Wednesday 10 April Kochi Japan

So today we arrived in Kochi at around 9.30 but tours didn’t begin until around midday.  We were all pleased about that!  George had a Japanese Paper Making experience and has some paper now to prove it!!! My tour was to Kochi Castle and Katsurahama Beach! Actually we did the beach first, was a very pretty 25 minute drive from the pier, around horseshoe bends and luscious vegetation.  Once there we walked up a very steep hill for a great view of the rough seas,  no swimming allowed there due to the very strong currents although can imagine might be good for surfers.   A statue of Kochi’s favourite son, Sacamoto Ryomo stands near the beach.  He was one of the architects of modern Japan, was instrumental in negotiating an alliance between the Chosu and Satsuma clans that helped to bring an end to Japan’s fuedal age in 1868. While it is probably a treat for the Japanese, as there’s an aquarium there and some shops etc it certainly isn’t a Coney Island or a Sea World! 

On then to Kochi Castle where we were told there would be hundreds of steep steps - that’s when I took stock and decided to go just a short way.  The problem with a lot of these buildings, museums, Temples etc is that there are no handrails but you don’t always know that until you arrive.  Anyway, it was still possible to get a picture from halfway up.  Just a bit of information, there are fifteen structures at the castle, including the tower and the Otemon main gate.  They’ve been designated by the national government as important cultural properties.  Built in 1611 on the order of Katsjtoyo, lord of the Tosa domain, it was burned down in 1727.  The current castle was then built in 1749.  Its Japan’s only castle where all the structures in its main building have been preserved. 

Now back from dinner, shared with very nice people from Alabama.  Since leaving Kochi we’ve had a bit of a swell and now there is quite a bit of movement, to the point where tonight’s show has been cancelled.  Was a singing/dance act and obviously dangerous to be dancing in rough seas.  

So it’s an early night, not sure I can cope with that but will try!!!  After today and yesterday my feet are in need of an early night and tomorrow we have an 8 1/2 hour tour.