Kochi Castle
In Kochi you can visit a castle that has survived centuries of war and disaster in a relatively complete state.
The Castle Entrance
The Otemon main gate stands at the entrance, with the keep visible behind it.
The account says only three castles in Japan offer a single view taking in both the main gate and keep, one reason it considers Kochi Castle historically valuable.
Built in the early seventeenth century, Kochi is described in the source as Japan’s only castle retaining both its keep and the inner castle ensemble.
Despite threats from the 1873 castle-abolition decree and the Pacific War, it escaped destruction and retains many buildings. It is one of Japan’s twelve surviving original castle keeps, with buildings designated Important Cultural Properties.
A Statue of Lord Yamauchi Kazutoyo
A commanding statue of Yamauchi Kazutoyo stands by the entrance.
The source characterizes Kazutoyo as less adept at administration but reasonably capable with a spear.
Yamauchi Kazutoyo (1545–1605) was a Sengoku-period warrior and the first lord of the Tosa domain.
According to the story recounted here, his wife Chiyo’s resourcefulness around the Battle of Sekigahara helped him gain Tokugawa Ieyasu’s trust. He became lord in 1601 and built Kochi Castle, despite the author’s portrayal of him as no natural political operator.
Chiyo’s Statue
Farther inside stands a statue of Kazutoyo’s wife, Chiyo.
She is famous in Japan as an exemplary supportive wife, with many stories of protecting the household through poverty and helping Kazutoyo advance while he spent his years at war. These are the historical anecdotes presented by the source.
The best-known story here concerns a parade for the completion of Oda Nobunaga’s Azuchi Castle in 1579. To make her earnest but politically inexperienced husband stand out, Chiyo supposedly used ten gold ryo from her dowry to buy him a fine horse.
That attracted the attention of senior figures. The account says Kazutoyo then distinguished himself with the spear skills he had practiced and eventually became a castle lord.
The source jokes that Chiyo is more popular than Kazutoyo in Japan—so much so that he is nicknamed ‘Chiyo’s husband.’
Inside Kochi Castle
Compared with other Japanese castles, this one feels compact and relatively simple.
The quoted admission was JPY 420 for adults, with younger visitors free; the original does not specify the age cutoff.
In cherry-blossom season, the surrounding trees are said to give the castle a romantic atmosphere.
I have only seen photographs of the thick stone walls framed by blossoms, but it looks beautiful.
Chiyo’s husband rides proudly on the horse she bought him.
Inside, traditional tatami and solid timber make the construction feel sturdy.
A cross section of a tree with enormous growth rings is on display.
A Model of Kochi Castle
A miniature recreates the castle in its flourishing days.
Its detail makes it enjoyable to examine.
Small openings appear in several places. I imagine weapons were positioned there to fire at attackers.
Expressive Little Figures
Models also show residents’ daily lives, with wonderfully lively expressions.
‘Now this is a celebration!’
‘Yamamoto, get down—you’re heavy!’
‘Come down and help push, Yamamoto! He always does this after a drink.’ These are the author’s playful imagined voices for the figures.
Old Castle Photographs and Scenes of Local Life
Miniatures include whaling expeditions and soldiers as well as the castle itself. We climb while imagining those earlier lives.
The Keep and Its Shachi Roof Ornament
Looking down over Kochi from the keep reminds me of the miniature we have just seen.
We are higher than I expected, with the city spread out below.
You can also see the shachi roof ornaments familiar from Japanese castle keeps.
The source describes this legendary creature as part fish and part dragon.
Sunset from the Keep
With the breeze and the view from this high point in central Kochi, I lose track of time. The source calls it the city center’s highest point; that superlative was not checked.
After a while, the sun begins to sink.
The outlook faces both sunrise and sunset directions, and on this visit we enjoy the evening glow; this does not establish visitor access at sunrise.
Kochi Castle is a recognizable local landmark and an easy sightseeing choice during a visit to the prefecture.
Come and meet Chiyo—and ‘Chiyo’s husband.’
The open view over Kochi from the keep is a welcome bonus.
Kochi Castle (高知城)
Address: 1-2-1 Marunouchi, Kochi
Phone: 088-824-5701