- 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.
Inside Kochi Castle’s Main Keep: A Complete Guide to the Tour Route and Highlights
When visiting Kochi Castle, the main keep is a must-see attraction.
As one of the few remaining Edo-period keeps, it offers far more than what meets the eye, with unique structures and insightful exhibitions inside.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the route floor by floor, showcasing highlights and views through photos, while also providing tips on how long it takes and how to navigate it easily—even for first-time visitors.
Kochi Castle Keep
Kochi Castle Keep is a wooden structure located in Kochi City, Kochi Prefecture, and is one of the rare “12 Original Castle Keeps” still standing in Japan. Built in the traditional watchtower style, it’s the only castle in Japan where the keep, Honmaru Palace, and Otemon Gate all remain intact from the Edo period.
- Business hours
- 9:00 am - 5:00 pm (last entry at 4:30 pm)
- Regular holiday
- December 26 to January 1
- Fee
- ¥500 (free for visitors under 18 with student ID, etc.)
- Telephone number
- +081-88-824-5701
- Official site
- https://kochipark.jp/kochijyo/
- Parking
- On - site parking available (7:30 am–6:30 pm / ¥370 for the first hour, then ¥110 every 30 minutes)
- How to visit
- About a 25 - minute walk from JR Kochi Station, or 5 minutes on foot from Kochijomae Tram Stop (Tosaden Kotsu)
- Address
- 1 - 2-1 Marunouchi, Kochi City, Kochi Prefecture 780 - 0850
Built After the Battle of Sekigahara — Preserving Its Edo-Era Appearance
Construction of Kochi Castle began in 1601, shortly after the Battle of Sekigahara. It was led by Yamanouchi Kazutoyo, who was granted control of the Tosa Province as a reward for siding with the Tokugawa forces. The previous Tosa rulers, the Chosokabe clan, had based themselves at Urado Castle, which was located in a flood-prone coastal area. Finding that unsuitable, Kazutoyo chose to build a new castle on higher ground better suited for defense.
By 1603, the central area including the keep was nearly complete. Although a fire destroyed much of the castle in 1727, the keep was rebuilt in 1749 and has remained intact ever since, preserving the appearance of an Edo-period castle.
Kochi Castle avoided wartime destruction and major redevelopment, and its cultural value was recognized early on. As a result, it has been carefully maintained and restored. It is the only castle in Japan where the keep, Honmaru Palace, and Otemon Gate all survive together from the Edo period.
The Only Original Castle with Both Keep and Honmaru Palace
Only 12 castles in Japan retain their original keeps from before the Edo period—these are known as the 12 Original Castle Keeps. Kochi Castle is one of them.
Its keep, rebuilt in 1749 (Kannen 2), has remained remarkably well-preserved to this day. More notably, Kochi Castle is the only castle in Japan where both the keep and Honmaru Palace survive in their original form.
This exceptional preservation and historical value make it a popular destination among castle enthusiasts.
What to Know Before Your Visit: Keep Structure and Layout
Kochi Castle’s keep has four external tiers and five internal floors. Visitors ascend from the first to the fifth floor via steep wooden stairs.
While the structure is technically four-tiered and six-storied, it is officially designated and referred to as a five-story building, including on the official website.
The fifth floor, known as the “attic level,” has no windows or openings and is not open to the public. Visitors ascend directly to the sixth floor. For clarity, this article follows the official five-story designation.
The Grand Finale: A 30-Minute Tour Through Kochi Castle’s Main Keep
The highlight of any visit to Kochi Castle is touring the main keep, which is part of a paid admission area (¥500).
The tour includes the Honmaru Palace (Kaitokukan), the main keep, and adjacent yagura (turrets). Visitors first enter the Honmaru Palace, then proceed directly into the connected main keep, ascending floor by floor to the top. After descending back to the first floor, the tour continues to the neighboring turrets.
Although the keep itself is compact, including the palace and turrets, plan for about 30 to 40 minutes for the full experience.
For an in-depth look at the Honmaru Palace, check out the following article:
Read more about Honmaru Palace (Kaitokukan)
Exhibits, Views, and Defensive Features: Discover the Highlights on Each Floor
Inside the keep, you’ll find a variety of exhibits, scenic views, and defensive features arranged by floor.
Let’s explore each floor, from the 1st to the 5th, following the actual visitor route.
1st Floor: Step Back in Time with a Diorama of the Castle Town
The first floor features a detailed diorama that recreates the bustling life of Kochi’s castle town during the Edo period, along with exhibits on the castle’s history.
You can also see defensive features like arrow slits and “ishiotoshi” (stone-dropping openings used against intruders).
2nd Floor: Structural Beauty and a Model of the Entire Castle
The second floor houses exhibits including a detailed model of Kochi Castle and displays on its architecture and restoration history.
The castle model includes areas that no longer exist, such as the Ninomaru and Sannomaru palaces, providing a full picture of the castle in its prime.
3rd Floor: “Hafu-no-ma” Room and Scenic Overlooks
On the third floor, you’ll find panels showing the castle’s recent restoration work, as well as access to the hafu-no-ma, a unique interior lookout point.
Hafu-no-ma is a small room built beneath the castle’s gables. It served as a hidden lookout or sniper spot. Two windows offer panoramic views over Kochi City.
When the weather is clear, the views are like framed artworks. Be sure to take a look when you reach the third floor.
4th Floor: A Gallery of Japan’s Famous Castles
The fourth floor features a gallery of photographs showcasing notable castles across Japan.
You’ll find national treasures, other Shikoku castles, and those with historical ties to Kochi Castle. Castle fans will enjoy comparing their architecture and atmosphere. Some of the photos are a bit dated, which adds nostalgic charm.
The windows here also offer sweeping views of Kochi City and the castle’s tiled rooftops. Don’t miss the refreshing breeze coming in through the windows.
5th Floor: Panoramic Views from the Top Floor
The fifth floor is the highest level, serving as an observation deck. It’s compact, built mainly for lookout purposes.
A unique feature here is the wooden notice board, which reads:
“Graffiti, smoking, eating, and napping are prohibited.”
The mention of “napping” adds a playful touch.
From the top, enjoy distinct views in every direction. To the north, lush greenery spreads across the castle grounds. To the northeast, you’ll see the city and mountain ranges. The southeast view includes a TV tower, while the south offers a distant view of the Shikoku Mountains. Look down to spot decorative rooftop tiles and the palace courtyard.
Turrets and Corridor Gates Connected to the Keep
From the top floor, visitors descend back to the first floor and then continue the tour through the East Tamon, Corridor Gate, and West Tamon turrets, all of which are connected to the keep. Each turret features its own displays.
How to Reach the Keep from Kochi Park’s Main Gate
From Otemon Gate, the main entrance to Kochi Castle, it takes about 5 to 10 minutes on foot to reach the main keep. Since the path involves an uphill climb, allow extra time for a comfortable walk.
- Enter through Otemon Gate
- Climb the stone steps
- Arrive at Ninomaru Plaza
- Enter through the Honmaru Palace (Kaitokukan)
- Reach the main keep
Visiting Tips and Best Time to Explore
- Shoes must be removed when entering the keep. Wear shoes that are easy to take off and put on.
- The castle has steep staircases, typical of historical structures. Climb with caution.
- For the best views, visit in the morning or around noon on clear days.
- Since the walls are white, morning to midday is ideal for photos that highlight the brightness of the structure.
- There are no elevators or air conditioning inside the keep. Be sure to stay hydrated, especially during summer.
The Only Place in Japan to Experience an Original Edo-Era Keep and Palace
This article has covered everything you need to know before visiting Kochi Castle’s main keep—from its history and layout to floor-by-floor highlights and must-see views.
The keep is a four-tiered, five-story structure where each level offers a different theme, from dioramas and defense mechanisms to architectural models and lookout points. The tour offers a dynamic and immersive way to understand castle construction techniques and Edo-period life.
Kochi Castle is also the only castle in Japan where the original keep, Honmaru Palace, and Otemon Gate survive together. It is a priceless cultural heritage site that preserves the atmosphere of an Edo-period fortress.
The tour takes about 30 minutes. Don’t miss your chance to experience Japan’s only original castle and palace complex still standing in its entirety.
