Kochi

Our final port for our first cruise was Kochi on Urado Bay on the Island of Shikoku. This was a very easy place to tour as after a transfer into the city we walked along a covered pedestrian arcade packed with shops, restaurants and bars. At the other end we came to the Castle. This is one of the 12 remaining castles in Japan and one of the most intact. Construction started in 1601 but after a fire it was rebuilt in 1727. It is intact and not a rebuilt replica!

There were lots of steps to get to the castle and more again as we climbed the very steep wooden stairs. At the top we were rewarded with wonderful views.

                                           Kochi Castle through the trees.

                                              Rob bounding up the steps. Lots more to go!

                                     The castle grounds and the modern city of Kochi.

                                       Looking over the roof to the castle grounds.

                                            Looking down on the gardens.

Back down Rob rests under one of the hundreds of cherry trees. Not a flower in sight.

The statue of Chiyo. Considered the perfect wife she went without to buy her husband a horse for battle and convinced him to change allegiance to the winning side.

                                                What a tail!  At a local shrine.

                                    We have given up on the names of local shrines!!

                                             Gail at the shrine.

Gail protesting outside a whale meat restaurant. It got the thumbs down.