. The weather was perfect.

There are many steps to get to the castle and many inside. Before entering, you must remove your shoes and place them in a plastic bag. We carried the bag with us during our trek to the top. Some spots are a little awkward to take photos and hold the bag, but we managed fine.

It was crowded as there were two cruise ships in Port on the day we visited. I did not feel cramped or rushed. Everyone was polite, and the line moved along at a pace that was relaxing.

The stairs to the interior's top floor are very steep. I can not stress this enough. They are steep. Go slow and hold the rails as they are steep, somewhat narrow, and traffic goes in both directions.

We had a lovely time and would recommend if you...