- Kochi Castle Honmaru Palace: One of Only Two Surviving Edo-era Palace Buildings in Japan
- Discover the historic Honmaru Palace at Kochi Castle—one of only two original Edo-period palace structures still standing in Japan, also known as Kaitokukan.
The True Charm of Kochi Castle Lies in the Journey to the Keep
When people think of Kochi Castle, they often picture the precious main keep and Honmaru Palace that have survived since the Edo period. However, the journey to reach the keep is actually one of the castle’s greatest attractions.
Within the castle grounds, historical structures such as stone walls, turrets, and gates line the path, blending historical significance with natural scenery that changes with every step.
The actual walking distance is not long—just 5 to 10 minutes from Otemon Gate to the keep. If you familiarize yourself with the route beforehand, you can enjoy the journey at a comfortable pace.
This article introduces the highlights you can enjoy from the main entrance at Otemon Gate to the main keep. We hope this guide, including directions to the keep, will help you plan your visit.
Kochi Castle
Kochi Castle, located in Kochi City, Kochi Prefecture, is the only castle in Japan where the main keep, Honmaru Palace, and Otemon Gate all survive from the original construction. It was built in 1601 by Yamauchi Kazutoyo, a feudal lord who distinguished himself in the Battle of Sekigahara.
The castle grounds have been developed as Kochi Park, with stone walls, turrets, and bronze statues of historical figures scattered throughout. The abundance of attractions across the park is one of its greatest appeals.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Hours | 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (last admission at 4:30 pm) |
| Closed | December 26 – January 1 |
| Phone | 088 - 824 - 5701 |
| Website | https://kochipark.jp/kochijyo/ |
| Admission | 500 yen (free for visitors under 18) |
| Parking | Available on - site (7:30 am–6:30 pm / 370 yen for the first hour, 110 yen per 30 minutes thereafter) |
| Access | About 25 min walk from JR Kochi Station, or 5 min walk from Tosaden "Kochijo - mae" tram stop |
| Address | 1 - 2-1 Marunouchi, Kochi City, Kochi 780 - 0850 |
Walking Route from Otemon Gate to the Keep
First, let’s review the walking route from Otemon Gate, the main entrance of Kochi Castle, to the keep.
Along this route, you can visit the following highlights in order:
- Statue of Yamauchi Kazutoyo
- Otemon Gate
- Tourist Information Center / Free Lockers
- Statue of Itagaki Taisuke
- Ishidoi (Stone Drainage Spouts)
- Statue of Yamauchi Kazutoyo’s Wife
- Sannomaru Stone Walls
- Keep Photo Spot
- Ninomaru Square
- Keep and Honmaru Palace
The red line on the map indicates the walking route. This path corresponds to the “Straight Route” described in the official Kochi Castle pamphlet.
Following this route allows you to reach the keep via the shortest path (5 to 10 minutes on foot), but even along the way, there are numerous attractions to enjoy.
The Starting Point: Where Castle Lord and Gate Welcome Visitors
The starting point for exploring Kochi Castle is located on the east side of Kochi Park. From here, a spectacular sight awaits.
1. Statue of Yamauchi Kazutoyo
Welcoming visitors on the way to the main entrance is the equestrian statue of Yamauchi Kazutoyo, the first lord of the castle.
Clad in armor and seated on horseback, the statue exudes a dignified presence that evokes the pride and authority of the castle’s founding era.
2. Otemon Gate: An Overwhelming Presence Preserved Since the Edo Period
Otemon Gate, guarding the front of Kochi Castle, is an imposing structure that overwhelms visitors with its towering height and massive presence.
This precious gate has survived since the Edo period, conveying the formality and tension of the feudal domain era to the present day.
This is the first major highlight where visitors can experience the history and grandeur of Kochi Castle.
Information Center in the Castle Plaza: Your Base for Exploring Kochi Castle
Beyond Otemon Gate lies an open plaza within Kochi Castle. Here, you can prepare for your exploration.
3. Tourist Information Center / Free Lockers
In one corner of the plaza, there is a tourist information center where you can pick up pamphlets and maps or ask staff for assistance. Guided tour reservations are also accepted here.
Free lockers and restrooms are also available.
Prepare yourself here first. From this point on, the path climbs uphill, so it’s best to travel light.
4. Statue of Itagaki Taisuke
A bronze statue of Itagaki Taisuke, a politician from Kochi Prefecture, stands in the castle plaza. He led the “Freedom and People’s Rights Movement” during the Meiji era and is considered a pioneer of democracy in Japan.
The Freedom and People’s Rights Movement was a citizen’s movement in modern Japan that demanded the right of people to participate in politics.
His brave figure with raised right hand conveys his strong will for political reform to this day.
Breathtaking Scale: The Path to the Keep Full of Dignity and Grandeur
As you step from the plaza into the inner castle grounds, you are immediately greeted by stone walls and steps of breathtaking scale.
The massive stone walls, stacked with such precise beauty that it’s hard to believe they were built at the end of the Warring States period, possess both functional elegance and majesty that overwhelm visitors.
The stone steps that follow along these walls lead to the keep as if tracing the layers of history step by step. This breathtaking scale, surrounded by stone walls, is one of Kochi Castle’s hidden highlights.
5. Ishidoi (Stone Drainage Spouts): Ancient Wisdom for Protecting Stone Walls
Due to Kochi’s high rainfall, efficient drainage has always been crucial at Kochi Castle.
For this reason, the stone walls were built using a technique called “Nozurazumi” (rough-stacked), which provides excellent drainage and allows rainwater to escape effectively.
Playing a key role in this drainage system is the “Ishidoi” (stone spout). These stone drainage channels, built into the stone walls, carry rainwater from inside the castle to the outside. A distinctive feature is how the spouts protrude from the stone walls.
This design prevents rainwater from running directly down the stone wall surface, which could loosen the foundation and increase the risk of collapse—a testament to the wisdom and ingenuity of our ancestors.
6. Statue of Yamauchi Kazutoyo’s Wife: The Devoted Support That Led to Becoming Lord of Tosa
Chiyo, the wife of Yamauchi Kazutoyo, is known as a wise woman who supported her husband during the Warring States period.
She is famous for using her dowry money to purchase a fine horse, which became the catalyst for Kazutoyo’s rise to prominence.
Furthermore, before the Battle of Sekigahara, she is said to have secretly relayed information about the Osaka forces, helping to guide the decision on troop movements.
This statue commemorates her role in supporting the construction of Kochi Castle and the prosperity of the Yamauchi family behind the scenes.
Even without many words, her quiet standing figure conveys the inner strength of a woman who helped shape history.
7. Sannomaru Stone Walls: An Impressive 13-Meter Wall Preserved Through Time
The Sannomaru stone walls are a magnificent structure completed in the final stage of Kochi Castle’s construction, reaching a maximum height of approximately 13 meters. Built using the “Nozurazumi” technique that utilizes natural stones, they present a powerful and imposing landscape.
A grand Sannomaru Palace spanning over 1,800 square meters once stood atop these stone walls.
During repairs in the Heisei era, craftsmen who inherited Edo-period stone masonry techniques carefully restored the walls using original stone materials. Approximately 400 million yen was invested in the renovation work.
8. Keep Photo Spot: Turn Around for a Stunning Castle View
While climbing the stone steps toward the keep, you might find yourself focusing only on where you’re stepping. But at this point, try looking back.
There, you’ll see the Kochi Castle keep rising majestically atop the stone walls, appearing to tower up from below.
This angle is one of the most photogenic spots at Kochi Castle.
The keep rising above the stone walls against the sky creates a composition so complete and powerful that it takes your breath away.
From Ninomaru to Honmaru: A Quiet Build-Up Toward the Climax
After climbing the stone steps, the view eventually opens up to the spacious Ninomaru Square.
From here on, you enter the most dramatic area of the castle, with Honmaru and the keep right before you.
9. Ninomaru Square: Take a Break with Kochi’s Famous “Ice Crin”
Ninomaru Square is an open space just before the keep, perfect for taking a break.
What catches the eye here is the colorful vendor stall with its striking banners and hand-painted signs.
They sell Kochi’s famous “Ice Crin” and ramune soda, drawing tourists and families alike.
On hot days, the gentle sweetness and refreshing coolness will soothe your tired body after the climb.
You’ve done well climbing all those stone steps! After refreshing yourself with something sweet, head to the keep through Tsumemon Gate, the entrance to Honmaru.
The Keep and Honmaru Palace
Passing through Tsumemon Gate, you enter Honmaru. You have now arrived at the keep.
As you step into Honmaru, the iconic keep and the Honmaru Palace (Kaitokukan), which has survived since the Edo period, appear before you.
This is the most historically significant area of Kochi Castle, preserving precious structures that are rare even on a national scale.
From here, you pay the 500 yen admission fee and tour the Honmaru Palace followed by the keep.
Honmaru Palace (Kaitokukan): A Space of Formal Governance and Ceremonies
The Honmaru Palace (Kaitokukan) was primarily used for formal occasions such as the lord’s ceremonies and reception of distinguished guests.
The prestigious shoin-style interior space is filled with a solemn atmosphere, conveying aspects of politics and culture from the feudal domain era to the present day.
Only two Honmaru Palaces remain in Japan, and one of them is here at Kochi Castle.
For details about the palace tour route and architectural style, please see the following article.
Read more about Honmaru Palace (Kaitokukan)
The Keep: A Precious Structure Among Japan’s Twelve Remaining Original Keeps
The keep of Kochi Castle is one of the “Twelve Remaining Original Keeps” that preserve their appearance as built during the Edo period.
Inside, the original wooden structure remains intact, with steep stairs, narrow windows, and various defensive features visible throughout.
From the top floor, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Kochi City, experiencing the same perspective as the castle lords of the past—one of the castle’s greatest attractions.
For details about the keep’s structure and tour route, please see the following article.
Read more about Kochi Castle Keep
The Path to the Keep Reveals the True Value of Kochi Castle
The journey from Otemon Gate to Honmaru is scattered with dynamic historical structures, ancestral craftsmanship and wisdom in the finest details, and hidden photo spots. Walking itself becomes a main attraction at this castle. As we have shown, the highlights of Kochi Castle extend far beyond just the keep and Honmaru Palace.
The footsteps of castle lord Yamauchi Kazutoyo, the presence of his devoted wife Chiyo, the ingenuity of the stone drainage spouts protecting the walls, and the views toward the keep—all of these allow you to experience Kochi Castle in a multidimensional way.
In addition to visiting the keep and Honmaru Palace, we encourage you to notice the small discoveries and fragments of history along the way.
With each step you climb, the castle reveals a different face. That is the true pleasure of visiting Kochi Castle.
