Kochi Castle

Kochi Castle (高知城, Kōchijō), originally constructed between 1601 and 1611, remains one of the few Japanese castles to have survived intact into the modern era. While much of the original structure was destroyed by fire in 1727, the castle was painstakingly rebuilt in 1748 using traditional architectural techniques, preserving its feudal-era character. During the Edo Period, Kochi Castle served as the political and administrative seat of the Yamauchi clan, the powerful lords who governed the Tosa Domain. The main keep (donjon) is particularly notable for serving both as a defensive fortress and as the daimyo’s residence—a rare dual-purpose design among Japanese castles, where the lord typically lived in a separate palace.

Today, Kochi Castle offers visitors a rare chance to step back into the Edo Period with its original wooden interiors and faithful Edo-period reconstructions. The castle complex is remarkably well preserved, and climbing to the top of the donjon rewards guests with panoramic views over downtown Kochi and the surrounding hills. Many of the buildings are designated Important Cultural Properties, and the castle museum displays a curated collection of local artifacts that illuminate Kochi’s samurai history and cultural legacy. With its harmonious blend of architectural authenticity, scenic beauty, and historical depth, Kochi Castle stands as a living monument to Japan’s feudal past.