Kochi, Japan

#kochi #japan #hollandamericacruise #​Hiromi Market #Harimaya Bridge

When arriving or departing from every port, we had several different local ceremonies to enjoy such as singers etc. Here we were met with four people waving large flags to welcome us. As the morning progressed, this eventually became one flag being waved as the men took it in turns, because the size and weight must have become hard for them  to keep up. 
​(Digital Drawing done on the iPad of one of the flag wavers)

---

Catching the shuttle into the town, as we went to cross the main road we encountered another feature we had seen all around Japan; the men in uniform with an orange stick. We weren't always sure why so many were needed at times. Their main task was to warn traffic or guard building sites. It seemed at times that it was a case of job creation for slightly older members of the society, as they could be stood for hours with little to do. In this case it was to check our safety as we used the crossing. Oddly enough, he was on the far side from the way the traffic was coming! In towns some of the workers even had orange sticks that lit up.

​​(Digital Drawing done on the iPad )
​

---

Having safely crossed the road, we made our way to the park containing Kochi Castle.

Constructed at the beginning of the 17th century, Kochi’s castle is the only one in Japan where the original castle tower and main keep remain intact. After centuries of surviving wars, fires, and other catastrophes, it is one of the last twelve original castles in Japan, and is designated an Important National Cultural Property. Keep an eye out for all of the intricate details of the castle architecture, like the statues of the legendary Sachi sea creatures (half fish, half dragon), gazing down on the city from the roof.

On arriving at the castle, we had to remove our shoes before entering. As we climbed higher in the building. we read the information telling us the history of the building. We also had some superb views, especially from the very top windows. The steps going up were very steep and this wasn't helped by us just wearing socks. Coming down was a real experience! It was a matter of coming down backwards and hanging on to the rails to stop from slipping.
On the bottom floor there was a chance to see more traditional rooms.

Having retrieved our shoes, we wandered into town to explore. It was interesting to go into a typical Japanese food court, at Hiromi Market, to see everyone sat on long tables enjoying their lunch.

Walking back to catch the bus back to the ship, we had read about a local legendary love story, which took place on a red bridge and decided to investigate. This was a little disappointing as there was construction work going on and you could only see the bridge from one side and couldn't access it. Crossing the road, we had a good view point to watch the story unfold on a clock where, as the clock chimed, mechanical figures of the characters appeared. 

This vibrant little vermilion bridge in the heart of the city of Kochi is a popular photo spot. Harimaya Bridge is also the setting of a legendary love story between a monk and a local woman, which has been immortalized in the lyrics of a local folk song called yosakoi-bushi. According to legend, a young monk called Junshin was seen buying a kanzashi hairpin for his beloved Oma, a merchant’s daughter, at a shop near Harimaya Bridge. This was the beginning of the end for the star-crossed lovers, for at that time monks were forbidden to have relationships or marry. As punishment, Junshin was exiled and Ouma was sent far away, never to meet again.
In recent years, the area around the bridge has been turned into a pleasant strolling park, with a little man-made stream recreating the river that once passed beneath Harimaya Bridge. Across the street an elaborate clock announces each hour with mechanical figures that seem to dance to the sound of chimes.
Kochi Castle appears at the top of the clock, Yosakoi dancer dolls appear at the bottom, Harimaya Bridge to the right, and Katsurahama Beach to the left—all to the tune of Yosakoi Bushi folk music.

The clock was fascinating to view, although we didn't think it was ever going to end!
​We finished our walk after viewing a few of the shops and arrived back at the ship after another interesting day.