KochiLeisure

One of Japan's twelve surviving original castle keeps. A panoramic view of the castle town and Kochi landscape from the tower

About this spot

One of only twelve surviving original castle keeps in Japan, its construction began in 1601 by Yamauchi Kazutoyo. Kochi Castle is the only castle where both the original palace and castle tower remain standing, making it extraordinarily precious and designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Climbing the steep stone steps to the top floor of the tower, you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of Kochi's cityscape and the distant Tosa plains stretching toward the Pacific Ocean. From the tower, you can also confirm the direction of the Kagami River where tonight's fireworks will take place, making this a fitting starting point for today's story. The summer sun is intense, so stay hydrated as you walk.

Fireworks details

Name: 高知市納涼花火大会

Date & time: 8/9 (Sun) 19:45–21:00

Venue: 高知市・鏡川河畔(みどりの広場)

Shells: approx. 4,000

高知市の夏の風物詩、高知市納涼花火大会です。2026年は8月9日(日)19時45分から21時まで、鏡川河畔みどりの広場を会場に約4,000発が打ち上げられます。市街地を流れる鏡川のすぐそばで見上げる花火は迫力満点で、川面に映るきらめく光も見どころのひとつ。スターマインや大玉が次々と夜空を彩り、フィナーレに向かうにつれて音と光が鏡川沿いを包み込みます。南国土佐の蒸し暑い夏の夜に、川風を感じながら見る花火は格別の一体感があります。

Tips

荒天時の開催可否は高知市または大会主催者の公式発表で必ず確認してください。終了後は周辺道路と公共交通機関が大変混雑するため、フィナーレ後は河畔で少し余韻を楽しんでから時間差で帰るのがおすすめ。帰り道は足元が暗い箇所もあるため、スマートフォンのライトを活用してください。

Food stalls

Where: 鏡川河畔（みどりの広場）周辺

※Announced for 2026. Stall lineups change year to year. Please check the official site for the latest details.

Turn this into a day plan with stall time included

Source: city.kochi.kochi.jp

Tips

About 15 minutes on foot from Oote Gate (追手門) to the castle tower. Admission: 420 yen for adults. The tower interior has steep stairs, so wear comfortable shoes. Summer sun is strong and shade is limited in the main courtyard, so bring a hat and water. From here to Hirome Market is about 5 minutes on foot after descending the castle.