3 Best Sights in Shikoku, Japan

West of downtown's markets and arcades you'll find barrel-chested Kochi Castle, whose feel is more rough-hewn and lived-in than that of other Japanese castles; maybe not surprising, as much of it remains intact from the 1600s. The view from the topmost watchtower is splendid, and walking up the enormous steps or through the receiving chambers, which today are filled with historical exhibits, is like being transported to the Edo period.

Mighty Matsuyama Castle stands on a 433-feet mountain in the middle of town, and the views of the city from here are stunning. Dating from 1603, it's one of the cooler castles in Japan. Inside you can watch footage of the post–World War II reconstruction; the shaping and joining of wood and the stamping out of straw wattle for the walls is astonishing. There is no concrete, no rebar, and only enough nails to hold down the floorboards. Dark-wood passageways carry the smell of old smoke from the numerous fires the castle has endured.

To get to the castle, walk uphill about 30 or 40 minutes or ride the ropeway partway up and continue on foot about 15 minutes to the castle. The station is on Ropeway Street, just north of the Okaido shopping arcade. If you have time, also visit the Ninomaru garden just west of the castle.

Built at the end of the 16th century, Uwajima-jo is one of the 12 castles remaining intact from the Edo era. Compared to Shikoku's Matsuyama Castle, the three-story main keep here is a very modest affair, but still worth a look for the samurai exhibits on display and the top-floor view back over Uwajima.