Guided in Japanese: Kochi Castle & Katsurahama Beach

Description

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

WHAT YOU VISIT
Kochi Castle
Constructed between 1601 and 1611 by feudal lord Yamanouchi Kazutoyo, Kochi Castle is the city's most well- known landmark. Set atop Otakasa Hill, the impressive structure is the only castle in the country with its wooden interior, castle tower, and impressive entrance still intact. The "donjon," or main tower, provides celebrated, panoramic views of the whole city, making it well worth the climb to the top. Your tour will take you past the beautifully restored Tsumemon Gate that connects the second citadel of the castle to its inner sanctum, and no visit to Kochi Castle would be complete without seeing the living quarters or "honmaru," which houses local and historical treasures, and items designated as Japan's Important Cultural Properties. Back outside, stroll the castle grounds, now a popular public park, dotted with magnificent statues of the Yamanouchi family.

Katsurahama Beach
Although swimming is prohibited due to strong currents, you'll have free time to ooh and aah over the beautiful scenery, stroll along the meandering paths, and admire a small shrine.

PHOTO OPPORTUNITY
Katsurahama Beach is also the setting of a statue of Sakamoto Ryoma, one of Japan's most beloved historical figures. Born in Kochi in 1835, he contributed to Japan's rapid modernization, which marked the end of 700 years of feudal government. The imposing statue is dressed in a Japanese samurai kimono and wears western-style boots. Near the Sakamoto Ryoma statue sits the Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial Museum whose sweeping views look out over the Pacific Ocean.

WHAT YOU SEE ALONG THE WAY
As you enjoy the delights of Kochi and its magnificent countryside, it may be hard to imagine that this was once a land of exile where political dissidents lived out their lives after being banished from the emperor's court in Kyoto. During the rise of the samurai in the middle ages, territorial disputes erupted into periods of war. In 1600, the samurai Yamauchi Katsutoyo led a victorious battle on the island of Honshu; as a reward for his achievement, he was awarded feudal domain over Kochi.

Special Notes:

Guests are requested to walk outside for approx 2 hours in total during the tour.Your are requested to go up over 150 steps to Kochi castle.When you visit the Kochi castle, you may be asked to remove your shoes. Swimming is prohibited due to the strong currents at Katsurahama beach.Please wear comfortable shoes. Please bring an umbrella when it rains.