Our online description reads: High atop a hill in Kochi sits 17th-century Kochi Castle, once the seat of the Yamauchi lords. Explore this historic site and enjoy panoramic views of the city, then dine on sushi at Hirome Market.
Once again we jumped onto a HAL, described as follows:
A comfortable motorcoach is your time machine today -- a portal to an ancient world right in the city's heart.
Kochi Castle, the city's most famed landmark, dominates the view from any vantage point. Built in AD 1600, parts of the massive castle have burned down a few times, and it has undergone several restorations over the years, but it retains its original palace and the integrity of its architectural style. Don't miss the splendid Otemon Gate, remaining as originally constructed. Inside, many of the ancient rooms are closed to visitors, but you will find a small museum filled with cultural artifacts. The main tower provides jaw-dropping views of the whole city, making it well worth the climb to the top.
The beautifully-restored Tsumemon Gate connects the second citadel of the castle to its inner sanctum. Check out the honmaru -- the virtually impregnable ring of defense -- preserved in its original entirety. All of the structures in the honmaru are designated as Japan's Important Cultural Properties and house both local and historical treasures. Back outside, stroll on the castle grounds. This popular public park is dotted with magnificent statues of the Yamanouchi family -- each one material for a photo stop.
The Kochi Castle Museum of History contains the historical documents of the Tosa feudal clan, with 67,000 items, including National Treasures and important cultural items. Displays, pictures and multi-media exhibits tell the story of Kochi.
A 30-minute scenic panoramic drive takes in some of Kochi's popular sights, including the Harimaya Bridge and the Harimayabashi Shopping District, which sports a wooden arcade and a large mechanical clock.
At the shoreline, discover beautiful Katsurahama Beach. Famous for moon-viewing parties, the beach is home to a monument commemorating Sakamoto Ryoma, the founding father of modern Japan. He led a bloodless revolution to transform feudal Japan into a modernized, unified nation. Explore the picturesque beach area (not suitable for swimming) via the pretty walking paths.
At the completion of your day, enjoy a pleasant ride back to Kochi Port and the ship.
We had originally planned to head back out after an onboard lunch but with the heat and that we saw almost everything we wanted to see we stayed on board for an afternoon swim and some relaxation time. Tours can be exhausting…
Some pics of our day here in Kochi…
A Flag ceremony to welcome us in…
Our Guide today…
Inside the museum.
A Moon guitar.
A box to carry the Royalty in.
Now that’s an umbrella stand.
Did I say lots of stairs, ah, uneven stairs at that.
Inside the Castle.
Jan below.
Me at the top.
Yeah, these stairs were nasty.
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