All Reviews of Kochi Castle

When visiting Kochi City, don't miss historic Kochi Castle! It's one of Japan's “12 original castle towers,” and even more impressively, it's currently the only castle in Japan that has preserved both its original castle tower and Honmaru Palace intact. There are also 15 buildings within the castle grounds designated as National Important Cultural Properties.

Admission is JPY 500 for adults, and you have to remove your shoes during the tour. Stepping inside really feels like traveling back in time. I especially liked the Otemon Gate and the atmospheric view of it together with Kochi Castle's tower. Once you climb to the top, you can also enjoy a 360-degree view of downtown Kochi, which is very pleasant.

There are staff members throughout the castle who proactively share little stories about it, making the visit more than just taking a few photos and leaving. Best of all, there weren't many visitors that day, so exploring felt especially relaxing〜If you come to Kochi, this castle is really worth adding to your itinerary!

Kochi Castle is one of the classic must-visit spots when traveling to Kochi. Unfortunately, the castle tower was under renovation during my visit, so I couldn’t go up and enjoy the view from inside the castle, which was a bit of a shame.

Still, walking among the stone steps and old castle walls, I could really feel the rich historical atmosphere. The route was full of greenery, and the garden scenery was beautiful. Combined with Kochi Castle’s distinctive architecture, even a relaxed stroll was a real pleasure.

I hope to visit again next time and go up to the castle tower to take in the beautiful views of Kochi.

Standing on the castle walls, you can overlook the city. If the weather’s good and you find the right angle, you can really capture what makes the main keep unique.

The cherry blossoms were still just starting to bud—this place must be gorgeous in spring.

I've visited so many Japanese castles, and honestly, they all look pretty similar. If you're not really into Japanese history, it's mostly just a good spot for photos.

The location is right in the city, so it's very convenient to get to. Kochi Castle is built on a slope, so you'll need to climb some stairs, which can be a bit tiring. The exhibits inside are detailed, and there are Chinese translations, making it easy to understand the significance.

Kochi Castle is one of the 12 original castle towers among Japan's Top 100 Castles. It's really well preserved. There's an entrance fee only if you go inside the main tower, where you can get a great view of Kochi City. Definitely a must-visit spot in Kochi.