Kochi Castle

The Tenshu (main tower) and Honmaru Palace of Kochi Castle are designated as one of Japan's Top 100 Castles due to their historical and cultural value. Kochi Castle is one of the "12 existing Tenshu" that were built during or before the Edo period and have been preserved to this day. It is noteworthy that both the Tenshu and Honmaru Palace still exist at Kochi Castle. Despite facing many crises such as the abolition of castles, natural disasters, and World War II, Kochi Castle still stands elegantly today. The Tenshu has a three-story, six-floor structure with stunning carvings and decorations, while the Honmaru Palace served as the lord's residence and the site of political affairs, featuring a grand architectural style. The Tenshu and Honmaru Palace of Kochi Castle are buildings that combine historical value and beauty, symbolizing a part of Japan's castle culture. Visitors will be overwhelmed by their grandeur and historical significance. When visiting Kochi Castle, don't forget to visit the Tenshu and Honmaru Palace and enjoy their power and beauty!

In addition to the surviving castle tower, Kochi Castle has 15 buildings that have been designated as Important Cultural Properties by the government. These include the Honmaru Palace (Kaitokukan), the Nando Storehouse, six towers and gates, and six narrow passages. The Honmaru Palace (Kaitokukan) is an important building that was used as one of the palaces built inside the castle. The Nando Storehouse is a building used to store valuable items and furnishings, and its historical value is extremely high. The towers and gates are important buildings that served as entrances and defenses for the castle. These buildings have a high level of architectural technology and defense capabilities, allowing visitors to catch a glimpse of what the castle looked like at the time. The narrow passages are walls that played a role in dividing the sections inside the castle and are part of the beautiful landscape of the castle. These buildings are important cultural heritage sites that convey the historical and cultural value of Kochi Castle and are carefully preserved. Visitors are encouraged to fully enjoy the charm and history of Kochi Castle through these Important Cultural Properties.

From the top of Kochi Castle's keep, you can enjoy a beautiful panoramic view. From the upper floors of the keep, you can see the city of Kochi and the surrounding landscape. In particular, the coastline of Katsurahama and Tosa Bay spreads out before you, allowing you to enjoy the magnificent scenery of the Pacific Ocean. The inner moat of Kochi Castle and the gardens inside the castle are also attractive. You can enjoy the scenery of each season, with cherry blossoms blooming in spring and autumn leaves coloring the beautiful scenery. The Japanese garden in the castle's garden exudes a Japanese atmosphere, and its beauty will captivate you. The panoramic view from the castle keep of Kochi Castle is a stunning representation of the fusion of history and nature. Visitors should enjoy the view from the upper floors of the keep and be enchanted by the beautiful scenery of Kochi!

After sunset until 10pm, the main keep and Otemon Gate of Kochi Castle are beautifully lit up. The white plaster walls of the main keep stand out against the darkness, creating a fantastical atmosphere. Along with Osaka Castle and Takada Castle, Kochi Castle is known as one of Japan's three greatest night castles, captivating many visitors with its different charm from daytime. Events are held according to the season, and visitors can enjoy different illuminations depending on the time of year. In spring, the cherry blossom corridor is illuminated, while in summer, there is a collaboration with wind chimes and color candles. In autumn, visitors can enjoy a fantastic view of autumn leaves and candlelight, and in winter, the illumination of the Honmaru and Ninomaru areas add color to the castle. In addition, a special illumination event is held once a year, featuring spatial production using digital technology and collaboration with companies, providing an even more special experience. The illumination of Kochi Castle not only enhances the beauty of the building, but also moves visitors with its seasonal and event-specific productions. Kochi Castle at night is a special place where you can enjoy a fantastical and romantic atmosphere!

The Ohashi-juku Samurai Residence Museum, located near Kochi Castle, is the only building in the castle town that retains the architectural style of the samurai of the time. It is the former residence of the Teshima family, samurai of the Tosa clan, located near Kochi Castle. It was designated as a tangible cultural property of Kochi City in 1996 and was restored before opening as a samurai residence museum in November of the same year. The museum faithfully reproduces the main building and the long gate of the shoin-zukuri style, and the details such as the metal fittings and tiles are also worth seeing. Visitors can not only tour the museum, but also use the large and small tatami rooms in the main building as rental rooms. If you hold a tea party in the calm tatami room facing the Japanese garden, you may feel the era of the samurai. The Ohashi-juku Samurai Residence Museum is an important place for conveying the samurai culture and way of life of the Tosa clan through historical buildings. Visitors can experience the atmosphere of the samurai's residence at that time and touch upon the history and culture of the samurai.