Kochi Castle and Hirome Market - A Historical Walk Through the Castle Town

A historical walk course through Tosa's castle town, starting from Kochi Castle (高知城), the only castle in Japan where both the tower and the main palace buildings remain intact. Climb the existing tower first thing in the morning, then study the treasures of the Yamauchi family and the stories of the late Edo and Meiji Restoration periods at the Kochi Castle History Museum in front of Oote Gate. At noon, head to Hirome Market, the castle town's kitchen, and savor bonito straw-seared tataki grilled with dramatic flair. In the afternoon, venture to the Kamimachi district where the streetcar runs, tracing the birthplace of Sakamoto Ryoma alongside the memorial museum, and conclude with a visit to Yamauchi Shrine (山内神社) perched on the banks of the Kagami River to pay respects to successive domain lords. From the tower to the market and Ryoma's hometown, Tosa's history unfolds in layers with each step you take throughout this one memorable day.