We woke up on the southern coast of the island of Shikoku looking forward to a day exploring one of each: a beach, a castle, a market, and a temple.

Our day started with a visit to Katsurahama Beach to see the bronze statue of the famous samurai Sakamoto Ryoma, a native son. Despite being born into a samurai family, he was a loyalist to the emperor and played an essential role in ending the era of samurai and shogunate control. His statue is the centerpiece of a beautiful park situated at the water’s edge. We strolled along the beach and in amongst the pine trees and enjoyed the peaceful feel of the park.

Kochi Castle, the most intact of Japan’s 12 original castles, was constructed at the beginning of the 17th century and boasts being the only castle in Japan where the original castle tower and main keep remain intact. This relatively small, white, five-storied castle has a striking black roof and is situated on a hill in what today is another beautiful park. Two rivers form an outer moat a third the length and half the width of the original. Steps and then more steps leading to the last set of steps are the centerpiece of this park. Dan and I took it all in, steps and all. Inside the castle (no shoes allowed) there are multiple interesting displays plus it was fun to see how the rooms were laid out. Shachi sea creatures which are half fish, half dragon kept an eye on us from the roof. It was explained to us that the large amount of rain in this area called for special gutters, 16 total, to direct excess water from underground water tunnels to daylight. The massive stack stone walls were designed to allow for rain also.

A stop at Hirome-ichiba Market, with its 60 food stalls, gave us a chance to sample the food of the region and take in the atmosphere of this lively market nicknamed Kochi’s Kitchen. Think food court vibe without the fast food. It was hopping, as in standing room only.

Chikurin-ji Temple, thought to have been established in 724, is the 31st stop on the 870-mile-long Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage. We approached via photogenic stone steps and then went through the entrance gate. Once past the gate, we walked along a moss-covered approach before arriving at the main temple building and the standout structure which is a fire engine red five-storied pagoda. Several other small wooden buildings nestled among the trees complete this complex. The main figure enshrined here is Monju Bosatsu, the bodhisattva of wisdom, making the temple a popular destination for students during exam season, each praying to pass with flying colors.

Pilgrims, foreigners and Japanese, often wear white, so they were easy to spot. Most had walking sticks. Speaking of walking sticks, some were on loan at the bottom of the first set of stairs, no doubt offered as an enticement to tackle the 120+ steps involved in getting to the temple structures.

It rained here yesterday and gloomy weather is predicted tomorrow, but today was ideal. Sun and low 70s, unseasonably pleasant for this time of year.

Not only were we greeted with a welcome performance on the pier this morning, but shamisen players, Yosakoi* dancers, and a flag (think Huge beautiful flag!) waver performed pier side for the sail-away.

… Fun Facts about Shikoku and Kochi …

Shikoku is the smallest of Japan’s four main islands.

Shikoku’s famous 88 Temple Pilgrimage takes visitors on a spiritual journey across the island.
Each temple is believed to represent a different stage of spiritual enlightenment.

I kid you not, there is also a Shikoku Dog Pilgrimage.
Dog lovers can explore various spots that celebrate the loyalty and significance of the Shikoku breed.

Katsuo no tataki, a fish called bonito that is basically only available here, is Kochi’s signature dish.
It is traditionally seared over piles of burning straw. 
We watched it being prepared and consumed at the market today.

*Yosakoi combines traditional Japanese dance movements with contemporary music.
It is choreographed, lively, and often performed by large teams at festivals.