Kochi sits on the broad alluvial plain facing Urado Bay. This city in Shikoku takes its name from the great feudal castle that sits at its very heart. Completed in 1611, Kochi Castle was the seat of Yamauchi Kazutoyo, a noted warrior who supported Tokugawa Ieyasu in his successful quest to become Shogun.
Kochi is one of the wettest places in Japan – and a frequent target for cyclonic storms or typhoons. So it was no surprise that we had rain and lightning overnight on the way to an overcast, drizzly, humid Kochi.
From the port we travelled by shuttle bus to Kochi City to explore. We walked to Kochi Castle. Originally constructed in 1603 and rebuilt in 1753 after a fire, it is one of 12 Japanese castles to survive the post-feudal age and a classic example of Edo period architecture.
Our next call was to the Hirome Market and then on to Harimayabashi Bridge/Canal which was originally a private bridge over the Hori River. The bridge has been replaced several times and the river is now a canal. It is the centre of one of the shopping districts in Kochi City.
Joy was searching for a taste of Bonito Tuna – Katsuo Tataki which is lightly seared and served with sauce. We eventually found the recommended restaurant and shared one serving (at an early hour). Delicious.
Our Travels 