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Cherry Blossoms · Chugoku & Shikoku

Kochi Castle

Kochi & ShimantoCastle🌸 Typical peak: Late Mar – Early Apr✦ Night sakura
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Overview

Overview

Kochi Castle, which retains its Edo-period keep and Honmaru Palace, is a cherry blossom spot in central Kochi City. It is also known as the location of the Japan Meteorological Agency’s sample cherry tree, and in spring cherry blossoms frame the stone walls and keep.

Address
1-2-1 Marunouchi, Kochi, Kochi 780-0850
Closed
Keep and Kaitokukan: Dec 26–Jan 1
Time needed
About 1 hour
Official website
https://kochipark.jp/kochijyo/
Peak Time

When to See the Blossoms

Typical peakUsually late March to early April
February
March
April
May

Official Kochi Castle records give an average first bloom date of Mar 20 and an average full bloom date of Mar 28. Check the bloom updates on the Kochi Castle official website for the latest conditions

Peak times are typical guides. Blooming and full bloom shift with each year’s temperatures.

Highlights

Highlights

The cherry trees in the castle grounds usually reach full bloom in late March, and you can enjoy hanami with the keep as a backdrop. During the “Kochi Castle Hana Kairo” around early April, flower arrangements and lanterns are displayed and cherry and other trees are illuminated.

📷 Best views
Keep and Honmaru

Look up at the original keep together with cherry blossoms

Around the Otemon Gate

The castle entrance facing the stone walls and the keep

Illumination

Night illumination

Period
Every year around early April, during the “Kochi Castle Hana Kairo”

In 2026: Apr 3–5, 18:00–21:00. Illuminated flower arrangements, lanterns, and lighting of cherry and other trees. Free entry (the keep and Kaitokukan are paid)

Hours

Opening hours

Keep and Kaitokukan9:00–17:00

Last entry 16:30

Hours can change during the cherry blossom season and for events. Check the official website before you go.

Admission

Admission

Keep and Kaitokukan (18 and over)¥500

¥400 for groups of 20 or more

Keep and Kaitokukan (under 18)Free
Kochi ParkFree

Prices may change. Check the official website before you go.

Tips

Tips for travelers

  • ✓There are no toilets inside the keep or the Honmaru Palace (Kaitokukan), so use the ones at Ninomaru or elsewhere beforehand
  • ✓The castle does not lend wheelchairs, but you can rent one free of charge at the Kochi Kanko Navi Tourist Center
Access

Getting there

Nearest station / bus stop
  • Kochijo-mae tram stop (Tosaden Kotsu streetcar)About a 3 min walk
By car & traffic restrictions
Kochi Park Parking (7:30–18:30, 65 spaces for regular cars, ¥370 for the first hour, then ¥110 per 30 min). About a 10 min walk to Kochi Castle
Open in Google Maps ↗
Crowds

Crowds & best times

Busiest
Weekends at full bloom and evenings during the Kochi Castle Hana Kairo
Quieter times
Weekday mornings, right after opening
Weather

Temperature & what to wear

Typical temperatures
March normals in Kochi: high 16.3°C, low 6.4°C (JMA)
What to wear & bring
Even if the day is warm, mornings and evenings are cool, so bring a cardigan or light jacket
☁ Chugoku & Shikoku weather by month
JanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Rules

Hanami rules & etiquette

  • !No saving spots from the day before and no setting up tents or similar
  • !Open flames are strictly prohibited in the park, which is a historic site
  • !Take home your trash, such as bento boxes
  • !Drones are prohibited in Kochi Park (to protect Important Cultural Properties)
  • !Pets are not allowed in the Honmaru area. Elsewhere in the park, keep them on a leash or in a carrier
Facilities

Facilities

Toilets
In the park at Ninomaru, Sannomaru, Umenodan, Otemon Square and the parking lot (none inside the keep or Honmaru Palace)
Payment
Various cashless payments accepted
Accessibility
No wheelchair rental at the castle (free rental at the Kochi Kanko Navi Tourist Center)
Where to Stay · Agoda

Places to Stay near Kochi CastlePR

PRSee more places to stay near Kochi Castle on Agoda →

Prices and availability are shown on Agoda.

Events

Events & festivals in Kochi & Shimanto

August

Yosakoi Festival

Chugoku & Shikoku ・ Kochi & Shimanto

Every year August 9–12 (eve festival on the 9th, main festival on the 10th and 11th, national contest and after-party on the 12th)

See all events →
Attractions

Attractions in Kochi & Shimanto

Aquarium

Katsurahama Aquarium

Chugoku & Shikoku ・ Kochi & Shimanto

An aquarium inside Katsurahama Park, right in front of Katsurahama, one of Kochi's most famous scenic spots. It keeps about 4,000 creatures of around 220 species, and most of the facility is an open-air outdoor area with views of Katsurahama Beach and Tosa Bay. You can also bring your pet inside.

See all attractions →
Cherry Blossoms

Cherry Blossoms in Chugoku & Shikoku

Famous single tree

Daigo-zakura Cherry Tree

Chugoku & Shikoku ・ Maniwa, Okayama

🌸 Typical peak: Late Mar – Early Apr

✦ Night sakura
Park

Senkoji Park

Chugoku & Shikoku ・ Onomichi & Shimanami Kaido

🌸 Typical peak: Late Mar – Mid Apr

See all cherry blossom spots →

Peak periods, hours, prices and access are based on official sources such as the spot’s own website, local governments and tourism associations. Bloom conditions and event details can change, so check the official website before you go.

Last checked: 2026-10-06

PRKlookKochi Castle & Makino Botanical Garden Half-Day History and Culture TourDeparts Harimayabashi Bus Terminal, with an English/Japanese guide. Visit the Makino Botanical Garden, Chikurinji Temple, the Godaisan observatory, Hirome Market and Kochi CastleView