Kochi Castle (m, Kōchijō) is one of just twelve Japanese castles to have survived the fires, wars and other catastrophes of the post feudal age. It was first constructed between 1601 and 1611, but most of its main buildings date from 1748 when they were reconstructed after a fire.
The castle used to be the seat of the Yamauchi lords, who ruled over the surrounding region, then known as Tosa, during the Edo Period (1603-1868). The castle buildings have since been designated "important cultural properties" and house local treasures and historical objects.
A unique feature of Kochi's castle is that its main tower (donjon) was not only used for military purposes, but also as a residence. In most other castles, the lords usually resided in separate palace buildings rather than in the castle keep. The castle's wooden interior maintains the appearance of its Edo Period origins, and the lookout point from the castle tower's top floor offers a nice view of downtown.
Getting there and around
Kochi Castle is located a short walk from Kochijo-mae tram stop. The tram ride from Kochi Station takes 15 minutes, costs 230 yen and requires a transfer of trams at Harimayabashi. The castle can also be reached in a 20 minute walk from JR Kochi Station or a 10 minute walk from the downtown area around Harimayabashi.
How to get to and around Kochi
Hours and Fees
Hours
9:00 to 17:00 (entry until 16:30)
Closed
December 26 to January 1
Admission
500 yen
Typical Visit Duration
60-90 minutes
Questions? Ask in our forum.
Links and Resources
Japanese
Hotels around Kochi
Top rated in Kochi
Budget:
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JyoseikanFeaturing an open-air bath and views of city, Jyoseikan is a ryokan situated in a historic building in Kochi, 34 km from Daizen-ji Temple. Private parking is available on site. The accommodation provides a sauna, free WiFi throughout the property and family rooms. The units are equipped with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a fridge, a kettle, a bidet, slippers and a wardrobe. The units are equipped with heating facilities. There is a coffee shop, bar and lounge. Nishihama Park is 34 km from the ryokan, while Hossho-ji Temple is 34 km away. Kochi Ryoma Airport is 14 km from the property.View on Booking.com -
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Comfort Hotel KochiLocated within 37 km of Daizen-ji Temple and 37 km of Nishihama Park, Comfort Hotel Kochi provides rooms in Kochi. Featuring free bikes, the 3-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. Private parking is available on site. At the hotel, every room is equipped with a desk. All units in Comfort Hotel Kochi are equipped with a flat-screen TV and free toiletries. Guests at the accommodation can enjoy a buffet breakfast. Around the clock assistance is available at the reception, where staff speak English and Japanese. Hossho-ji Temple is 37 km from Comfort Hotel Kochi, while Nakatosa Town Art Museum is 47 km away. Kochi Ryoma Airport is 13 km from the property.View on Booking.com -
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Dormy Inn KochiDormy Inn Kochi is located in Kochi, 36 km from Daizen-ji Temple and 36 km from Nishihama Park. This 3-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage space. The accommodation provides a sauna, hot spring bath, restaurant and free WiFi throughout the property. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms with a desk, a kettle, a fridge, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a bidet. Guest rooms include a wardrobe. Guests at Dormy Inn Kochi can enjoy a buffet breakfast. Hossho-ji Temple is 36 km from the accommodation, while Nakatosa Town Art Museum is 46 km away. Kochi Ryoma Airport is 13 km from the property.View on Booking.com -
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OMO7 Kochi by Hoshino ResortsLocated in Kochi, 37 km from Daizen-ji Temple, OMO7 Kochi by Hoshino Resorts provides accommodation with a spa and wellness centre and private parking. Each accommodation at the 5-star hotel has city views, and guests can enjoy access to a restaurant and to a bar. The hotel features a sauna, a 24-hour front desk and free WiFi throughout the property. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms offering a desk, a kettle, a fridge, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a shower. The breakfast offers buffet, American or Asian options. Nishihama Park is 37 km from OMO7 Kochi by Hoshino Resorts, while Hossho-ji Temple is 37 km away. Kochi Ryoma Airport is 12 km from the property.View on Booking.com -
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Hotel Best Price KochiLocated in Kochi and with Daizen-ji Temple reachable within 37 km, Hotel Best Price Kochi provides free bikes, non-smoking rooms, free WiFi and a restaurant. The property is around 37 km from Nishihama Park, 37 km from Hossho-ji Temple and 47 km from Nakatosa Town Art Museum. Private parking is available on site. Complete with a private bathroom equipped with a bidet and free toiletries, all units at the hotel have a TV and air conditioning, and selected rooms include a balcony. All rooms will provide guests with a desk and a kettle. A buffet breakfast is available at Hotel Best Price Kochi. The accommodation offers 3-star accommodation with a sauna. Staff at Hotel Best Price Kochi are always available to provide guidance at the reception. Hijiri Shrine is 50 km from the hotel, while K?chi Station is 2 km away. Kochi Ryoma Airport is 11 km from the property.View on Booking.com -
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Hotel TakasagoOffering free bikes and river view, Hotel Takasago is set in Kochi, 36 km from Daizen-ji Temple and 37 km from Nishihama Park. This 3-star ryokan offers a lift and full-day security. The ryokan features private parking, a sauna and a 24-hour front desk. The units in the ryokan are fitted with a flat-screen TV. With a private bathroom equipped with a bidet and slippers, units at the ryokan also have free WiFi. At the ryokan, the units are fitted with bed linen and towels. A family-friendly restaurant can be found at the property, offering a child-friendly buffet. Hossho-ji Temple is 37 km from the ryokan, while Nakatosa Town Art Museum is 46 km away. Kochi Ryoma Airport is 13 km from the property.View on Booking.com -
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Nishitetsu Inn Kochi HarimayabashiNishitetsu Inn Kochi Harimayabashi features Western rooms and free WiFi, a 10-minute walk from JR Kochi Train Station. Guests can request relaxing massages for an extra cost. The property is also only a 15-minute walk from Kochi Castle. The air-conditioned rooms feature a flat-screen TV, a fridge and an electric kettle. Each comes with an en suite bathroom, a hairdryer and an air purifier and humidifier. Guests can borrow ironing facilities and a trouser press at the front desk. A coin-launderette and drink vending machines are on site. A mobile phone charger can be borrowed at the 24-hour front desk and luggage storage is available. Japanese and Western dishes are served for breakfast at the dining room. Harimayabashi Kochi Nishitetsu Inn is a 10-minute walk from Hirome Market and a 1-minute walk from Harimaya Bridge Tram Station. Kochi Airport is a 30-minute drive away.View on Booking.com -
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Kochi HotelLocated in a minute's walk from Kochi Station, Kochi Hotel provides air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi. The property is set 7 km from Katori Shrine. The property features a 24-hour front desk. All rooms in the hotel are equipped with a kettle. Breakfast is available each morning at the property. The nearest airport is Kouchi Airport located 12 km away from property.View on Booking.com -
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Hotel Liberty Kochi (Adult Only)Located in Kochi, Hotel Liberty Kochi (Adult Only) is a love hotel offering air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi. This love hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and room service. Guests can enjoy river views. At the love hotel, every room includes a wardrobe and a flat-screen TV. The private bathroom is equipped with a bath and free toiletries. All guest rooms will provide guests with a fridge. A continental breakfast can be enjoyed in the breakfast area. The nearest airport is Kochi Ryoma Airport, 12 km from the property.View on Booking.com -
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SansuienSansuien features an open-air natural hot spring bath, a Japanese garden and Western and Japanese-style rooms, only a 5-minute walk from Kochi Castle. The hotel has a 24-hour reception, a souvenir shop and free WiFi access throughout the property. A spread of hot and cold fare is available at the buffet breakfast between 07:00 and 09:00. Drinks and snacks can be enjoyed at the bar. Western rooms come with a wooden or carpeted floor and beds, while Japanese rooms feature a tatami (woven-straw) floor and traditional futon bedding. All rooms have a seating area, an LCD TV and a small fridge. Yukata robes are provided, while the attached bathroom comes with toiletries. Hotel Sansuien is a 10-minute bus ride from Kochi Station. The Kochi Makino Night Botanical Garden is a 20-minute drive.View on Booking.com
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