TOURIST ATTRACTIONS:

KOCHI CASTLE:

Taking in the view from the top of Kochi Castle one appreciates for the first time how Kochi Prefecture's capital is indeed a joka-machi, a town that thrives about the foot of its castle.

A particularly festive approach to the castle is from the east, on Sunday. For over a kilometre, small stands line the road and people from all parts of Kochi sell their fresh produce and home crafts in a weekly festivity that is known as Sunday Market. Walking along this alley of commerce, one eventually arrives at the huge wooden beams of the Otemon Gate. The gate stands as it was originally built in 1603 by Kazutoyo Yamanouchi. Kochi Castle was ruled by the Yamanouchi family for sixteen generations until 1869 when the province of Tosa was handed over to the Emperor Meiji.

(Kochi Castle from the Otemon Gate)

The castle was originally named after the hill upon which it was built, Otakasaka. Down to the width of the citadel steps, every element of the castle was designed with a shrewd eye for defence. It seems almost unfortunate that this defensive strength was never tested by an attack.

Rising out of the thick foliage of the castle grounds, the tower of Kochi Castle is a faithful presence, truly the heart of Kochi Prefecture's capital city.

Access:

The castle is hard to miss, being at the centre of Kochi and visible from most places in the city. Take the tram to Kochijo-mae, and head north to the castle.

 

HARIMAYABASHI:

"At Harimayabashi, I saw a monk buy a hairpin!" As written in the Yosakoi song, Kochi's Harimayabashi served as the stage for the love story of Junshin and Ouma.

(Harimayabashi)

It was the end of the Tokugawa shogunate when the story of Junshin, a Buddhist monk from Godaisan's Chikurinji Temple, and Ouma, the daughter of a pot welder took place. The story began with Junshin purchasing a hairpin for Ouma at a Harimayabashi variety store, thus breaking the strict celibacy rules of his order. Junshin's small investment soon became the talk of the town and although he fled his home, he was promptly forced to return, only to suffer the cruel fate of exile and permanent separation from his love. Harimayabashi has recently been rebuilt and is surrounded by willow trees in the Shinsui Park, now recognised as a sightseeing landmark in Kochi.

Access:

Take the tram to Harimayabashi, and the bridge itself is on the north-western corner of the crossroads.

 

GODAISAN:

Godaisan, a hill overlooking the south-east of Kochi City is host to the Chikurinji Temple and the Makino Botanical Gardens. The temple is one of the 88 Shikoku pilgrimage temples, and has an interesting collection of old Buddhist statues. Overlooking Chikurinji is a five storeyed pagoda.

(Godaisan's Chikurinji Nioumon Gate)

Since 1958, the Makino Botanical Gardens have displayed the work of Dr. Tomitaro Makino, the world-renowned botanist born in Kochi. The garden shows the best of every season, housing approximately 1500 varieties of plant life. Adding to the atmosphere is the Tomitaro Makino Anniversary Hall, added in November, 1999. The hall holds an exhibition of the life and work of Makino as well as various seasonal exhibitions.

Access:

Take the Godaisan bus from the Dentetsu Bus Terminal (Harimayabashi tram stop). It takes approximately 20 minutes and stops outside the temple steps.

 

KATSURAHAMA:

13 kilometres from Kochi City is the famous Katsurahama beach. This is a beautiful gravel beach that is renowned for moon-viewing. It is also home to a famous statue of Sakamoto Ryoma, a progressive samurai who played a key role in the uprising against the shogunate resulting in the Meiji Restoration and the birth of modern Japan.

(Statue of Sakamoto Ryoma overlooking Katsurahama Beach)

There is also an aquarium with dolphin and sealion shows, an exhibition of the traditional Tosa mastiff dog-fighting, and a new hotel overlooking the beach offering Onsen (hot spa) and traditional style lodgings.

Access:

Take the Katsurahama bus from the Dentetsu Bus Terminal (Harimayabashi tram stop). It takes approximately 35 minutes.