Kochi Castle in Japan

Kochi Castle in Japan

Constructed 400 years back, the Kochijo, or Kochi castle is one of the prime heritages of Japan. The castle had served the Yamauchi lords for 16 generations until the Meiji Period. The erstwhile lords had designed their castle to ensure a complete defense, as is evident from every element of the castle architecture. The robust wooden Otemon Gate points out how thorough the security was. Though the castle was never threatened by any enemy, it couldn't escape the deadly fumes which reduced the original castle structures. The monument existing today is actually a reconstruction of the main building. The Kochi castle is the only feudal building that still preserves the ancient inner bailey, or honmaru. In fact, this original structure has earned the castle the status of "Important Cultural Properties", and remains untouched as one of the best tourist locations in Japan.

How to reach Kochi Castle:

From Okayama, Kochi can be reached by a 2 ½ hour train ride in the JR Nampu Limited Express.

To reach Kochi by air, one has to take a flight to Kochi Ryuma airport from where a 40 minutes bus ride takes one to the main town. The airport has regular flights from Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, Hiroshima, Fukuoka, Miyazaki and Okinawa.

Places to visit near Kochi: As the name Kochi suggests, the town is settled between two rivers, which add to the scenic beauty of the place. To the south of Kochi, the Katsurahama beach is a popular destination for the tourists. The Godai-san-koen Park is another place to visit. The Chikurin-ji Temple in the park is a sacred halt for the Buddhist population as the place is believed to contain a bone of Buddha from Bodhgaya. The temple's treasure house with its display of some ancient Tantric statues is worth visiting. The Anpanman Museum is also a place of interest. A must visit for the tourists is the vibrant Sunday Market which assumes a festive air as the traders line up along the shady road to hawk their products.

Where to stay in Kochi:

The ancient castle town provides a number of comfortable lodgings to its visitors. You would get a fine blend of comfort and hospitality in hotels like:

- Hotel Ecolodge Shimanto,
- Best Western, Kochi,
- Comfort Hotel Kochi,
- Hotel Nikko Kochi Asahi Royal
- Comfort Inn Kochi

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