Kochi

Our last port in Japan. Kochi is on Shikoku Island. It’s famous for sunshine and plentiful clear water. Unfortunately the weather god didn’t get the memo because it is raining so dig out the raincoat.

Are you ready ,so let’s get the shuttle bus because it is 25 minutes to the city. Pass rice paddies and orchards to the city. Kochi is famous for two things, its castle and its Sunday Market. The market extends for a kilometre. Which do you want to see first? The castle before the rain gets heavier.

It dates back 1601 but the final castle was completed 10 years later. Up those stairs, and more stairs, and just a few more stairs.

Kochi castle is Japan’s only castle to retain all its original structures. Some parts were burnt in a fire in 1727 but were restored in 1749. To see the amazing city views, you have to climb just a few more stairs…. You can do it. The stairs are like climbing ladders aren’t they. I was glad we were there before all the crowds.

Down the stairs and past the trap gate. It is clever how if the enemy got through the gate, they couldn’t get up to the castle. Soldiers would escape up to the castle via a trapdoor and ladder.

Oh dear, did you see that track we could have used instead of the stairs. Oops, sorry. it was the direct route not the scenic. Unusual for me I know.

Hungry? Let’s go through the Sunday markets and the shopping mall to the Hirome Market(Hirome Ichiba). We can try the katsu no tataki or seared bonito tuna. It is fascinating seeing them cook it on the burning straw to give it its unique flavour.Did you like it? I found it tasty. The street markets have been running since 1690.

Kochi has a special festival every year. It is called the Yosakoi . It involves groups dancing and using wooden clappers. You can choose any music ( but it must include some phrases from a traditional song but then you can add other lyrics ) and costume. 20,000 people take part. There is a museum to explain the festival. How amazing were the costumes and dioramas.

The rain has stopped. Let’s go for a walk. There is the Harimaya bridge and those cute cartoon characters to see. Manga comic characters were developed in this area. We should walk down some of the local streets as well if your feet don’t hurt toooo much.8 kilometres is nothing for you and you will have two sea days to recover you know.

Back past the fields and to the ship.