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Kochi Castle

24/07/2011


The main entrance to the Kochi Castle

The Kochi castle built by a family called Yamauchi after the victory of Tokugawa. This castle boasts of its original buildings still standing majestically. According to the Wikipedia 
"Though no battles were fought at the castle, it is noteworthy because the castle is the original structure, and not a post was replica. It is also the only castle in Japan to retain both its original tenshu, or keep and its palace.In fact, it is the only castle to have all the original buildings in the  honmaru, or innermost ring of the defense  still standing."


From the photos below  you can see the castle entrance and the open area where the old palace buildings used to stand some several hundred years ago.





From here onward you shall be introduced to the ancient technology used in the castle and still can be witnessed.




These were used to remove water from the top castle grounds.

As Kochi is an area prone to typhoons, hurricanes ,Kochi always faces heavy rains. So the existence of a good drainage system was  a must. Along with a good drainage system Kochi castle also needed a good protection from landslides. As Kochi castle was situated in high grounds, it had to be strong and sturdy in every catastrophe caused bu either nature or by human.

Landslide prevention



Next you shall be introduced to the tricks used by the then Kochi army to save the castle from intruders

As you see in the picture below once the window is closed the outside wall looks almost like a blind wall but the truth is there are windows. These little windows are used for shooting in the times of an intrusion.

Windows for shooting

The picture below shows some iron thorns set in to the castle tower wall. This was used to prevent ninjas from climbing the tower walls.

 Ninja Blocking

I recommend Kochi castle as a beautiful historical spot. It still has its glamour , security and majesty. As it still has its original old buildings standing I personally think this is a must see tourist post in Japan. The entrance to the castle garden is free of  charge and to enter the castle tower it is only 400yen. If you are in Kochi enjoy the castle and it is a must.

 The beautiful Kochi castle tower


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