高知城
Kōchi Castle is classified as a hilltop castle (its layout: Teikakushiki), and is located in Kōchi Prefecture. During the pre-modern age, it found itself within the borders of Tosa Province. It is associated with the Yamauchi clan. Dates in use: 1603 - 1871.
In addition to it being a fine Edo-period example of a Japanese castle, it remains unique for several reasons. First & foremost, every structure from the main enclosure has survived for over 250 years to the present day. Also, as the main tower was built during a time of peace, it was deemed acceptable that the lord's residence be attached to the base of the main tower. This is quite a departure from the traditional role of the main tower.
There is so much to see in & around the castle grounds. The scale isn't immense but there are 15 Edo period buildings & large gardens to explore. Around the city, there are some well-preserved samurai dwellings, guard houses & other historical buildings. There is also a small museum featuring items from the Yamauchi clan.
Timeline
1601 | Yamauchi Kazutoyo was awarded the region. Initially he resided in Urado castle to the south, a short time later though Otsukasaka mountain was chosen for what would be Kōchi castle. The person in charge of construction was Dodo Echizen. |
1603 | All of the stonework & buildings in the main enclosure were completed including the main tower, the Tsume gate & Taiko turret. The mountain was renamed Kawanaka mountain. |
1610 | With the completion of the the outer defences, Kōchi castle was itself complete. The mountain was renamed Kōchi mountain. |
1664 | The main gate was reconstructed. |
1690 | The rebuilt main gate & some samurai quarters were burnt down. |
1727 | Most buildings, including the main tower & parts of the castle town were lost in a blaze. |
1729 | Selected rebuilding took place after the fire two years prior. |
1746 | Rebuilding of the main tower and several gates & gates started & were completed two years later. |
1753 | The outermost defences were completed, 25 years after they were burnt down. |
1801 | The main gate was repaired. |
1846 | A large-scale restoration of the castle took place. |
1873 | The castle was decommissioned. |
1950 | Fifteen buildings were awarded Important Cultural Property status. |
1959 | The site was awarded National Historical Site status. |
Historical recognition
Site | National Historic Site |
Main Tower | Important Cultural Property |
Kaitoku Palace | Important Cultural Property |
Nando Storehouse | Important Cultural Property |
Kurogane Gate | Important Cultural Property |
Nishi Tamon Turret | Important Cultural Property |
Higashi Tamon Turret | Important Cultural Property |
Tsume Gate | Important Cultural Property |
Roka Gate | Important Cultural Property |
Oute Gate | Important Cultural Property |
Walls (x6) | Important Cultural Properties |