Kochi Castle

Kochi

Castles & Historic Sites

# Castle

# Samurai

# National Treasure

# Original Castle Keep

The main keep and connected administrative building (Kaitokukan) of Kochi Castle, one of Japan's original castles.

Kochi Castle keep illuminated at dusk against a deep blue sky.

The Kuroganemon Gate (or similar turret gate) of Kochi Castle on its stone foundation, with the main keep visible on the hill behind it.

The white-walled Kochi Castle keep framed by vibrant red and orange autumn maple leaves.

A view from the Kochi Castle walls overlooking the city and surrounding mountains, showing a stone staircase and park area in the foreground.

Key Points

One of 12 surviving Edo period castle keeps in Japan
Built 1601-1611 by Yamauchi Katsutoyo, lord of the Tosa domain
Only Japanese castle where the entire main keep and the main castle residence where the feudal lord lived, remain
Nearby history museum with National Treasures

Built by Yamauchi Katsutoyo (a samurai from the Sengoku period to the early Edo period) after receiving control of the Tosa Domain (present day Kochi Prefecture) following the Battle of Sekigahara, Kochi Castle was completed in 1611. Although much of it was destroyed in a 1727 fire, it was rebuilt by 1753, preserving its original Edo period design. Remarkably, Kochi Castle is the only castle in Japan that still has its entire main keep and the Honmaru Goten, the building where the feudal lord conducted his political affairs, remain completely intact.

The castle stands proudly on a hill in central Kochi, its white-walled tower overlooking the city. Visitors may tour the castle keep’s interior, enabling them to appreciate its rich history. In spring, over 200 cherry trees bloom within the grounds, making it one of the prefecture’s best hanami (flower-viewing) spots. You also won’t want to miss museums like the Kochi Castle Historical Museum, which contains over 67,000 works passed down through the Yamauchi family (rulers of the Tosa Domain after Yamauchi Kazuutoyo), including historical documents.

Information

Spot information including address, access, and website
Address	1-2-1 Marunouchi, Kochi City, Kochi
Access from Tokyo	(1) From Tokyo Station, take the Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen Nozomi to Okayama Station (approx. 3 hr 15 min). (2) At Okayama Station, transfer to the Dosan Line Limited Express Nampu to Kochi Station (approx. 2 hr 33 min). (3) At Kochi Station, transfer to the Dosan Line local train to Iriake Station (approx. 2 min). (4) From Iriake Station, walk to the Kochi Castle (approx. 13 minutes). Show route from Tokyo Station
Website	https://kochipark.jp/kochijyo/
Official SNS Accounts
Related Information	This spot is one of the main highlights in the Castle Town Culture of Shikoku itinerary, which showcases the region’s famous castles. Check it out to help plan your trip. To learn more about the castle’s history and architecture, read the editorial, “CASTLES: From Military Fortress to Architecture of Rule.” If you want to see more of the 12 remaining castle towers, we recommend visiting Matsuyama Castle and Uwajima Castle, both in Shikoku.