Kochi, Japan
Description
View cruises with Kochi, JapanKochi 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. Tosa Province and Kochi Castle were Yamauchi's reward for faithful service. There is an historical irony here: 250 years later, a Kochi native son - a former low-ranked samurai and now ronin named Sakamoto Ryoma - played a pivotal role in bringing the Tokugawa Shogunate to an end and restoring the Emperor of Japan to political prominence. The prize once awarded for faithful service had become a hotbed of support for the Meiji Restoration.
Kochi is one of the wettest places in Japan - and a frequent target for cyclonic storms or typhoons. Southeast of the city, warm oceans currents washing against the Aki Mountains create a subtropical landscape of hibiscus, palm and ficus at Muroto-Anan Quasi-National Park.
Points of Interest
- Kochi Castle Museum of History
- Kochi Castle
- Katsurahama Beach
- Kochi Municipal Ryoma's Memorial Museum
- Mikurodo Cave
- Murotomisaki Cape Observatory
- Kazurabashi Bridge & Oboke Gorge
- Ryugado Cave
More about Kochi, Japan Points of Interest
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Kochi Castle Museum of History -
Kochi's new tourist spot is opened in 2017. This museum has approximately 67,000 items including a national treasure and the important cultural property.
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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.
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Katsurahama Beach -
One of Kochi's most popular spots, this scenic beach, known as a good place to "moon view," is home to a number of attractions, including a famous statue of Kochi's favorite son, Sakamoto Ryoma.
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Kochi Municipal Ryoma's Memorial Museum -
Located in Kamimachi where Sakamoto Ryoma, a 19th century political reformer, was born, this museum houses exhibits and dioramas celebrating the town and the history of the Sakamoto family.
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Mikurodo Cave -
It is believed that the 8th century Buddhist monk Kobo-Daishi attained spiritual enlightenment in this cave. So moved by the views of the sky, "Ku," and the sea, "Kai," he renamed himself Ku-Kai.
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Murotomisaki Cape Observatory -
At this site, one of eight "fine views" in Japan, coastal plants blanket the area, anchored by a lighthouse, the largest in Japan. From this picturesque vantage point, enjoy nature trails and photo opportunities.
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Kazurabashi Bridge & Oboke Gorge -
Take a thrilling walk across a suspension bridge of woven vines that spans across the valley 45 feet above the river below. Then, explore the Oboke gorges by boat excursion.
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Ryugado Cave -
One of the most celebrated limestone caves in Japan, this designated Natural Treasure was once home to early man and is punctuated by 20 waterfalls and the ruins of a primitive pit house.
