Shikoku Archives - Viki Pandit

A walk to Kochi Castle

Kochi Castle used to be the seat of the Yamauchi lords, who ruled over the surrounding area, then known as Tosa, during the Edo Period. Mani & I hike up the castle, the only one in all of Japan to have all the original buildings in the honmaru, or innermost ring of defense, still standing.

Early morning view of Kochi

View of Kochi city from JR Kochi Station

Statues

Statues of local heroes Ryoma, Nakaoka, and Nanpeita at JR Kochi Station

On the way to Harimaya bridge

Kochi trams are operated by Tosaden

Harimaya Bridge

Ranita at Harimaya Bridge

On the way to Kochi Castle

Walking to Kochi Castle

Shopping area

Shopping street in Obiyamachi

Sunday Market

Sunday Market Kochi

Otemon gate

Ōtemon Gate of Kochi Castle

Kochi Castle walls

Walls of Kochi Castle

Kochi Castle Gate

Gate to Kochi Castle

Otakasa Hill

View of Kochi City from Otakasa Hill

Pine Trees

Pine trees in Kochi Park

Entering Kochi Castle

Entrance to Kochi Castle

Honmaru

Homaru & Tenshukaku of Kochi Castle

Closeup shot

Kochi Castle

Inside Kochi Castle

Leaving for Tokushima

Ashizuri Train from Kochi

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The Awa Odori Musical

This weekend I was lucky to witness the Awa Odori, a traditional Bon dance. It originated in Tokushima Prefecture and is danced to the lively call of “Yatto San, Yatto, Yatto. The dance has a history of about 400 years, and is one of the largest festivals in Japan.

Watch this space for the full story.

Train ride to Tokushima

Tokushima

View from Tokushima Station

Tokushima Station Building

Shinmachibashi Street

Awaodori Kaikan

Hut

Ranita at Henro Pilgrimage Hut

Musical performance

Musical performance at Awaodori Kaikan

Awa-odori dance performance

Awa-odori Dance

Awa-odori dance performance

Awa-odori Dance

Awa-odori dance performance

Awa-odori Dance

Awa-odori dance performance

Awa-odori Dance

Mani participating in Awa-odori dance performance

Ranita dancing to Awa-Odori

Awa-odori Museum

Ranita at Awa Odori Museum

Awa-odori Costumes

Dance costumes displayed at Awa Odori Kaikan

Awa-odori Instruments

Instruments displayed at Awa Odori Kaikan

Awa-odori Miniatures

Miniature model of the Awa Odori festival during ancient times

Awa-odori Miniatures

Miniature model of the Awa Odori festival during ancient times

Awa-odori Paintings

Painting of Awa-Odori dances during feudal times

Awa-odori Paintings

Awa-Odori during old times

Awa-odori Paintings

Painting of villagers dancing to Awa-Odori

Awa-odori Robo dancer

Robot Awa Odori dancer at Awaodori Kaikan

Awa-odori Mannequins

Awa Odori mannequin dancers

Train to Osaka

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A stroll at Ritsurin Garden

Ritsurin Garden is a chestnut grove garden, one of the most famous historical gardens in Japan. The garden is situated in the city of Takamatsu and dates back to the early 17th century. The garden has six ponds and thirteen mounds strategically placed to use Mt Shiun as a background. Different flowers bloom all year round with the scenery changing with every step I took.

Matsuyama Station