On 2nd March 2006, we visited Kochi Castle

The castle was exquisite with a bloom of ume when we had been there today.


Ume flowers are often mentioned in Japanese poetry as a symbol of spring. When used in haiku, or renga, they are a kigo or season word for early spring. The blossoms are asscociated with the Japanese Bush Warbler, and they are depicted together as one of the twelve suits on hanafuda (Japanese playing cards).
During the Nara period (8th century), the blossom of the ume tree was preferred over the sakura (cherry) blossom, which became popular after the Heian period (794-1185). The tree was also well loved and celebrated in China, where it is most commonly used as decoration during the Chinese New Year. The blossom is also the national flower of the Republic of China and features prominently on currency and other national emblems.








Kochi Castle (Kochijo) is one of only about a dozen castles in Japan which have survived the fires, wars and other catastrophes since the end of the feudal age in relatively good shape.






Kochijo was first constructed from 1601 to 1611, but most of its main structures, including the castle tower date from 1748 when they were reconstructed after a large fire. The castle used to be the seat of the Yamauchi lords, who ruled over the surrounding region, then known as Tosa, during the Edo Period.