battles were fought at the castle, it is noteworthy because the castle is the original structure, and not a post-war replica. It is also the only castle in Japan to retain both its original tenshu, or keep, and its palace, the residence of the local daimyō. In fact, it is the only castle to have all the original buildings in the honmaru, or innermost ring of defense, still standing. Kōchi Castle was listed as one of Japan's Top 100 Castles by the Japan Castle Foundation in 2006. The castle is a 20-minute walk from the JR Shikoku Kōchi Station. Cultural Property Status As one of only twelve intact castles in Japan, Kōchi Castle was formerly designated a National Treasure () before the 1950 National Treasure Protection Law (文化財保護法施) was enacted. After the law was passed, several surviving structures within the castle grounds were individually given National Important Cultural Property designations: Structure Two rivers, the and the Enokuchi River, form the outer moat of the castle. The castle is relatively small, as it was constructed primarily as a defense against possible rebellion by former Chōsokabe retainers, who were very unhappy with the death of their lord and the imposition of rule by the Yamauchi clan and Tokugawa Shogunate. The central bailey at the peak of the hill is an isolated area connected to secondary bailey only by bridge, and wholly surrounded by stone walls and yagura watchtowers. In case of emergency the bridge could be destroyed and the isolated defenders in the tenshu could wait for the reinforcements from branch castles. The tenshu is five stories high and sits atop Otakasa Hill, commanding an extensive view of the city. Each roads from hillside area to central area are steep and folded, and climbing enemies are exposed to continuous attack from upper area, including main tower. Inside central area, other than the tenshu, the Kaitokukan palace was located. This was constructed in the Shoin style. The castle retains this structure today and has been fitted with period-appropriate items in the lower rooms. In addition to a tearoom, genkan (entrance area), and latrine, the Kaitokukan contains eight traditional rooms, ranging in size from three to twelve tatami. It is surrounded by a veranda on the east and south sides. The Kaitokukan also burned during the fire of 1727, but it was not repaired until 1747, with work completed in 1749. Below the central