Kochi Castle was built by Yamauchi Kazutoyo, the first feudal lord of the Tosa domain. It was first built in 1601 after ten years of construction, and unfortunately lost to a fire in 1727. The castle you see today was reconstructed in 1753.
Kochi Castle is one of 12 since the Edo Period that still has its original castle tower, and is the only one that keeps both its original castle tower and main Honmaru Palace hall. The entire 15 buildings across its grounds are registered as a National Important Cultural Asset.
It has recognized as one of the Top 100 Castles in Japan.
Kochi Castle is known for its number of unique features that protect its keep. The most famous of which would be the “shinobigaeshi”, a rare feature of Kochi Castle where iron pikes are kept to deter enemies from climbing the castle tower’s stone walls.
The entire castle grounds at Kochi Castle are open as a part of the Kochi castle park, but you can visit the castle tower by paying an entrance fee. From the top you’ll find sprawling views of the city and feel like you’re on top of the world.
The castle is illuminated from sunset until 10:00pm, making for an especially beautiful sight.
Highlights
-
One of the Top 100 Castles in Japan and one of 12 castles that still has its original castle tower.
-
The fifteen buildings in the castle park are designated National Important Cultural Assets.
-
The castle is illuminated from sunset to 10:00pm – an especially beautiful sight.
-
Located just steps from the Kochi Castle Museum of History where you can find more national treasures and important cultural properties on display.
-
Every Sunday, there’s a popular Sunday market that stretches for 1 km from the east walls of the castle, including approx. 300 different street stalls to visit.