WHEN in Japan, particularly in the Shikoku Island, one should not miss visiting the Kochi Castle in Kochi Prefecture.
The tourist spot does not only amaze its visitors with its classic Japanese architectural design, but as well as with its rich history.
On December 1, the 15 scholars of the Japan International Cooperation Agency’s Knowledge Co-Creation Program on SME Development and Promotion Course for Young Leaders had the chance to visit the place and learn more about Kochi Castle’s relevance in the attainment of peace and development within the region.
As we toured around the vicinity of the 415-year-old structure, we were not only awed by the story of each of the artifact inside its five-storey palace, but also with how the local government of the Kochi Prefecture has preserved this history-rich tourist destination.
The Kochi Castle and its brief history
The famous tourist attraction was built in 1601 by Yamanouchi Kazutoyo in the region which was previously known as Tosa. The construction was started right after the Battle of Shekigahara.
Ten years later, construction was finally done. However, the fortress caught fire in 1727. Thus, rebuilding was done from 1729 and 1753, ensuring that its original design was retained.
To preserve Kochi Castle’s striking architecture, some restoration was done between 1948 and 1959.
Amid the fact that the castle never witnessed any battle right in front of it, the Japanese, especially those in Kochi, still consider it as a relevant fixture of their history since it is still the original structure and not a mere replica of what happened in 1600s.
Touring inside the castle
When going inside the castle, all are asked to remove their footwear. They will then be provided with slippers. Our team opted not to wear them, though, as we wanted to have a feel of how it is like to walk inside the fortress barefoot.
While inside, guests will see several clothes and objects that were originally used by the rulers of the said time.
Its other attractions
Apart from the castle itself, its location also serves as the venue for hanami or the tradition flower-seeing when the famous Sakura trees (cherry blossoms) are in bloom. This could have been a great experience for us. However, the trees only bear flowers from March until May.
Within its vicinity are the Prefectural Library and the Kochi Literary Museum, another venue to learn more about the Japanese history and culture.
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