Discover Kochi, Japan

Kochi Prefecture is the capital city of Kōchi Prefecture located on the island of Shikoku in Japan which is a largely rural area known for its mountains, rivers and Pacific beaches. 

Capital Kochi City has one of Japan’s best preserved feudal castles, Kochi-jo, established in the 1600s. 

The city's centuries-old Sunday market has hundreds of vendors selling food and other wares.

As we started our half-day tour, we boarded our awaiting bus to experience the things we could see along the warlike a factory, the flooded growing lands the houses of the neighborhoods and a really small garage for the small car.

Our first stop was to learn about a local Sake Brewery where we can learn how this iconic drink is made.  The owner of Takafi Shuzo explained in his best broken English "the best he could", all about the procedure of making his products and then he offered us samples.  I don't remember which one, but I liked it the best!  He gave us a tour of his nice factory and some people bought a bottle from him.

Kameizumi Sake Brewing - Kameizumi, founded in 1897, is located almost in the very middle of Kochi Prefecture. We use the spring water along the highway, which since the days of the shoguns has never dried up, even in the worst droughts. Our sake is noted for being aromatic and sharp.

Full of awesomeness, compassion and fortitude;

Chikurin-ji is a Shingon temple in Kōchi, Kōchi Prefecture, Japan. Temple 31 on the Shikoku 88 temple pilgrimage, the main image is of Monju Bosatsu. The temple is said to have been founded by Gyōki in the early eighth century.

Jizo does not get angry, nor does he ever give up, even when trampled and stepped upon like the earth. He guides us on our travels, gives power to those who are weak (such as children).

The fact that Jizo is usually carved out of rock is significant. While Jizo statues can be made from a variety of materials (clay, bronze, etc.), he is most popularly carved out of stone.  “The power of stones is to engage the human heart.” Stone is a material that has been worshipped and used for protection since ancient times. Stones having spiritual value predates Buddhism.

There are so many here that they couldn't be included - all the others are on our 30-download and you can have all this wonderful time of history for your own!

The main hall is known as the temple of learning. The Daishi hall, garden and 5-storey pagoda are designated by the authorities as a location of scenic beauty.  The pagoda is said to contain some ashes of Budha..

This is a tour "Not to miss place - like no other" - at Kochi’s weekly Sunday market. You can enjoy eating and shopping while receiving informed guidance on how to enjoy the local Sunday market. 

Selling everything from food - to all kinds of wares.  The food is extremely diverse and always tasty.  It's also a market that features plants and vegetables unlike anything you'll find in your local grocery store. The prices are reasonable and the portions are huge. As you can see below - quite different!

So many of the photos are on the 30-minute download!

As you can see in the download, there's several flights of steps just getting up to the actual castle.  Then count the five stories inside with tall narrow steps!

It's all worth the climb!

Shoin-zukuri was the style of architecture developed back in that period

Historic site with exhibits built in 1603, this restored, 5-story castle includes history exhibits, artifacts & a tower lookout.

When you take this voyage upward, climbing many, many steps - it's all worth the climb to look out over the beautiful scenery of buildings everywhere! 

It was just breathtaking to witness the city below - what a site and what great pictures to add to this 30-minute download!

Kochi Castle, in Kochi Prefecture in the south of Shikoku, is a completely original castle, one of only twelve of the hundreds of castles still standing in Japan. The complete Edo Period inner citadel (honmaru) of Kochi Castle is still intact.

Down below is a picture of the first "Lord of the Castle", Lord Katsutoyon and his wife. A picture displayed in the castle...