Our next stop was Kochi. We decided to explore the town on our own while the rest of the clan took a ship’s excursion. First stop was Kochi Castle - one of just twelve Japanese castles to have survived the fires, wars and other catastrophes of the post feudal age. After our very hot (and humid) visit to the castle, we visited Hirome Market with it’s many food stalls and sampled the local specialty – tuna seared over a straw fire. It was definitely worthy of the praise it gets, it was delicious.
Kochi Castle gate, with the castle in the background.
The castle, first constructed between 1601 and 1611, most of its main buildings date from 1748 when they were reconstructed after a fire.
A detail of the roof, with a Sachihoko, a creature found in Chinese legend and often attached to the ends of a roof in traditional Japanese architecture.
An intricate fabric tapestry displayed inside the castle.
A model of the original castle grounds.
Searing some tuna filets over a straw fire.
Our lunch of seared tuna. It was delicious! So was the beer.
Some creative donuts from the Mister Donut shop. Turns out the Japanese are really getting into the Hallowe’en thing. We had the sample of 3 little donuts. We’re still not sure what the flavours were.
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