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Oko Castle Ruins: A Glimpse into Tosa's Past

Discover the strategic ruins of Oko Castle, ancestral home of the Chosokabe clan, and explore Tosa's history at the Kochi Prefectural Museum.

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Explore the ruins of Oko Castle, the original stronghold of the Chosokabe clan, who dominated Tosa Province (modern-day Kochi Prefecture). Wander through the remains of this 14th-century fortress, imagining the lives of the samurai who once defended its walls. The site also features the Kochi Prefectural Museum of History, offering deeper insights into the region's rich heritage.

A brief summary to Oko Castle Ruins

  • Monday 9 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-5 pm
  • Friday 9 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the castle ruins, as the terrain can be uneven in some places.
  • Visit the Kochi Prefectural Museum of History to enhance your understanding of the castle's historical context.
  • Check the museum's opening hours and special exhibitions in advance.
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Getting There

  • Bus

    From Gomen-machi or Otsu Station, take the Nangoku City Community Bus towards the Kochi Medical School Hospital. Alternatively, take the Tosa Den Kotsu Bus (G5 or G6 lines) towards Ryoseki or Nangoku Office Park and get off at 'Gakko Bunki (Rekimin-kan Iriguchi)' bus stop. From there, it's about a 15-minute uphill walk to the castle ruins. Bus services are approximately once per hour. The admission to the castle ruins is free.

  • Walking

    From the 'Gakko Bunki (Rekimin-kan Iriguchi)' bus stop, it is approximately a 15-minute walk uphill to the Oko Castle Ruins. Follow the signs for the Kochi Prefectural Museum of History, as it is located within the castle grounds. There are no additional costs for this approach.

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Discover more about Oko Castle Ruins

Oko Castle, now a National Historic Site, was the original seat of power for the Chosokabe clan, key figures in Tosa Province during the Muromachi and Sengoku periods. The castle is known as the birthplace of Chosokabe Motochika, a renowned warlord. While the exact founding date remains unknown, it's believed the castle was constructed sometime in the 13th or 14th century. Originally a modest residence, Oko Castle transformed into a strategic stronghold. The Chosokabe clan's history is intertwined with the castle's fate, from its capture in 1509 to Motochika's unification of Shikoku in 1585. Despite being abandoned in 1591, the ruins offer a tangible link to the past, with remnants of stone walls, moats and earthworks still visible. Today, visitors can explore the castle grounds and delve into the region's history at the Kochi Prefectural Museum of History, built on the site of the castle's Third Enclosure. The museum showcases artifacts excavated from the castle, providing a deeper understanding of the lives and times of those who once inhabited this strategic location. The castle is located on a 97-meter mountain at the northern edge of the Kochi plain, next to the Kokubu River.

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