• About Kochi
  • Reservation
  • Tourist Information
  • What to See & Do
  • Itineraries
  • Taste of Kochi

5 easy day hikes in Kochi

Japan's Best Kept Secret

Where to See Kochi’s Lucky Sunsets

Enjoy Kochi’s natural beauty!

Where is Kochi?

travel to kochi japan

River Activities

Marine Activities

Marine Activities

Cycling

Whale & Dolphin Watching

Fruit Picking

Fruit Picking

Sea Salt Making

Sea Salt Making

Cultural Experiences

Cultural Experiences

Pickup contents.

An invigorating bike ride along the Shimanto River

An invigorating bike ride along the Shimanto River

Sakamoto Ryoma: Historic national hero and innovator at the end of the shogunate regime

Sakamoto Ryoma: Historic national hero and innovator at the end of the shogunate regime

Stand Up Paddleboarding On Kochi’s Rivers and Ocean

Stand Up Paddleboarding On Kochi’s Rivers and Ocean

Gorge hiking along the spectacular crystalline waters of the Niyodo River

Gorge hiking along the spectacular crystalline waters of the Niyodo River

A Golfer’s Guide to Kochi

A Golfer’s Guide to Kochi

Shikoku's Temple Pilgrimage: O-henro

Shikoku's Temple Pilgrimage: O-henro

Shimanto River Valley: Japan's Best Kept Secret

Shimanto River Valley: Japan's Best Kept Secret

Access ranking.

Kochi Castle

Kochi Castle

Hirome Market

Hirome Market

Nakatsu Gorge

Nakatsu Gorge

The Yuzu-Filled Village of Umaji

The Yuzu-Filled Village of Umaji

Chikurin-ji Temple

Chikurin-ji Temple

Kurogane Knife Making Workshop

Kurogane Knife Making Workshop

Ino-cho Paper Museum

Ino-cho Paper Museum

Ogata Whale Watching

Ogata Whale Watching

Washi Studio Kamikoya

Washi Studio Kamikoya

7-Day Shikoku Trip by Train via Osaka

7-Day Shikoku Trip by Train via Osaka

5 -Day Shikoku Trip via Tokyo

5 -Day Shikoku Trip via Tokyo

5-Day Shikoku Trip by Train via Takamatsu Airport

5-Day Shikoku Trip by Train via Takamatsu Airport

Tour of Hot Spas across Shikoku

Tour of Hot Spas across Shikoku

Shikoku Eastbound Travel Course

Shikoku Eastbound Travel Course

Things to Do in Kochi, Japan - Kochi Attractions

Things to do in kochi, explore popular experiences, tours in and around kochi.

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Kochi Full-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide

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1-Day Kochi Highlights Tour with local guide

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Port Pick-Up: Kochi Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle

travel to kochi japan

Experience the energy of Kochi: Sunday Market Tour includes Kochi Castle

travel to kochi japan

Private Spiritual Hike in Hidakamura with Mountain Monk

travel to kochi japan

Private Ninja Training in a Cave in Hidaka

travel to kochi japan

SUP downriver tour at Niyodo river

travel to kochi japan

Canadian canoe spaceship experience

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Iya Valley BROMPTON Bicycle Tour

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Ikeda Reservoir BROMPTON Bicycle Tour

Cultural & theme tours.

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Top Attractions in Kochi

travel to kochi japan

Tours & Sightseeing

travel to kochi japan

Private & Custom Tours

Walking & biking tours, multi-day tours, what travelers are saying.

Martina1888

  • Kochi Castle
  • The Kochi Prefectural Makino Botanical Garden
  • Sunday Market
  • Chikurinji Temple
  • The Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial Museum
  • Katsura Hama
  • Godaisan Park
  • Katurahama Aquarium
  • Tosaden Kotsu - Rail System
  • Kochi Tourist Information Center Tosa Terrace

Dan Flying Solo

Kochi Japan Travel Guide and Top Things to Do

Home » Destinations » Asia » Japan » Kochi Japan Travel Guide and Top Things to Do

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Updated: 10th March 2020

She was still smiling, but now had a new confused expression on her face. I sensed her hand tightening on my documents. ‘But why there? How do you know these places? Who told you about them?’ she asked, intrigued.

I reminded myself this was customs, not immigration, and it was surely more curiosity than concern. I laughed, somewhat nervously, and explained how I love exploring the lesser visited parts of the country. Being Japan, the smile never faded, and she handed back my forms and waved me on my way to get my connecting flight to Kochi. Away from the bustle of Tokyo, Kochi is a land of nature, a land of green and blue. Home to epic pilgrimages of beautiful temples , water-sport adventures, traditional Japanese experiences , lots of hidden gems and a wellness destination in its own right.

If you are looking for a more authentic side of Japan, with plenty of mother natures finest work thrown in, here is a guide to plan a visit to the region, that can easily keep you entertained for more than a week!

Top things to do in Kochi Prefecture

The Kochi Prefecture can be broken down in to various regions, but to keep it simple, here I’ve detailed it as North, Central, City and South. The capital of the Prefecture is also known as Kochi, which can make things confusing, and while there is public transport, a car will help if you want to pack plenty of the below into your trip. Check my ‘getting around’ advice below to further plan your trip.

The capital of the region, Kochi City is a relatively compact city, and you can explore the highlights in one day.

Kochi Castle

There is a reason this Castle, one of around a hundred in Japan, is so unique. Once upon a time, some five thousand castles could be found across the country, and Kōchi Castle is one of the best-preserved you can find here nowadays. Construction of the Castle dates back to 1601, but following a tragic fire that near destroyed it, it was fully restored to all its glory during the Edo period.

More Info | TeamLab Digital Event | Location | On foot

Kōchi Castle shines high above the coloured teamLab work

Kochi Castle Museum of History

Sitting just across from the castle itself is the Museum of History, where you’ll learn all about the prefecture and the Tosa rule.

More Info | Location | On foot

Yosakoi dance centre (and festival)

Every August the city of Kochi comes alive for the  Yasakoi dance festival  with some 300 groups performing to crowds of thousands. The streets and corners of the city are taken over, as competitions to crown the best play out on domestic news channels.

Dating back to 1954, the festival was a chance to bring everyone together after a painful time. It’s blossomed and grown over the years, and now takes place worldwide, although it originals hail from Kochi. Elaborate costumes and well-rehearsed routines are more significant and bolder than when the festival first started, but the rules remain the same.

The dance must use the Naruko, a type of clapper within the dance. The music can be as wished but must include part of the original song. Also, a vehicle acting as a float must accompany the group playing the music. The dance groups can be up to 150-strong, and this makes for a flurry of colour and music over the days the event runs.

If you don’t visit Kochi during the festival, but want to learn more about the Yosakoi, a brand new museum is now open, and although a lot of the information isn’t in English, guides can help, or you can just have a go at the dance in the ‘classroom’, see the bright costumes, and watch performance videos from years gone by.

Museum & Festival Info | On foot

Sunday Market (and fried sweet potato)

If you find yourself in Kochi on a Sunday morning be sure to visit the Sunday Market, which runs along the length of one of Kochi City main streets, with the traffic diverted. Here you’ll find some small gifts, but it it is mainly a local farmers market serving food and drink. Be sure to try the local specialities, the ginger ale and the delicious fried sweet potato snacks, they will be worth the wait in line for.

Hirome Market

The hub of evening activity in Kochi is the lively Hirome Market. The people of Kochi love to drink, and they have some very cool drinking games to prove it. Here you’ll find everything from region to national dishes, in both cheaper, street food style, and more fancy table service restaurants.

Hirome Market is a great place for your evening meal

Chikurinji Temple

This beautiful temple is on of the 88 on the island wide pilgrimage, and if you’re lucky, like I was, you’ll encounter one of these groups of pilgrims in their conical hats and white outfits here. The temple itself is a red, five-tier pagoda, set amongst the stunning setting of colourful trees and peaceful park.

More Info | Location | Car or nearest station: From either Sakamotozen Bus Stop or the Nishi-Takasu Tram Station it’s a short walk.

Chikurinji Temple, a red pagoda is surrounded by bright orange and red leaves

Makino Botanical Gardens

Located just next to the temple are the Makino Botanical Gardens, a tranquil place and being not far from the airport, a good place to stop off before your flight out of Kochi if you have some spare time.

Kochi Prefecture – North

Mainly defined by farm lands and the striking rock formations of Muroto Global Geo-park, the north of Kochi Prefecture is a place to relax, embrace the ocean, and pamper yourself.

Just off the side of the road is Ioki Cave, and you could very easily miss it. Park up at the little car-park where you’ll be able to don some Wellington Boots before crossing the road and disappearing into a different world. A short walk through the open rock face will bring you to little waterfalls, bamboo trees, and lush vegetation – almost unbelievable given its road side location!

More Info | Location | Car or nearest station: Ioki Station and Short Walk

The deep sea therapy pool at sunrise

Utoco Deep Sea Therapy Centre and Spa

See below in the ‘Hotel’ section – but this is one of the most relaxing and beautiful resorts I’ve ever stayed in!

More Info | Location | Car or nearest station: The bus station Takaoka is the nearest to the hotel, but you may prefer to take the train and then a taxi from the end of the route.

Muroto Global Geopark

The Muroto Global Geopark is UNESCO listed and this beautiful space of green trees meeting dramatic coastline is best explored on foot or by bicylces. Thousands of years of ocean activity has developed condensed rocks in all sorts of patterns, and between this nature and the wellness resorts, it’s a perfect ‘get away from it all’ kinda place.

More Info | Location | Car or nearest station: See Utoco above

Hotsumisakiji Temple

Another stop on the island wide pilgrimage, from Hotsumisakiji you get some breathtaking views over the ocean and Muroto Geopark, head to the nearby lighthouse to really take it in. Inside the temple are a few wooden structures, including the bell rung by those on the pilgrimage which the caretaker allowed me to ring. It’s a very peaceful and spiritual spot amongst nature.

Hotsumisakiji Temple entrance with wooden doors and statues

Sea House Restaurant

This beautiful restaurant is quite simple inside with its menu, but the glass and metal box of a restaurant hanging over the cliffside provides incredible views in all direction, including down, to the silver sands and blues of the ocean. Great for Instagram, bad for vertigo!

Location | Car or nearest station: Nishibun Train station and a short walk along the coast 

Open-sided trains

One of the coolest ways to get around the North of Kochi where the train lines run are the open-sided trains. It should be noted only a couple of services a day run with the open-sided trains, so be sure to get the correct information and timings for the day. You’ll board and sit as normal, but once the train is moving, you are able to step onto the deck and breath in the ocean breeze, just be prepared for the tunnels to destroy your ears!

More Info | Various boarding points along the coast

Ekin Museum (and festival)

The Ekin Museum offers an insight into the artwork and life of Hirose Kinzō (also known as Ekin), a disgraced official painter whose career turning into something quite interesting after his royal downfall. Ekin was born into a working-class family in Kochi but eventually wound up as a head painter for the important family at the height of the Tosa Domain. He was accused of forging work, and fired from his role, then disappearing from the public eye for ten years.

Eventually, he reappeared with this very unique, and sometimes quite disturbing artworks, projecting multiple scenes from one story onto one large canvas.

While copies of the works can be seen in the museum year-round, In July, a festival takes place on the streets of Akaokacho, where the original paintings are taken outside and illuminated by candlelight in the traditional way. Locals and regional tourists especially flock for this eerie evening of arts and entertainment, so if you find yourself in Kochi in July, check out the festival dates to join in.

More Info | Location | Car or nearest train station: Akaoka Station

Kochi Prefecture – Central

The central part of Kochi is defined by green trees and rich rice terraces, incredibly clear waters, adorable little towns and karst mountains.

Nakatsu Gorge and Valley

The Nakatsu Valley was the first stop of our mountain day, as we headed to the tea-terraces and national parks. This short hike takes you into the valley, past the giant rocks resting in the crystal clear waters. Blue and green pools are broken by colourful plants and buddha statues, before reaching a waterfall at the end, highlighting the unique purple colour of the rocks in the valley. There is an extended hike you can do, going steeper and further into the valley.

More Info | Location | Car or nearest station: From Mitsumineguchi Station you can change to a local bus, travel time around 1 hour.

The beautiful waters of Nakatsu Valley with a traditional hotel in the background

Niydo Blue and River

Niydo Blue is a colour, known in Japan, due to the waters here. I spent most of my time with the waters of Shimanto, but the Niydo area offers water-sports and activities as an alternative.

More Info | Location  

Asunaro Matcha Noodle Restaurant

At Asunaro, a cafe which commanded an impeccable view of the terraces, mountains and a vast lake, we braved the outside winter temperatures wrapped in blankets to appreciate the vistas fully. The tasty green both with thick juicy noodles we were served was exquisite, and the high antioxidant, metabolism-boosting, mind-calming Matcha dish went down a treat.

More Info | Location | Car

Asunaro Matcha Noodle Restaurant

Tengu Highlands forest therapy road

In Japan, wellness rules, and the Tengu Highlands forest therapy road is a fancy name for a pathed walk through the forest of the national park, where trees and fresh-air are the order of the day for your wellness therapy.

More Info | Location | Car or nearest station: You’ll want a car to get to and around the park

Shikoku Karst Natural Park

Full of karst rock formations, forest, and vast empty spaces at altitude, the Shikoku Karst National Park stretches across the Kochi boundaries and was about as un-Japan like as I imagined, almost like Switzerland at times. Given it’s a bit out the way, it’s certainly more popular with domestic tourists looking for a mountain escape, than international tourists.

Yusuhara Community Library, Kochi, Japan

Yusuhara Town and Library

What I wasn’t expecting during my trip to Japan was to stumble upon a library designed by no-less than the man behind the Tokyo 2020 Olympics Stadium, Kengo Kuma.

Located in the beautiful village of Yusuhara, made even more magnificent thanks to it’s forested mountain setting and buried electricity cables, rather than over hanging like much of the region, this picturesque library is a homage to the woodwork the renowned artists likes to design with. In fact, there are more buildings of his work here, including a museum in his dedication. The library itself is a warm, open place, with dramatic wooden beams erupting from the ceiling, a grand piano at the entrance, and cosy corners to settle into. The wooden cube-like design outside is equally as striking, and it fits in perfectly with the nature of this region, which is well worth a visit for many other reasons beyond the library.

More Info | Location | Car or nearest station: From Kochi, you’ll need to train to Suzaki, and then bus – around 2 hours total

Motoyama Montbell Village

Set along the Yoshino river, Motoyama is a region inland, and I headed here to visit the recently opened Montbell Village, yep, same as the outdoor sport cloth retailer. This woodland park offers camping and comfortable wooden lodges, with water-sports and nature activities awaiting on the river.

Location | Car or nearest station: Matsumura Bus Stop

Motoyama, Kochi Japan

Aikawa Tanada terraced rice fields & Keigetsu Sake Brewery

Firstly, this spot is quite stunning. Surrounded by rice terraces, you’ll also find a winery (surprised me too!) nearby.

Keigetsu Brewery is renowned and has even won the world gold award for Sake; such is the quality of its produce. While there are countless Sake houses across the country, if you haven’t yet visited one and have a car, this is a great place to come for a sampling, and if you are really lucky, able to secure a tour of the traditional production house.

You’ll learn about polishing numbers which reflect on the quality of the sake, be able to taste various types, and, as I said if you can, join a tour with the Sake brewery to learn more about the methods from the master.

More Info | Location | Car 

Cooking Katsuo no Tataki (Seared Bonito) at Kuretaishomachi Market

You go to the fresh fish stalls and select what you fancy to eat; this is then cooked and prepared for you and served up in the cute warm room where tea and other drinks can be added to complete the meal.

What is really cool though, is if you ask nicely you’ll probably be allowed to cook  Katsuo no Tataki , the famous local dish, yourself. Leftover hay is thrust into the flames, and this hay added the flavour to the fish. It’s quickly sealed on both sides over the flame, before being expertly sliced and served with an adapted soy sauce and wasabi and salt. It was cool to get stuck into the market scene and have a go at making my own version of this local speciality, a type of seared sushi. By all accounts, I think i did a pretty good job too!

More Info | Location | Car or nearest station: Tosa-Kure

Kochi Prefecture – South

From underwater observatories on dramatic coastal walks, to the serene Shimanto river well equipped for water-sports, I’ve saved my favourite part of the Kochi Prefecture for last!

Shimanto River

The Shimanto River winds slowly through the countryside. A beautiful calm and mirror like surface early in the day, with mist loitering around just after sunset. Small villages and towns await along the river banks, easily explored by bicycles with roads and paths crossing the river in the form of submersible bridges, quite a design idea. The river is one of two standout water attractions in the region, and, in my view, best explored by Kayak.

More Info | Location | Car or nearest station: Ekawaski

Knife-Making Experience

Perhaps the most memorable experience for me in Kochi was this knife-making experience, located in a small workshop alongside the river.

Led by a master blacksmith, Prof. Hayashi, this hands-on experience will see you go through all stages of the knife making process, from burning hot pokers to etching the final memory on the handle.  This small  knife-making workshop is set amongst the greenery, and without knowing the spot on the map, you could easily miss it.

We spent a few hours (usually the experience lasts a day, but can be adapted if short on time) getting up to insanely hot temperatures, sanding and filing the iron, hammering and shaping it, until eventually it resembled a perfect knife, handle and all. The great thing about this experience is it was all run in English, which isn’t always the case in Japan, and it made it even more special being able to interact and ask lots of questions.

More Info | Car or a cycle ride from one of the nearby places above

Knife-making in Kochi Japan

Kayaking & Cycling in Shimanto

As I mentioned above, Kayaking, Canoeing and Cycling are surely the best ways to enjoy the Shimanto river. There are plenty of places to hire a Kayak and join a group or a guide along the river, and the local cycling system is fantastic, as not only are the roads relatively clear and there are rest stops with toilets and tables, but also because the bicycles can be dropped off at various points.

Tatsukushi and Underwater Observatory

This is a super cool spot I found on Atlas Obscura, one of a few remaining underwater observatories which goes down into the ocean, so you are looking at a wild ‘aquarium’ rather than animals in captivity.

More Info | Location | Car or nearest station: Nakamura (followed by a bus/taxi)

The red and white underwater observatory is quite unique

Whale and Dolphin watching IN THE WILD

There is in Kochi sadly a captive dolphin experience, but if you want to see whales or dolphins you can do so in the wild, with a few different boat tour options leaving in the south of Kochi Prefecture.

Where to stay in Kochi Prefecture

I moved around a fair bit during my trip to Kochi, and got a good feel for the different types of accommodation on offer. Below are the favourites of those which I stayed at, although there are plenty of other options throughout the region. [/av_textblock]

Utoco Resort and Spa

North Kochi, Muroto 

This gorgeous hotel has a prime position in the Muroto Global Geo Park, and the spacious rooms all have fantastic views across the ocean. The onsite restaurant served delicious meals, with multi-course menus, and the library room was a treat. The main focus is the deep-sea therapy spa, where healing waters from the depths of the ocean fill the pool and hot-tubs, and a complimentary programme of wellness activities complete the package.

Hotel Seira Shimanto

Southern Kochi, Shimanto

Located high on a hill, looking down on the Shimanto River, this hotel has comfortable and spacious rooms (book a front room for the views) and a more contemporary and basic dining and reception area. The restaurant serves up traditional breakfasts and local fish menus for diner, while the onsen has fantastic views over the river too.

The river reflection views outside Mont Bell Outdoor Village in Motoyama

Mont Bell Outdoor Village

Central Kochi, Motoyama

A new opening, these wooden cabins are located amongst trees, and alongside a river. More suited to the wamer months, there is an onsite activity centre for water-sports, and plenty of hikes in the local area. Can be self-catering, and there is also a restaurant onsite.

Anjuan Ryokan

This adorable Ryokan will welcome you with open arms, and wonderful views of nature from its position perched on a hill-top. Traditional rooms, with comfortable floor futons, are spacious and warm, and an onsen is on site. The restaurant here served up a delicious spread, again, in a traditional style.

Located in the centre of the city, alongside the main shopping arcade, this chain hotel provides buffer breakfast, clean and well equipped rooms, and also has an onsen. Nothing ground breaking, but an affordable and comfy place to stay in Kochi city.

Central Kochi, Tosa

This glass fronted hotel and restaurant boasts wonderful views from the rooms, dining hall and the terrace of the reservoir, surrounded by lush green scenery. I only visited here to eat, rather than to stay, but if you’ll have a car, it’s a cute hideaway to get amongst the nature of Kochi.

Ashizuri Pacific Hotel

Southern Kochi, Tosashimizu

In the south of Kochi, should you be visiting the underwater observatory, accommodation isn’t as readily available. While I didn’t personally stay here, it seems a great pick, with water-front views, onsens, and traditional and modern rooms to choose from.

Pilgrimages, blacksmiths, and festivals: Nine traditional experiences you can enjoy in Kochi, Japan

During my last trip to Japan, I spent just over a week exploring the Kochi Prefecture of the country, a vast green natural wonderland that is one of four prefectures on Shikoku Island. While my adventure was packed with incredible water sports, magnificent matcha noodles, and view upon view of crashing coastline, I also found time to appreciate some of the more hands-on experiences you can have in this lesser-visited region of Japan.

While I certainly couldn’t pack in everything I wished to do (one temple pilgrimage takes months to complete in fact), I still loved the chance to see those magical moments, get hands-on cooking in a market, and even came home with a knife that I had a hand in making. Heres some awesome and traditional cultural experiences you too can have in Kochi, Japan.

Knife-making in Kochi Japan

Knife-making at Kurogane Forge, Shimanto River

I’ll start off with my absolute highlight, which was spending the afternoon crafting my own knife (okay, with a fair bit of help) at Kurogane Forge just alongside the stunning Shimanto River.

Led by a master blacksmith, Prof. Hayashi, this hands-on experience will see you go through all stages of the knife making process, from burning hot pokers to etching the final memory on the handle. Mine is proudly branded with the name of the destination that gave me such great memories, Kochi.

This small  knife-making workshop  is set amongst the greenery, and without knowing the spot on the map, you could easily miss it. On our arrival, iron sand was being turned into Iron using a  Tatara , a traditional Japanese furnace.

Hands down, this is the memory that will stick with me the most form my time in the Kochi Prefecture.

Traditional knifemaking in Kochi Japan, the blacksmith sits at a table with the knives

Salt-making experience, Kuroshio

The  Shimanto salt-making experience  was something I was keen to do in Kochi, but with timings, it came down to this or the knife-making, so I sadly had to skip it.

Not too far away, a short drive from Shimanto is the rugged coastline of Kuroshio. At this family tun spot, Tosa no Shiomaru is produced, which roughly translates to sunshine salt. Still producing salt in a traditional way, this striking open to the elements spot set against the coast is impressive.

The actual workshops last around an hour and a half, where I was told you get to tour the production area, and then get stuck into the experience of making the salt, to take your own small-batch home. There is apparently a whole host of salt-based treats you can sample here, even salty ice-cream!

Cooking Katsuo no Tataki, Kuretaishomachi Market

Pulling into Nakatosa, I was starving and ready to hit the markets to sample even more of the local  Bonito , a fish-based staple in the region.

Here though, the fresh-fish market has an added bonus that visitors like me, who don’t have a kitchen to go back to, can still enjoy the flavours of the catch of the day, thanks to an onsite ‘eating space’ – similar to a restaurant, but with a twist.

If you aren’t able to get to  Nakatosa , which is beyond Kochi city itself, there are a couple of restaurants I was told in the city (such as  here ) which have small flame bits on the table to have it freshly seared by your own hands too.

Dan and the chef sit with a plate of Katsuo no Tataki

Washi paper making experience, Inochō

Located inside the Inochō Paper Museum, you’ll find a chance to have a go at making a special type of paper,  Tosa Washi .

Kochi Prefecture was previously named Tosa, hence the name, and Tosa Washi has since been officially designated as a traditional handicraft in the country.

The lesson experience will see you make the paper yourself using one of two different methods. Involving bamboo frames ( suketa),  water and the raw materials, you’ll eventually have blended the fibres together ready for drying, and the final paper in all its glory. While it’s drying, you can explore the museum to learn more about the history of this method beloved in Kochi.

A multi temple pilgrimage across Shikoku Island

One of the coolest things in Shikoku, the island of which Kochi is one of four prefectures, is the  multi-temple pilgrimage  which takes in the eighty-eight temples across the island that have been designated part of the trail.

The Kochi Prefecture has some of these, and it’s really magical not just to see the temples, but also to see the pilgrims in their traditional white outfit and conical hats, as they pray or rest on the route. I was told one of the reasons people are so friendly in Kochi is they are so used to welcoming in visitors and pilgrims along the trail and showering them in hospitality.

Two of my favourite temples on the route were Hotsumisakiji Temple, a beautiful wooden collection of buildings nestled in the Muroto GeoPark in the north, and Chikurinji Temple, a bright red five-tier pagoda not far from Kochi Airport.

While historically people would spend weeks and months completing the pilgrimage, now it’s quite common for people to do it in stages, on weekends and days off, and finish it slowly over a more extended time period. Ultimately, the  Ohenro  (the Buddhist term for the pilgrimage) is about the journey, rather than the goal, so while completing a visit to each temple is important, what is discovered and experience on the way is even more so.

While I was in Japan, what was really cool was that Kochi Castle (so, not a temple but still striking) had been turned into a  digital art display with team lab .

A beautiful red pagoda temple, part of the Shikoku Pilgrimage through Kochi

Onsen and Ryokan experience

It happened, I finally got naked with some strangers in Japan!

For those that don’t know, an Onsen is a traditional Japanese hot spring bath, where you come to bathe and relax in the particular water. There are thousands of these across the county, and everywhere I stayed in Kochi Prefecture had one. Male and females are separated, and once you’ve got over the initial shock of taking your clothes off and scrubbing yourself clean before entering, the experience is really relaxing, and you almost forget you are all sat there naked as your body aches and pains fade away!

Another must-do traditional experience in Japan is to stay in a Ryokan, an inn style accommodation which nearly always have an Onsen, and have calming matted floors and offer robes  (yukata)  to wear around the accommodation.

Here is where you’ll find the traditional futon style bedding on the floor, which are surprisingly comfy, and meals are also often taken sat at the floor in a traditional way. Even if you don’t plan to stay in this style for your whole trip, you should try to spend at least one night at one. I did this on my trip at  Anjuann Rykonan , which not only was lovely inside but sat on top of a hill and offered sweeping views of the nature Kochi is famed for.

Sampling Sake at Keigetsu Brewery (and the local drinking games)

Keigetsu Brewery  is renowned and has even won the world gold award for Sake; such is the quality of its produce. While there are countless Sake houses across the country, if you haven’t yet visited one and have a car, this is a great place to come for a sampling, and if you are really lucky, able to secure a tour of the traditional production house.

A traditional Sake workroom, with barrels outside

Yosakoi dance festival and museum, Kochi City

Inside the Ekin Museum, where art works are lit by little lamps

Ekin Museum and Festival, Akaokacho

The  Ekin Museum  offers an insight into the artwork and life of Hirose Kinzō (also known as Ekin), a disgraced official painter whose career turning into something quite interesting after his royal downfall.

I didn’t really plan on visiting the museum, but it’s quite a fascinating story. Ekin was born into a working-class family in Kochi but eventually wound up as a head painter for the important family at the height of the Tosa Domain. He was accused of forging work, and fired from his role, then disappearing from the public eye for ten years.

There is so much more to do in Kochi, with nature, rivers, forest and striking coastline being the main draw to the prefecture. But, with this list, I hope I’ve highlighted some of the more traditional cultural experiences you can have to compliment your water-sports and adventure activities, because it’s these moments that create the best memories!

Getting to Kochi

Getting to Kochi is relatively easy from Tokyo and other large cities. Here is how to get from Tokyo to Kochi and some of the options available to you.

From Tokyo, there are multiple connections per day from both airports, on different airlines such as ANA and JAL. There are also, less regular, flight connections from Kobe, Fukuoka, Kansai and Nagoya.

Use a search engine such as Skyscanner , when looking for domestic flights if you opt to fly to Kochi.

By Train:  

Japan’s rail routes and bullet trains are famous world round for a reason, meaning transport by train, while perhaps not the fastest option, is certainly possible into the Kochi Region. The Visit Kochi Travel Planner is a great resource, as you can select where you are travelling from, and then it will tell you the best train connection options.

Getting around Kochi Prefecture

Kochi Prefecture doesn’t have the all singing and dancing train routes that some of the larger regions has, but it is entirely possible to explore between the main sights by bus and train connections. The train routes between attractions can be limited, however, by needing to change to different lines. It’s quite a complex system, especially when you through in the buses, and while I’ve highlighted the main stops up above, be sure to check out Rome2Rio to research the best route for you.

The Shikoku Rail is one of the most scenic, heading inland, and on the coast for the most part you have the cool Gomen Nahari &  Yodo Line . Bus options are also there, with the MY-YU bus being for tourists to sight see from the capital city, Kochi, while domestic local bus routes can be checked out here .

Carry an international license when driving and have relevant insurance. [/av_textblock]

Kochi weather & climate

The climate in Kochi is still relatively pleasant even in the winter months when I visited, that said, for those planning to do more water sports, the warmer months are more ideal. Kochi sometimes is hit by Tsunamis, although evacuation routes and man-made platform stations are detailed everywhere, showing how prepared the region is incase of natural disaster.

When to visit Kochi Prefecture

Peak Season: July, August and September are peak summer months here, when the weather is hitting above 30 degrees celsius and nearly all activites are open.

Shoulder Season:  April, May, June, and October seem prime time to visit, as most attractions are open, and the weather is a pleasant temperature.

Off Season:  The winter season, especially late December and January sees some activities close down, the weather IMO was still fine to explore, and the prices were more welcoming (except over the New Year Holiday – Western Christmas is not a public holiday in Japan).

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15 Best Things To Do In Kochi, Japan | Reasons To Visit Kochi, Japan

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Kochi, Japan is a beautiful place to visit and one of my favorite places in Japan. Here are my favorite things to do in Kochi, Japan . Check it out! 

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Top Things To Do In Kochi, Japan

Check out the best things do in Kochi Japan below:

Visit Kochi Castle (Kōchi-jō)

Before you see anything else, you must visit the historic Kochi castle. It is one of the few remaining original castles in Japan that is teeming with history and culture. While many castles were destroyed during the Edo and Meiji eras, this castle survived it and it proudly boasts of its history today.

Kochi Castle is unique, even among other original castles. Firstly, it is one of the only three castles where the main gate survives. Another reason is that it is the only castle where the lord’s reception suite remains. 

#Kochi Castle in Shikoku – its buildings are Important Cultural Properties of Japan http://t.co/xkt2ygATmp pic.twitter.com/jd1F8iKMyC — japan (@japan) August 31, 2015

The history of the castle goes back a long way, right from its construction in 1600. While it is on the smaller side when compared to other castles, it is well-maintained and well-preserved with nice wall displays and stunning views. My visit to Kochi, Japan is always incomplete without seeing this magestic beauty. I truly love the infrastructure of the castle.

The castle is set in a beautiful park that is a famous picnic spot. It is one of the most pleasant locations for cherry blossom viewing as well. 

Your Kochi sightseeing is incomplete without visiting this beautiful castle!

Check out the official site of Kochi castle for more information!

  • Related: Things to do n Ishigaki Island
  • Related: Things to do in Saitama Japan

Visit Yosakoi Inari Shrine

things to do in kochi visit shrine

Yosakoi Inari Shrine is a small shrine just close to the Kochi castle. This shrine is a hidden gem that most tourists miss out on this shrine as you won’t find it on most guidebooks. What is unique about this shrine is that it is dedicated to roosters!

I find this Shrine very peaceful and perfect to pray to the Almighty. I first visited Yosakoi Inari Shrine with my parents and got to know a lot about Shinto culture.

You’ll find lots of rooster statues and other elements around chickens in this shrine. It’s a fun and interesting shrine to visit! And plus if you’re going to Kochi, the Kochi castle is definitely going to be on your itinerary – might as well visit this pretty little shrine!

Check Out The Harimayabashi

visit kochi japan harimayabashi

Visiting Harimayabashi is one of the best things to do in Kochi Japan. The Harimayabashi is one of the most popular tourist spots in Kochi. The history behind its popularity is that in the 19th century a monk fell in love with a woman, which is forbidden. They met in secret and were unfortunately caught red-handed here. Needless to say, they were banished after. 

Harimayabashi is a small red bridge that is located close to the My-Yu bus stop. And you’ll end up using it so why not have a look. I love walking in this little bridge, it’s super cute. I always go to Harimayabashi bridge and take a lot of pictures here for my Instagram feed.

Visit Kochi Castle Museum of History

While most castles in Japan double as a museum, Kochi has a separate museum dedicated to its castle. The museum takes you through the history of the castle right from the Warring States period to the Meiji Reformation.

kochi japan sightseeing

You will find artworks, historical documents, as well as national treasures in the museum. If you are a history buff, you will appreciate the preciseness and knowledge that you can gather in this museum. 

Kids often dislike visiting museums for its lack of fun factors. However, your kids will love this museum as they get the chance to dress like samurai warriors here. 

On the third floor of the museum is an observatory that offers spectacular views of the castle. The museum is located right across the street from the castle, so if you are visiting the castle, do not miss out on the museum for an interesting blast of history. 

Check out its official site for more information!

Enjoy Thrilling Water Sports in Japanese Rivers 

Are you looking for an activity that brings on an adrenaline rush? In that case, Kochi will become one of your favorite destinations. It is a paradise for adventure lovers. 

kochi japan water adventure sports

Canoeing, Kayaking, Canyoning, Snorkelling, Whitewater Rafting – you name it, they have it. One of the best things to do in Kochi, Japan and the best part about the whole adventure is that you get to experience all of this in Japan’s best rivers. 

The Niyodo River has the best quality of water, The Yoshino River is known to be super clean, and the Shimanto River beats everyone else when it comes to being the clearest stream. 

You will love these water activities immensely. Wondering what to do in Kochi? Go for water adventures!

Enjoy the Season at Kochi Prefectural Makino Botanical Garden

The Makino Botanical Garden was created to honor the father of Japanese Botany, Makino Tomitaro. It is a spacious and luscious park that allows you to spend some time away from the maddening hustle and bustle of the city. 

travel to kochi japan

There are all types of gardens to keep you glued to nature – a greenhouse, cherry blossom groves, medicinal plants, and rose gardens are only some of the attractions of this botanical garden. There are ponds in the garden as well, which completes the beautiful and serene scenery. 

If you are looking for a picnic spot, the Makino Botanical Garden has perfect lawns that are great for picnics. The place is well worth a visit for its beautiful views and peacefulness. When visiting Kochi, you must have the botanical garden on your list.

Check out the official site for more information!

Eat At Hirome Ichiba (Hirome Market) / Katsuo no tataki

The Hirome Ichiba market is quite unique, for it is both a market and a food court. The first thing you will (and must) notice is the Maneki Neko cat beckoning and welcoming you to this exciting place. It is a buzzing place with restaurants or izakaya (Japanese style pubs). 

The place has long shared tables and benches, which according to me, is a great setting. Not only can you relish delicacies, but you also get a chance to meet other people and socialize with them. It is a great way to learn all about local cuisine and culture. 

The food-court style restaurants allow you to sample different local cuisines. And that’s not all. You can also buy local and fresh produce as well as souvenirs from here. It’s one of the best Kochi market in Japan. 

For more information – click here!

Grill Katsuo no Tataki 

Katsuo or bonito is food for the soul. Everyone in Kochi knows Bonito, and if you are visiting Kochi, you should too. If you visit the Hirome Ichiba Market, you must try out this delicacy.

travel to kochi japan

Do not leave the market without watching the grand demonstration of searing bonito and tasting this delicious delicacy. This is the place to be if you want to taste some delicious Kochi, Japan food. 

Bonito, as mentioned before, is prepared in a grand demonstration with large flames over straw pits. Katsuo is sliced and seared with a touch of salt. Garlic and onions may sometimes be added. 

Sunday Market

travel to kochi japan

Sunday Market in Kochi has been around for more than 300 years, right from the Edo period. It is an open-air market that has a buzzing atmosphere that makes you want to be a part of it.

You will enjoy watching the buyers and sellers bargain and interact pleasantly in a Kochi dialect.

The market opens every Sunday and sees about 500 stores line up in the most perfect fashion on the streets. You will find everything here from local foods to souvenirs.

You can also find a lot of unique fruits, vegetables, cutlery, and traditional crafts in this market. It is a powerhouse of activities, colors, and variety. This expansive Kochi market in Japan will surely not disappoint you.

Chikurin-ji (Chikurin Temple)

travel to kochi japan

Built-in 724, Chikurinji temple is one of the stops of the Shikoku pilgrimage. The temple is associated with wisdom and sees a lot of students praying for academic success. When compared to other temples, the Chikurinji temple may seem pale, however, the five-story pagoda makes the visit well worth it. 

travel to kochi japan

The whole setting of the place is atmospheric, with trees lining up from the spectacular wooden gate and the moss-covered lanterns that add a rustic touch. The grounds are interesting with a small pond and a collection of Buddha statues. 

While visiting the temple and most of the grounds is free, you can pay to visit a treasure house that includes many Buddhist statues. With the payment, you can also visit the gorgeous Japanese style garden. 

Click here for more information on the official temple site

Visit the 150-million-years-old Ryuga Cave

The limestone Ryuga Cave is known to have inhabited cavemen and is at least 150 million years old. The whole stretch is at least 4 km long, however, you will not be able to venture the entire length of the cave. Only 1 km of the cave has a walkable trail. 

travel to kochi japan

During this 1 km trail, you will be able to marvel at the stalactite formations and waterfalls. If you are lucky, you might even spot a bat napping or swooping above. Sightseeing in Koch is surely incomplete without visiting this cave. 

Click here for more information!

Muroto World Geopark Centre 

Muroto Geopark is where you can learn more information about Mother Earth. Muroto Geopark was also certified as a World UNESCO Geopark in 2011.

travel to kochi japan

Visiting the Muroto Geopark during December last year was highly recommended because of the “Earth x Chikyu” Exhibition held at the time. The Chikyu was a scientific vessel built to drill through Earth to a depth of 7 km through the Nankai Trough that is a hotbed of mega earthquakes, to collect sediments and other core materials. 

travel to kochi japan

The exhibition showcased the results of Chikyu’s excavations so it is a great learning experience for children as well as their parents.

travel to kochi japan

The latest digital technology at Kiramesse Muroto

The station of Kiramesse Muroto is located along the coast of Kurotagawa Town, Muroto City. Located on the premises is the Whale pavilion that was renewed in March 2017. 

travel to kochi japan

Here, you can experience the history of Muroto City and its whales. Using the latest digital technology such as 360° Panoramic VR, you can have the same experience as riding an actual boat ship.

travel to kochi japan

There is also a fresh produce market known as Rakuichi, where one can purchase local vegetables, fruits, fresh fish, processed goods and more. Furthermore, there is a restaurant “Syokuyu Kuzira no Sato” that serves authentic Muroto cuisine and delicious gelato at affordable prices.

The Kiramesse Kuroto must definitely go into your Kochi sightseeing list!

Click here to find out more!  

The Streets of Kiragawa 

Long ago, Kiragawa was a prosperous place because people would produce “Tosa high-grade Bincho charcoal”  and they would supply lumber and charcoal to cities such as Kyoto, Kobe, and Osaka. 

travel to kochi japan

The lucrative coal trade had allowed the people in the city to amass fortunes and become rich. Kiragawa also became the first city in Kochi to become a national preservation location. 

travel to kochi japan

Due to frequent typhoons in the area, the buildings had to be constructed in a special manner for them to withstand the inclement conditions. It’s one of the Kochi sightseeing activities to do.

Muroto’s Deep Sea Water!

SeaRest Muroto is a health promotion facility that utilizes Muroto Ocean deep seawater. It is equipped with full-scale facilities such as a pool that is set to body temperature. It has an open-air bath, Finnish sauna, outside air bath, and hot tubs. 

travel to kochi japan

Under the guidance of the instructor, you can experience various hydro-motion programs as well. 

Check it out here!

How to Reach Kochi, Japan

  • Train lines : You can take Sanyo Shinkansen or JR Tokaido from Tokyo to Okayama which will take around 3 and a half hours. Then, take a transfer train to JR Nanpu limited express train to Kochi which will take another 2 and a half hours. It costs around 20,000 yen for the entire journey. Please note that the JR pass doesn’t work for Nozomi trains so you’ll have to use the Hikari or Sakura train from Tokyo to Okayama. 
  • Bus : You’ll find a lot of overnight buses which will take about 10-11 hours between Tokyo to Kochi. It costs about 14,000-15,000 yens. You can make online reservations where you’ll get offers and discounts. 
  • Air : You can take Haneda Airport or Narita Airport to Kochi Ryoma Airport. Jetstar, JAL, and ANA are three airlines that go to Kochi Ryoma Airport and take about 90 minutes for the entire journey. It costs about 35,000 yen for the journey. You can take the airport bus from Kochi Ryoma Airport to Central Kochi which will take you about 40 mins and cost 740 yens.

Things to do in Kochi, Japan: FAQs

How far is kochi japan from tokyo.

Kochi, Japan is about 800 km drive to Tokyo which will take you about 11 hours. You can travel from Kochi to Tokyo via train which is about 8 hours journey.

What is famous in Kochi japan for shopping?

Hirome Market in Kochi Japan is famous for shopping. It’s probably the busiest hub in Kochi Japan overflowing with tourists and locals alike!

What is the best time to visit Kochi Japan ?

The best time to visit Kochi Japan is the monsoons when everything in Kochi comes to life. If you’re not a fan of the wet season then October to February is also perfect as Kochi has a cool and pleasant weather but no rains.

What is Kochi Japan famous for?

Kochi prefecture in Japan is famous for its abundance of sunshine, calming waters, clear rivers, and indefinite coastlines. It’s a little paradise by itself. The perfect place for some soul-searching!

Is Kochi Japan worth visiting?

Kochi, Japan is definitely worth a visit. While Kochi is not famous as other populated cities of Japan, like Tokyo, Kochi has a charm of its own. The city allows you to cover the wonderful beauty and historical heritage that is drowned in rich culture and heritage. And there’s plenty of outdoor activities you can indulge yourself in.

How can I go to Kochi Japan?

There are multiple flights to Kochi from Tokyo Narita Airport, which is one of the best and busiest airports in Japan. The flight will take you around 3 hours and 20 minutes and the cost is approximately $100.

If you are planning to travel via train, then it will cost you a lot more time and money. The flight from Tokyo Narita Airport to Kochi Airport, is around 1 hour and 40 minutes. The distance between Kochi Airport, and Kochi city, is one hour and 40 minutes by train.

What is Kochi castle famous for?

Kochi castle is located in Kochi prefecture in Honshu, Japan and was constructed in 1504 for the Ato clan. The castle served as the main base for the Ato clan, who were the rulers of the Kochi prefecture. The castle is still complete and is one of the best-preserved castles in Japan.

What is Kochi known for in Japan?

Kochi is known for festivals, nature, bird watching and seafood.  It’s located in the southern part of Japan. It is famous for the Kochi Castle and is called the origin of osamu dazai, a famous Japanese novelist.  Kochi Prefecture is also known for its long list of festivals and events, such as the Sanuki Matsuri and the Kochi Jidai Matsuri.  

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13 Exciting Things to do in Kochi, Japan: A Countryside Experience in Shikoku Island’s Great Outdoors

travel to kochi japan

One of Shikoku Island’s four prefectures hosts some of the best outdoor experiences you can get in Japan. Here are 13 things to do in Kochi for a splashing good time!

If you’re curious about this elusive Japanese city in Shikoku Island, don’t simply Google ‘Kochi’. I did that prior to the trip only to become more confused — why on earth would a Portuguese palace be built in Japan? That was when I realised I was looking at images of Kochi, like, the city in Kerala.

Search ‘ Kochi Japan ‘ instead and you’ll discover a completely different, and slightly less bamboozling digital scenery — unspoilt green nature, feudal-era castles, and an almost excessive amount of  Sakamoto Ryoma statues. Oh, and that’s because he helped overthrow the Tokugawa Shogunate and introduced Western ideals to Japan, which earned the Kochi-born samurai the Sir Stamford Raffles treatment.

travel to kochi japan

So what makes this one prefecture of Shikoku Island’s “Big Four” worth visiting?

While Tokyo and Osaka may have 1,000 things to do, Kochi wins in its vast mountainous land, crystal-clear blue rivers where people frolic in, and a population only 15% of Singapore’s. Where else can you find a place this quiet and low-key?

Most people rarely think of Kochi because a shinkansen takes seven hours from Tokyo, and the best way to get there is by flying in from Haneda Airport. But that’s what makes this road less travelled an authentic, countryside Japanese experience away from the crowds for those who seek it.

Kochi Castle From Ground Level - Things to do in Kochi Japan

Up for exploring Kochi’s great outdoors in Shikoku Island? Here are 13 things to note for your holiday plans:

1) Water sports in Japan’s clearest rivers

Rafting in Yoshino River with HappyRaft - Things to do in Kochi

Canoeing! Kayaking! Canyoning! Whitewater Rafting! Snorkelling! There are so many kinds of river sports you can have a splash at in Kochi, it’s an adventurer’s… wet dream. The best part is you get to do it down some of Japan’s best rivers. The Niyodo River is rated the best water quality in Japan, the Yoshino River is super clean, and you won’t find a clearer stream in Japan than the Shimanto River.

Unfortunately, most operating companies can only speak Japanese, but HappyRaft  (ハッピーラフト), opened by an Australian, has English-speaking guides and offers tours from half to three days long for rafting, canyoning, or both (kid-friendly tours available too)!

Rafting in Kochi Yoshino River with HappyRaft - Things to do in Kochi

You can read more about their activities at their English website . The fees include equipment and insurance (lunch included for full-day tours).

Cost: From ¥5,000 (~S$50) Opening Hours: 8AM – 6PM Meeting Point:  221-1 Ikadagi, Otoyo-cho, Nagaoka-gun, Kochi, Japan 789-0157

2) Whale-watch from as close as 50m

Close-up of Whales at Ogata Whale Watching - Things to do in Kochi Japan

Get up close with dolphins, as well as Bryde’s and toothed whales on boat tours out on the Pacific Ocean! You’ll be brought out on local fishing boats, which allow swift manoeuvres to get to precise points where the whales are. In fact, the boat will get you just 50–100m away from the whales to capture these majestic mammals up close.

Each tour takes at least four hours, and while there’s the risk that the whales may not show up at all, no refunds are given but companies like Ogata Whale Watching will hand out consolation postcards.

Whale Watching with Ogata Whale Watching in Kochi Japan - Things to do in Kochi Japan

Just like the river sports, most operating companies may not offer English-speaking guides (though you may still hop on those boat tours just to see the whales). To find out more, consult the nearest tourism information centre at the train stations, or the Kochi Ryoma Airport .

*Note: Tour periods vary across the years, and run from mid-April to mid-October

Ogata Whale Watching (大方ホエールウォッチング) Cost: ¥6,000 (~S$60) Tour Times: 10AM. 8AM, 1PM slots available on weekends and PHs Meeting Point: Irino Port (入野漁港), Irino, 入野227−ロ ビルA 1F, Kuroshio-chō, Hata-gun, Kōchi-ken, Japan 789-1931 ; 20-minute walk from JR Tosa-Irino Station

3) Grill your own Katsuo no Tataki

Katsuo no Tataki Grilling Station at Tosa Tataki Dojo - Things to do in Kochi Japan

That’s hot. And the results are sexy. At Tosa Tataki Dojo  (土佐タタキ道場) you have the rare chance to grill your own Kochi specialty dish, the Katsuo no Tataki — a hunk of bonito fish roasted with straw for a minute, before it’s cut thickly and served 90% raw in the middle. No longer sashimi, yet not really aburi.

It’s tough to find bonito served like this elsewhere in Japan too. I’ve tried all sorts of raw fish, but this was my first time trying actual bonito fish. Usually, the closest you’d get is the dashi broth in udon, or bonito flakes on top of takoyaki.

Katsuo no Tataki - Things to do in Kochi Japan

When you arrive at Tosa Tataki Dojo, the first floor is a souvenir shop selling everything bonito, and accompanying jarred sauces. Tell the front staff you’d like the “Warayaki Taiken Ryoma Zen” (藁焼き体験龍馬膳), and you’d be led upstairs to the grilling station. You’ll be handed a speared chunk of bonito, do the roasting (warning: you will really feel the intense heat, but only for a minute), then hand it to a chef by the side who’ll slice it up for you, before you sit at the actual restaurant to savour the meal.

Katsuo no Tataki Lunch Set at Tosa Tataki Dojo - Things to do in Kochi Japan

And it’s so affordable. The lunch set with the grilling experience and an assortment of sides (above) with rice and miso soup is only S$25. There are several ways to enjoy Katsuo no Tataki — with salt, garlic, grated yuzu, wasabi, ponzu sauce or yuzu-infused vinegar.

Cost: ¥2,200 (~S$25) Opening Hours: 10:30AM – 3:00PM Address: 201-2 Niida, Kochi-city, Kochi Prefecture 781-0112

*Note: The Warayaki Taiken Ryoma Zen (¥2,200, ~S$22) is only available for large group orders (min 10 pax). Opt for the Katsuo Tataki Teishoku (¥1,600, ~S$16) instead if you’re visiting in smaller groups.

4) Venture down the 175-million-year-old Ryuga Cave (龍河洞)

Ryuga Cave Walking Trail - Things to do in Kochi Japan

The limestone Ryuga Cave  is known to inhabit cavemen from as early as the Yayoi era (300BC – 300AD), but was only discovered in 1931. The entire cave is 4km long, but only 1km has a walkable trail for tourists. That’s long enough for you to have a firsthand look at the gigantic stalactite formations and trickling waterfalls along the way though. If you’re lucky, you might even spot bats.

Ryuga Caves - Things to do in Kochi Japan

The walking course will take you 45–60 minutes to complete. There’s even an additional Adventure Course with a top-up fee of ¥2,700 (~S$27) including safety equipment rental, where you venture deeper through narrow passageways, and even climb up rocks with ropes and ladders. Unfortunately you have to know Japanese to take on the course for safety reasons (the guides don’t speak English).

Entrance Fee: ¥1,200 (~S$12) Opening Hours: 8:30AM – 5PM (Closes 4:30PM from Dec – Feb) Address: 1424 Tosayamadachō Sakakawa, Kami-shi, Kōchi-ken, Japan 782-0005

5) Panoramic views at the Shikoku Karst Natural Park (四国カルスト)

Shikoku Karst Natural Park - Things to do in Kochi Japan

The Shikoku Karst Natural Park is true nature aesthetic. A “karst” is basically a landscape with limestone or gypsum rock formations that were eroded by acidic water, leaving behind unique, jagged shapes, and Japan only has three of such vast lands.

There are three main areas to Shikoku’s karst, but if you’re in Kochi, the most accessible point would be the Tengu Highland or Tengu Plateau, which is at the eastern edge and lies between Kochi and Ehime Prefectures. 1400m above sea level, on a perfect sunny day you’ll have a panoramic view overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

For the hardcore adventurers, it’s also a popular camping spot with designated facilities,  far away from all the city lights — which means you get to camp under the stars at night!

Shikoku Karst Natural Park Night Sky - Things to do in Kochi Japan

Entrance Fee: Free Opening Hours: 24 hours Address:  Yoshiuno-otsu, Tsuno Town, Takaoka County, Kochi Prefecture

6) Hike to the 20m-tall Uryu Falls at Nakatsu Gorge (中津渓谷)

Uryu Falls at Nakatsu Gorge - Things to do in Kochi Japan

Hike through the Nakatsu Gorge and you’ll realise why the Niyodo River is crowned Japan’s cleanest for five straight years. If you’d been following our Instagram stories , you would’ve seen how clear the water was when we dipped the phone camera into the stream. It’s even nicknamed the “Niyodo Blue” because of the unique blue formed by its crystal-clear quality.

Hiking through the Nakatsu Gorge - Things to do in Kochi Japan

At a reasonable pace you can reach the mystical 20m-tall Uryu Falls in 20–30 minutes. Wear sturdy shoes because it can be slippery at parts when you have to traverse rocks and climb dirt steps. There are also seven statues of Japanese deities placed along the trail — it’s tough to spot them all!

Entrance Fee: Free Opening Hours: 24 hours Starting Point:  Nanokawa, Niyodogawa-cho, Agawa-gun, Kochi, Japan 781-1741

7) Catch the best ocean views at Cape Ashizuri (足摺岬, Ashizuri-Misaki)

Cape Ashizuri - Things to do in Kochi

The area is part of the  Ashizuri-Uwakai National Park (足摺宇和海国立公園), which also houses one of the biggest Buddhist temples in Shikoku’s 88-temple pilgrimage route, the Kongofuku-ji .

The best way to get to Cape Ashizuri is by car. The road to this southern tip of Shikoku is as scenic as the destination, with plenty of rest stops and parks to stop at along the way.

Once at the cape, there is an observation deck where you can get a panoramic view of the ocean.

Entrance Fee: Free Opening Hours: 24 hours Address:  Ashizuri-misaki, Tosashimizu City, Kochi Prefecture

8) Drink with locals at Hirome Market (ひろめ市場)

Hirome Market Exterior Signboard - Things to do in Kochi Japan

At night, make some friends at the Hirome Market as it comes alive with the smell of greasy bar bites and clinking of beer glasses. It hosts over 60 stalls selling food, drinks and other goods, ranging from local to Indian to Western cuisine. Can’t say no to beer when a pint is half the price of what you’d get in Singapore!

Hirome Market Interior - Things to do in Kochi Japan

Unlike izakayas which tend to be more private with separate tables, it’s open market here where it’s all about communality. It’s common for Kochi-jin to share tables and mingle with foreigners here (sometimes thanks to the help of alcohol) so it’s the best place to meet other tourists, practice your Japanese, or learn something new about the culture.

Just outside the main entrance is also the Obiyamachi Shopping Arcade, a long albeit gentrified shopping street with souvenir shops and international names like Starbucks and McDonald’s. The market is also walking distance from the Kochi Castle (more in #10).

Opening Hours: 10AM – 11PM. Opens 9AM – 11PM on Sundays. Shops may close earlier. Address:  2-3-1 Obiya-machi, Kochi City, Kochi Prefecture 780-0841

*Pro-tip: Even though the market hall opens early, most individual stalls only open in the evening.

9) Feel the seasons at the Makino Botanical Garden (高知県立牧野植物園)

Makino Botanical Garden - Things to do in Kochi Japan

Housing 3,000 species spread across a whopping six hectares, the 60-year-old  Makino Botanical Garden  was named after the Kochi-born “Father of Japanese Botany” Dr. Tomitaro Makino .

With an open lawn, north and south gardens and a conservatory among others, it easily takes more than two hours to see everything.

Kochi Prefectural Makino Botanical Garden - Things to do in Kochi Japan

The best part is that every season brings a different scenery. Come in the springtime to catch sakura in full bloom, or in the autumn when everything transforms into ravishing shades of amber and red.

Entrance Fee: ¥730 (~S$7.30) Opening Hours: 9AM – 5PM. Closed from 27 Dec – 1 Jan. Address:  4200 Godaisan, Kōchi-shi, Kōchi-ken, Japan 781-8125

10) Explore the 17th-century Kochi Castle

Kochi Castle - Things to do in Kochi Japan

Only 12 castles in Japan remain in their original architectural state, and Kochi Castle is one of them. Now converted into a museum, step inside and learn about the inner workings of the feudal rulers, back when Kochi wasn’t even named Kochi yet — formerly named Tosa.

Inside, you’ll also learn about the castle’s defence mechanism that uses stone gutters and cut-out holes for archers to shoot arrows from to protect against invasions. At the observation deck at the top, you’ll be rewarded with a view of Kochi city with the mountains at a distance, where you can stand and look from the perspective of the ancient rulers. Shiok not?

View from top observation deck of Kochi Castle - Things to do in Kochi Japan

Entrance Fee: ¥420 (~S$4.20) Opening Hours: 9AM – 5PM (Last entry at 4:30PM). Closed 26 Dec – 1 Jan. Address:  1 Chome−2−1, Marunouchi, Kōchi-shi, Kōchi-ken, Japan 780-0850

11) Spend a day at Katsurahama Beach (桂浜)… without swimming

Katsurahama Beach - Things to do in Kochi Japan

Nobody goes to Katsurahama Beach to swim. Sounds weird, but that’s because the strong currents make it a dangerous place to do so. But that doesn’t stop it from becoming one of Kochi’s top attractions.

In the day, there is the Katsurahama Aquarium where you get to take photos with penguins, feed cute otters, and watch sea lion shows. There is also the huge 13.5m-tall memorial statue of Sakamoto Ryoma that overlooks the Pacific Ocean, with an accompanying modern memorial museum atop the hill where you can learn all about the legendary hero, along with some of his actual artefacts.

Fur Seals at Katsurahama Aquarium - Things to do in Kochi Japan

In the night, Katsurahama Beach is known for being a popular “moon-watching” spot. Plus, the area has many gelato, grilled squid and katsuo no tataki stalls where you can fatten up on, so you can basically spend an entire day there and chill with the sea breeze.

Entrance Fee: Free Opening Hours: 24 hours. Address:  778 Urado, Kōchi-shi, Kōchi-ken, Japan 781-0262

Katsurahama Aquarium (桂浜水族館) Entrance Fee: ¥1,600 (~S$16.10) Opening Hours: 9AM – 5PM

Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial Museum (坂本龍馬記念館) Entrance Fee: ¥700 (~S$7) Opening Hours: 9AM – 5PM

12) Participate in one of Japan’s hottest summer festivals, Yosakoi

Yosakoi Festival in Kochi - Things to do in Kochi Japan

Characterised by high-octane street performances, the Yosakoi Festival is one of the biggest festivals in Japan that originated from Kochi.

It’s one of the newer festivals out there, so there isn’t necessarily a strict choreography to follow; everyone can bust out moves as they wish!

This festival isn’t about standing by the side and watching — EVERYBODY regardless of age, race and dancing skills are encouraged to join in the fun. Either buy your own Naruko clappers from the shops around, or join the dancing teams, some of which comprise mainly tourists.

Annual Festival Dates: 9 – 12 August, fireworks on 9 Aug at 7:30PM Address: All over Kochi City

13) Make your own Washi paper from scratch

Washi Paper Postcards - Things to do in Kochi

As you well know, the Japanese make quality products. That includes their traditional paper,  washi , which many origami, shodo calligraphy and ukiyo-e paintings are made of.

Tosa washi, a Kochi variant, uses the barks of kozo and mitsumata plants, and are similarly super durable. In the Ino-cho Paper Museum you’d even see that people in the past made washi raincoats. Heck, I even have a washi man-clutch that survived a teh bing spill.

For an additional top-up fee, you get to make eight sheets of crisp, thick washi postcards the traditional way.

Tosa Washi Paper-making Workshop Experience - Things to do in Japan

Our adroit instructor whizzed through the demonstration so effortlessly, we weren’t expecting what turned out to be a full blown arms day. With the mould you scoop up the pulp in a huge vat of water, then slowly sieve the water out by quickly swinging side to side. Then repeat. Intense!

Tosa Washi Paper-making Workshop in Kochi Japan - Things to do in Kochi Japan

The entire experience takes one hour (30 minutes to make, 30 minutes to dry). While waiting for it to dry you can wander around the museum, or shop at their souvenir store selling washi hand-bound notebooks, wallets and other knick-knacks.

Cost: ¥900 (~S$9, incl. ¥500 entrance fee) Opening Hours: 9AM – 5PM (Last workshop at 4PM). Closed on Mondays (Tue if Mon is a PH), and from 27 Dec – 4 Jan. Address:  110-1 Saiwai-cho, Agawa-gun Ino-cho, Kochi 781-2103

Kochi is a complete 180 ° from modern cities like Tokyo, and one of the best places to experience a different side of Japan. Sure, it’s not the most accessible, but that’s what adds to the allure and untouched beauty of it, isn’t it? They say no pain, no gain, but we wouldn’t even call a two-hour domestic flight via JAL / ANA painful by any means. And even though public transport isn’t as developed, that just screams… road trip!

Have you been to Kochi, Japan? Tell us about your experience in the comments!

This post was brought to you by  VisitKochi as part of a media familiarisation trip.

For more travel inspiration, follow us on  Facebook ,  Instagram , and  YouTube . 

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Travel Intern (@thetravelintern) on Dec 17, 2017 at 7:30pm PST

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Kochi Castle, Kochi

Kochi Castle, Kochi

Local Time 23:39

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Kochi has a reputation as one of Japan's most livable cities. Both sea and mountains are on the doorstep of this surprisingly cosmopolitan town. There's good food, a lively market, friendly people and an easy-going vibe.

Nearest Airport

Kochi Ryoma Airport (KCZ) - Airport Bus to JR Kochi Station takes 40 mins

Train Stations

Kochi Station - Dosan Line (Shikoku Railway Company / JR Shikoku)

Iriake Station - Dosan Line (Shikoku Railway Company / JR Shikoku)

Kochi Castle

Sunday Market

Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial Museum

Kochi Travel Guide

Kochi  is the capital city of Kochi Prefecture, situated on the Kagami River on the south coast of Shikoku Island.

Historically, Kochi is the birthplace of the Meiji Restoration hero  Sakamoto Ryoma  (1836-1867). The main attraction is Kochi Castle and there are many interesting museums and local markets here. Kochi City makes a good base from which to explore the Oboke Gorge in the mountains to the north. Any trip to Shikoku should include at least a day or two in this little gem of a city.

Kochi Castle, is probably the town's biggest attraction and is a completely original castle, one of only twelve such in Japan. The complete inner citadel ( honmaru ) of the castle is still intact.

First constructed between 1601 and 1611 by Yamauchi Katsutoyo , the feudal lord ( daimyo ) of Tosa, the castle burnt down in 1727 and was rebuilt between 1729 and 1753. The buildings you see today dates from that period.

The reconstruction of Kochi Castle took place in the middle of a time of prolonged peace in Japan, so the feudal lord of the day had his living quarters ( kaitokukan ) situated on the ground floor looking out on to a pleasant garden planted with cherry trees and plum trees.

The 18.5 meters tall castle tower ( donjon ) has three external levels on six floors. On a clear day, there are good views over Kochi town stretching out below.

Statue of Yamauchi Katsuyo in Kochi

Statue of Yamauchi Katsuyo in Kochi

By Naoki Seto - http://www.fotopedia.com/items/87ju14hi8mdn9-99CvbVktoE0, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=34558539

South of the castle on Kencho-mae dori near the banks of the Kagami River are the preserved samurai barracks of the castle guards, known as the  Kyu-Yamauchi-ke Shimo-Yashiki-Nagaya . Admission is free.

The Kochi Prefectural Museum of History is located out of town to the north east of Kochi Station. Buses run "close" to the museum (which is about 15 minutes on foot from the Gakko bunki rekishikan iriguch bus stop) every 30 minutes from Harimayabashi and Kochi Station.

Harimaya-bashi in Kochi

Harimaya-bashi in Kochi

By Maarten Heerlien from The Hague, The Netherlands - Harimaya-bashi, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=57105165

Sunday Market in Kochi

Try to plan your trip to Kochi to take in the town's  Sunday Market , held from early in the morning to around 5pm. The market consists of a row of stalls selling local food and crafts and is on Otesuji dori leading to the castle. The nearest street car stop is Hasuikemachi dori. There is a smaller Saturday market just outside the main entrance to Kochi Castle and indeed there's a small street market happening every day of the week somewhere in Kochi, except on Monday.

Harimaya-bashi, an area full of cultural discoveries

One stop south on the north-south street car line is  Harimaya-bashi  (where Kochi's two street car lines intersect). Here is a reconstructed vermilion-painted bridge made famous by the nineteenth century love story of a local priest Junshin and his paramour, the young maid, Ouma.

Other places of interest in Kochi town include two museums east of Harimaya-bashi, the  Yokoyama Ryuichi Memorial Manga Museum  which presents the life and work of the local manga artist Yokoyama Ryuichi (1909-2001) who revolutionized manga in Tokyo in the 1930's. Yokoyama's most famous character Fuku-chan is prominent throughout the exhibits. Further east is the Museum of Art Kochi, a modern building, supported by Kochi Prefecture, exhibiting both modern Japanese and western art with Japan's largest collection of paintings by Marc Chagall.

West of Harimaya-bashi near Kami-machi tram stop is the new  Kochi Municipal Ryoma's Birthplace Memorial Museum  (admission 300 yen) dedicated to Kochi's most famous son.

Shopping & Eating in Kochi

Kochi is known for its excellent food including local tuna fish and healthy vegetables grown in the surrounding countryside. Local products of note include citrus fruits: the  yuzu , and the grapefruit-size  buntan , and mini-tomatoes. Kochi's many covered arcades such as  Ohashidori  and  Obiyamachi  have a number of good restaurants, bars and izakaya. For cheaper fare try the lively, indoor  Hirome Market  near the castle.

Kochi Festivals

Kochi's big bash is the  Yosakoi Festival  on August 10-11 just before the Awa Odori in Tokushima. Yosakoi is colorful group formation dancing, which attracts a couple of hundred teams with over 2,000 competitors.

Quiet places outside the city centre

Around two kilometers south of downtown Kochi on a hill overlooking the harbor is  Godaisan Koen  park. This hilltop park contains the lovely  Chikurinji Temple , number 31 of the 88 Sacred Temples of Shikoku, with an impressive pagoda and fine garden.

Almost next door is the interesting Kochi Prefecture Makino Botanical Garden  (admission 500 yen), which honors the remarkable achievements of the locally-born botanist  Tomitaro Makino  (1862-1957), who did much to popularize the study of plants in Japan, named over 1500 species and is the author of the classic  Illustrated Flora of Japan . Besides the delightful grounds, the modern  Makino Museum of Plants & People Exhibition Hall  recreates the great man's life and influence on Japanese botany.

Chikurinji Temple located in Godaisen Koen park

Chikurinji Temple located in Godaisen Koen park

By ikm, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=55767529

A tribute to Sakamoto Ryoma

Farther down at the coast near  Katsurahama Park , a beauty spot that includes a beach, is a large  statue of Ryoma Sakamoto . Across the road was the rather tacky Tosa Token Center (NOW CLOSED).  Toh-ken  means "fighting dog" in Japanese, and the center was dedicated to the fearsome Tosa breed of fighting dogs, but closed in May 2017. Katsurahama Park has the small  Katsurahama Aquarium , which includes up-close experiences with penguins and sea turtles. 9am-5pm, 365 days a year, 1,200 yen for adults.

Back up the hill from the beach is the  Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial Museum  (admission 500 yen), a modern building showcasing the life and times of the man, and Japanese hero, who did much to unite the disparate anti-Tokugawa forces before his assassination, aged only 33, by the Shinsengumi secret police in Kyoto in 1867. Fascinating exhibits include Sakamoto's pistol and swords, and blood-splattered screens and scrolls from the soy sauce shop he was staying in at the time of his murder.

Birthplace of Sakamoto Ryoma in Kochi

Access - Getting to Kochi

There are JR express trains to JR Kochi Station from  Takamatsu  (2 hours, 30 minutes) and to  Matsuyama  via a change at Uwajima. There are highway bus services to  Tokyo ,  Nagoya ,  Osaka ,  Okayama ,  Hiroshima ,  Fukuoka ,  Kobe , Matsuyama (2 hours, 30 minutes), Tokushima , and  Kyoto . The buses stop at both the station and Harimaya-bashi.

Getting Around Kochi City

It is fairly easy to get around central Kochi on foot or by the distinctive street car system which features trams from all over the world including Germany, Norway and Portugal. Take a local bus departing from outside JR Kochi Station for Katsurahama. The  Yosakoi Gururin Bus  circles the downtown area from the station and costs 100 yen per journey. On weekends and national holidays, the  MY Yu Bus  card for 1,000 yen for 1 day (1,600 yen for 2 days) allows you to jump on and off a loop bus from the station passing Godaisan, Chikurinji, the Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial Museum and Katsurahama.

Travel to Kochi with a JR Shikoku Pass

Pond at Ritsurin Garden, Shikoku

ALL SHIKOKU Pass Japan Regional Rail Passes

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Our tours in Kochi

Osaka castle, surrounded by city business center skycrapers

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Mount Fuji during cherry blossom (Sakura)

Tokyo, Mount Fuji & Kyoto Self-Guided Tours in Japan

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Japanese Immersion Self-Guided Tours in Japan

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Romantic tour in Japan Self-Guided Tours in Japan

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Chuson-ji temple in Hiraizumi - UNESCO World heritage

Tohoku: Traditional Japan Self-Guided Tours in Japan

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Old streets in Gion, traditional Kyoto district : a must-see when visiting Kyoto

Slow Travel Japan Self-Guided Tours in Japan

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Shosenkyo Gorge, Mitake

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Shikoku-temple-10

Shikoku pilgrimage: 15 temples to enlightenment Our excursions in Japan

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2016 Sanja Matsuri à Tokyo

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The 8 Best Things To Do In Kochi You Should Not Miss In 2024

Asian Wanderlust

Kochi City, the capital of the Kochi Prefecture, which is located in the south coast of Shikoku Island , the smallest of the four main islands of Japan, offers a side of Japan that is almost never covered in mainstream Japan travel topics. It’s a mystery why though, as traveling to this remote region off the south coast of Honshu is now super easy thanks to heightened domestic tourism, and the wonders that you can experience on this island are some of the best things you can gift yourself.  

Many of you are probably wondering, ‘Well, what are some of the things that might make us want to travel there?’. To be honest, if you’re a lover of Japanese history, stunning outdoor landscapes, Japanese foods (but not as you know it), beaches that rival those on South-East Asian coastlines, and unique museums that you won’t find anywhere else, then Kochi might be the perfect destination for you.

The city locals are as friendly as they get, and, as you’re far, far away from the mainstream crowds that flock to the more populous areas of Osaka and Tokyo, you’ll find that time slows down as you’re wandering the streets looking for a bite to eat, a store to explore, some souvenirs to commemorate your time – be warned though, you’ll like strike up a conversation with one of the locals if you’re not careful, they’re always looking for fresh new faces to make friends with!

How To Get To Kochi?

Jeju Island Korea Flight

There are various transport methods from Tokyo and Osaka to Kochi, ranging between flights, buses or trains, or a combination.

How To Get To Kochi From Tokyo

From Tokyo Haneda Airport, you can purchase a one-way flight with JAL for roughly 10,000 yen for one person. This is the quickest route to get to Kochi Airport, and will only take 90-minutes. You can also ride the Shinkansen there. From Tokyo, take the JR Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen to Okayama , and then transfer to a JR Nanpu limited express train that will head to Kochi.

This trip will cost around 20,000 yen, and is around 6-hours. If you are using the Japan Rail Pass , you will need to take the Sakura Shinkansen between Tokyo and Okayama, which will add more time onto the duration of the trip, but it will be fully covered. If you are looking at taking a bus, it may or may not be as cheap as taking a flight (depending on the season and ticket availability). Japan Bus Online will show you what trips are available between Tokyo and Kochi. The cost is roughly 12,900 yen for one person, and the trip will take 11.5 hours. This is not the most time-effective method, as you can see, so we highly recommend booking a flight as soon as you know you’re heading to Kochi (or using your JR pass if you’re got some time to spare and are on a budget).

How To Get To Kochi From Osaka

From Osaka ’s Kansai International Airport, the quickest and most efficient way to get to Kochi would be to catch an airport bus to Sannomiya Station (it will cost around 2,000 yen for one person, and will take roughly one hour), and then transfer to a highway bus to Kochi Station (this will cost roughly 5,650 yen per person, and will take roughly four hours). For details on where and when the timetables are, please check this link .

Where To Stay In Kochi?

Kochi japan guesthouse – harimayabashi guesthouse.

Kochi Japan - Harimayabashi Guesthouse

The Harimayabashi Guesthouse is an absolute gem in the city of Kochi. Located just next to Harimaya Bridge, it will be very easy to visit the main attractions of the city from the guesthouse. Instead of the usual dorms, you will sleep in a sort of capsule made in wood and it’s actually confortable and pretty convenient.

Kochi Japan - Harimayabashi Guesthouse

And it may be a small detail for you but they have a Super Nintendo at the guesthouse and we had so much fun with it, until late night! :p

Kochi Japan - Harimayabashi Guesthouse

Why Guests Love It : “The staff was so kind, loving all visitors.”, “The staff was super nice and I felt very welcomed. I’m really glad that I stayed here”, “Loved this guesthouse, would stay there again”.  

Book It Now : Harimayabashi Guesthouse

Kochi Japan Hotel – Bright Park Hotel  

Kochi Japan Hotel – Bright Park Hotel 

Smack bang in the middle of the city, Bright Park Hotel’s convenience and simplicity will be the key to your memorable holiday. If you’re looking for a little bit of privacy at a small cost, look no further. You can rest all day in your hotel room with a big flat-screen TV complete with satellite channels servicing your every need, and a private adjoining bathroom means you don’t need to share with anyone else.

If you’re lacking the energy to leave the hotel, don’t worry, there is a restaurant on-site for your convenience, and for a bit of a pizzazz, a vegetarian breakfast is provided every morning at the hotel. Staff have been known to be extremely helpful at this place, so if you’re ever unsure about where to go or what to do, just head down to the reception desk and ask away!

Kochi Japan Hotel – Bright Park Hotel 

Why Guests Love It : “Literally right in the middle of the city – a two-minute walk to the surrounding restaurants”, “Staff were very friendly and helpful, located near lots of cafes, restaurants and bars, very clean, delicious breakfast”, “Great location, the Sunday Market is right outside the door! Really helpful staff, giving us local maps and highlighting the good spots for restaurants”.

Book It Now : Bright Park Hotel

Kochi Japan Ryokan – Takasago

Kochi Japan Ryokan – Takasago

Takasago Ryokan offers both the options of traditional Japanese-style rooms as well as western-style rooms for those who just can’t fathom the idea of sleeping on light, fluffy futons, this place has it all for every type of traveller.

The rooms with bedding feature modern décor with warm, earthy tones for that luxurious ambience you imagine quality hotels to exude, whilst the ryokan rooms feature exquisite shoji (sliding paper doors), tatami mats, and minimalistic Japanese furniture.

The rooms are much more spacious than most that you’re use to in Japan, so rejoice! A lovely continental breakfast spread is available every morning, and if you’re ever stuck on anything, there is a 24-hour front desk to assist you with your enquiries.  

Kochi Japan Ryokan – Takasago

Why Guests Love It : “Very comfortable and spacious, close to rail station and shopping streets!”, “Room was huge. The bath allowed me in with tattoos…which is a big plus! Breakfast was excellent”.

Book It Now : Takasago

The 8 Best Things To Do In Kochi, Japan

  • Get Rowdy at the Hirome Ichiba Food Market
  • Explore Kochi Castle
  • Hang Out at Katsurahama Beach
  • Tour through Ryogado Cave
  • Dine on Katsuo no Tataki
  • Learn History at the Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial Museum
  • Be Mesmerised at Cape Ashizuri
  • Spend a Day at Kochi Downtown

1. Get Rowdy at the Hirome Ichiba Food Market  

Kochi Japan – Get Rowdy at the Hirome Ichiba Food Market 

If you’re the type to not shy away from holding conversations with locals, love dingy indoor markets where the smell of smoke permanently permeates the air, and love watching stallholders sell their ware and chefs work their magic right in front of your eyes, then the Hirome Ichiba Food Market is an absolute must!

It opens from the morning, but really comes alive during the night when the drinks become more free-flowing and the people become chattier. The moment you walk through the flaps of the entrance; it will be an assault on your eyes (in the best possible way!). Colourful banners draped across stalls vie for your attention, and you’ll see the likes of grocers selling all sorts of snacks and fresh fruit and vegetables, fishmongers displaying rows of fresh seafood, and of course, all types of steamed, grilled, deep-fried, flamed, stir-fried foods across the 60 or so stalls throughout the market.

Don’t make the mistake of heading straight to the first stand; walk your way through and make a mental note of all the places you want to buy something first and then make your way around again – you’d be surprised how much variety is packed into this market. There are communal wooden tables spread out in the middle and throughout the market, so you can camp around for a spare seat, but be quick, as there will others challenging you for that spare table!

  • Address : 2-3-1 Obiyacho, Kochi City, Kochi Prefecture
  • Access : From Kochi Station, it is an 8-minute drive.  
  • Hours : 8:00am – 11:00pm  

2. Explore Kochi Castle  

Kochi Japan – Explore Kochi Castle 

What’s a visit to an island like Shikoku, which is full of history and culture, without a visit to one of its most popular castles? Kochi Castle is situated within Kochi City, and has been given the title of a ‘National Treasure’ by the Japanese government. It’s one of the very ( very ) few remaining castles throughout Japan that hasn’t been struck down by nature or destroyed in war throughout the years since it’s been built – all the way back during the Meiji period!

Whilst its history may be the number one factor for people visiting the castle, keep in mind that also might actually be one of the most picturesque castles you’ve ever visited. Surrounded by trees that come alive during the cherry blossom and koyo ( autumn leaves in Japan ) season, standing at the observation deck at the top of the castle will yield stunning views, the likes of which you’ve never seen before.

  • Address : 1-2-1 Marunouchi, Kochi City, Kochi Prefecture
  • Access : Head to Kochijo-Mae station, and it is a 12-minute walk from there.
  • Hours : 9:00am – 5:00pm  
  • Cost : 420 yen

3. Hang Out at Katsurahama Beach  

Kochi Japan – Hang Out at Katsurahama Beach 

If you’re visiting during the warmer periods, make sure to catch a bus down to Katsurahaam Beach, 30-minutes south of Kochi City, to cool down. Whilst swimming is actually prohibited due to the strong currents at the beach, simply being near the waters should bring the temperatures down by a few notches for you.

The reason why this beach is so popular is actually because of how beautiful the scenery is here: stunning blue waters, sandy beaches, surrounded, in areas, by luscious green trees – it’s an image not often associated with Japan, and people lap it all up!

One of the features of the beach is a statue of Sakamoto Ryoman, which is built just nearby. The statue pays respects to the prominent architects of modern Japan, who played a massive role in helping bring an end to Japan’s feudal age in 1868.  

  • Address : 〒781-0262 Kōchi Prefecture
  • Access : From JR Kochi Station, catch the Kochiken Kotsu bus to Katsurahama. It will take roughly 35-minutes and cost 690 yen.  

4. Tour through Ryogado Cave  

Kochi Japan – Tour through Ryogado Cave 

Stalactite caves are an actual thing in Japan. Imagine touring through massive caves where, when you look up, jagged pointy rock formations are aimed right down at your face. There’s something about those situations that make people slightly uneasy yet more so curious, and Ryugado Cave is the perfect place for you to appease your desires to be floating along in the water underneath these said spiked rocks.

Located out west of Kochi in the mountain of Sampo, Ryogado Cave is one of the biggest of its kind throughout the entirety of Japan. This limestone cave (thought to be around 150,000,000 years old) features stunning stalactite formations that have people in awe the moment they lay their eyes on them. The cave itself also houses around 100 various animal species that are born and bred there which you may get to catch a glimpse of!

The most popular tour is the one there you venture in about one kilometer (roughly a quarter of the cave). For those with a bigger thirst for adventure, there is the adventure course (this must be booked in advanced) which takes people on a two-hour journey through the cave, deep into the darkest corners and through narrow passageways (note: those who cannot speak or understand Japanese cannot take the adventure course) All visitors will be able to enjoy the Ryugado Rare Bird Centre and Ryugado Museum nearby afterwards.  

  • Address : 〒782-0005 Kōchi Prefecture
  • Access : From JR Kochi Station, hop on the Gomen Nahari line for 25-minutes to Noichi Station. It is an 8-minute drive by car to Ryogado Cave from there.  
  • Hours : March – November: 8:30am – 5:00pm, December – February: 8:30am – 4:30pm  
  • Cost : Adult: 1,100 yen, Child: 550 yen  

5. Dine on Katsuo no Tataki

Kochi Japan – Dine on Katsuo no Tataki

Every region has its own specialty dish that it’s loud and proud of, and for Kochi, it has got to their katsuo no tataki (鰹のタタキ). Renowned across Japan as one of the tastiest dishes to ever come out of Shikoku, if you’re a fan of sashimi, this will blow your mind, and even if you’re not, you definitely need to give this a shot, because the flavour sensations will hit you in a way that sashimi may have never done before (and we mean that in the best way possible!).

So what is katsuo no tataki? It is essentially bonito (also known as skipjack tuna), which is sliced up, lightly broiled (cooked by being directly exposed to the fire), seasoned with salt or soy sauce with vinegar and citrus, and served with spring onion, ginger, and garlic. Before the modern methods of cooking came about, katsuo no tataki was traditionally broiled over a straw fire lightly (until the outer layer was just grilled).  

The freshness of the bonito, combined with the smokiness of its grilled skin and the tanginess of the vinegar and citrus flavouring is just too good; you’ll want to keep coming back for more and more (and more and more…). If you do happen to visit the Hirome Ichiba Market, there are a few stores in there that are very popular for their katsuo no tataki dishes. Otherwise, this dish is also served across the izakayas and restaurants across the city.  

6. Learn History at the Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial Museum  

Kochi Japan - Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial Museum

As mentioned above, Sakamoto Ryoma is a prominent figure in Japanese history, so much so that there is a statue of him erected at the Katsurahama Beach. Whilst this is an important statue which exists to pay respect, if you would like to learn more about the person who played a key role in overthrowing the Tokugawa Shogunate in the late 19 th century, then you will need to drop by this memorial museum. Luckily for you, it is located at the park nearby the Katsurahama Beach.

Here, you’ll be able to witness various preserved documentation written by Sakamoto himself, along with a plethora of personal items that he owned, and a vast collection of information on his rise to his prominent role in Japanese history.  

For those who are tagging along but aren’t too keen on learning about the history, well, the architecture of museum should be reason enough to visit – the stunning building combines modernity with a touch of traditional flair, against the Pacific Ocean as the backdrop.  

  • Address : 830 Shiroyama, Urado, Kochi, Kochi Prefecture
  • Access : From Kochi Station, take a tram to Harimaya-bashi (three stops away). Alight, and then head over to the Minami-Harimaya Bus Stop. Hop on a bus bound for Katsura-hama. The ride will take about 40-minutes, and then you will alight at Ryoma Kinen-kan Mae. The museum is located on top of the hill.
  • Hours : 9:00am – 5:00pm
  • Cost : 500 yen

7. Be Mesmerised at Cape Ashizuri

Kochi Japan – Be Mesmerised at Cape Ashizuri

Cape Ashizuri, the most southern point of Shikoku Island, is a sight to behold across all seasons in Japan. It’s a designated part of the Ashizuri Uwakai National Park, and offers many points of interest where you be able to capture the beauty of the coastline of Shikoku.  

The most popular point of attraction here is the observation deck, Tengu-no-Hana, which offers a 270-degree view of the Pacific Ocean. As you stand on top of the deck and watch the massive waves crashing into the picturesque cliff rocks, you’ll be mesmerised, and want nothing more than to spend the new few hours just soaking it all in.

Other attractions include the nearby Hakusan Domon, which is a unique 16m high, 17m wide rock arch that has been carved out naturally by the force of the waves. A special way that you can view this is by heading to the Manjiro Footbath.

Its building overlooks the Hakusan Domon through floor-to-ceiling glass windows, and you can sit there soaking your feet in the baths as you take it all in. Best thing about this? It’s free!

Kochi Japan – Be Mesmerised at Cape Ashizuri

There are many ways to get to Cape Ashizuri, but we recommend you hiring a car and doing the long yet beautiful drive from Kochi. There are plenty of rest-stops along the way, and you’ll be able to take your time exploring the areas that many articles can’t even begin to cover due to the sheer number of them all.

  • Address : Ashizurimisaki, Tosashimizu, Kōchi Prefecture 787-0315
  • Access : By car, you will need to hop onto Kochi Motorway’s Shimanto Chuo IC. The distance is around 2.5 hours through toll roads. There is parking at the tip of the cape.  
  • Manjiro Footbath : 1349 Ashizurimisaki, Tosashimizu-shi, Kōchi-ken 787-0315
  • Hours : 8:00am -7:00pm ( closed on Wednesdays)

8. Spend a Day at Kochi Downtown  

If you feel like you’re all templed-out and you’ve met your quota on visiting castles for the year, you might feel a little despondent, especially if you’re in a city like Kochi. But really, there’s no need to be, because downtown Kochi is as vibrant of a city as you need it to be to get back that funk of a city slicker. We may be slightly exaggerating, but if you spend a few hours walking around and exploring the downtown area, you might be a little surprised. This charming little city packs quite a punch!

There is a little bit of history there. Harimayabashi, which is the small red bridge that you will definitely notice near the main strip, is a symbol of the famous love story that is legendary throughout Kochi.

Apparently a priest and a local girl from Kochi had a forbidden relationship which they kept hidden, but one day he was noticed purchasing a hair comb and they had to flee together to avoid punishment. As you walk along the strips, you will see many shops selling said hair combs.

Kochi Japan – Spend a Day at Kochi Downtown 

The most famous strip of shopping is the Obiyamachi Itchome Shopping Street. Here, there are mazes of shopping strips within arcades that seem to go on forever, selling clothing, cosmetics, groceries and everything in between. Most are undercover as well, so you won’t have to worry about weather raining on your parade as you go on a spree.  

  • Address : 1 Chome-9 Obiyamachi, Kōchi-shi, Kōchi-ken 780-0841
  • Access : From Kochi Station, it is around a 5-minute walk. It is also close-by to the Hirome Ichiba Market and Kochi Castle.  

Kochi is just such a fun, vibrant city to explore, and not being as condensed as many other cities in Japan means that you will have plenty of time to get to know the ins of the city as well as the outs of the beautiful nature surrounding it. It’s the perfect place to visit for groups of people who can’t decide whether they want to tour the city and just get to know the locals, or spend an entire day driving through the countryside of get to observation points featuring views not available anywhere else in the world.

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Host of the annual Yosakoi matsuri festival

Things to do in kochi city.

Kochi Castle

Kochi Castle

Hirome Market

Hirome Market

Makino Botanical Garden

Makino Botanical Garden

Katsurahama Beach

Katsurahama Beach

About kochi city.

If you're not a fan of big cities, or just need a break from the constant crowd, the much slower pace of Kochi City will be a welcome addition to your travel itinerary in Japan.

Kochi City is the capital of Kochi Prefecture , and has a population of about 343,000. On first look, Kochi is not much different looking from most Japanese cities. Sure, the sky seems to be bigger and more blue, but not much else jumps out on first look. What is different and makes this distant, coastal city beyond the mountains worthy of a visit? The answer to that would have to be the experiences you stand to gain by coming here.

You can go to Hirome Ichiba downtown, and find yourself amongst a very friendly bunch of locals and travelers alike. Experience the people, food, and drink of Kochi all in one place. You can share a table with someone, and pretty soon feel like old friends should one of you take the initiative.

If you come in August, you can experience the Yosakoi Dance Festival . Find yourself in the middle of thousands of dancers in colorful uniforms as they dance down the streets behind large trucks that are blasting their version of the Yosakoi song. The excitement of the festival will soon cause you to forget the fact that you're dripping in sweat. Or, let Kochi City be your portal to experience the natural beauty that exists on the surrounding beaches and in the peaceful lush mountains of Kochi prefecture. Get lost in nature, and soon you can find hidden waterfalls with clear pools for a relaxing swim, isolated campsites perfect for enjoying the quiet forests, or something a little more sporty like surfing and whitewater rafting . As far as tourist sites to see, please check the Kochi articles for a full list, but a couple of very common ones are Kochi Castle and Sunday Market — both conveniently located on the same street. Kochi City is at the heart of genuine travel. It isn't about making a busy schedule, rushing around to see this or that. Rather, it's about slowing down, following serendipity, and making friends and experiences that add to the quality of your overall life. If that sounds like the travel experience you are looking for, Kochi City should definitely make it onto your places to visit list while in Japan.

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10 Best Places to Visit in Kochi

the best places to visit in Kouchi

Kochi Prefecture (pronounce as Kōchi) is located along the southwest coast of the island of Shikoku. Its capital is Kochi City, which is famous for one of Japan’s best preserved feudal castle, Kochi Castle, and Sunday Market which has been the city’s weekly tradition for over 300 years. The prefecture is largely rural area offering beautiful mountains, valleys, and beaches. Here we present 10 best places to visit in Kochi. 

Where to stay

Japan wonder travel tours , other articles you might like, 1. katsurahama beach.

travel to kochi japan

Located in Kochi City, Katsurahama Beach is a scenic beach where swimming is prohibited because of strong currents. The beach is a home to a famous statue of the local samurai hero Sakamoto Ryoma . Ssakamoto was one of the key persons who helped to bring an end to Japan’s feudal age in 1868. On the hill above the beach, there is the Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial Museum. You can also find a small aquarium, a small shrine, the Tosa fighting dog museum, and souvenir shops on and near the beach. 

From JR Kochi Station, take Kochiken Kotsu bus to Katsurahama (~35 min)

2. Kochi Castle

travel to kochi japan

Located in the center of Kochi City, Kochi Castle stands on a hill, overlooking surrounding area. It was first built between 1601 and 1611, however, much of the original fortress burned down in 1727 and reconstructed between 1729 and 1753 in the original style. This castle is one of the twelve castles in Japan which retain original constructions, and the only castle in Japan to retain both its original castle keep and its palace, the residence of the feudal lord. The lookout point from the castle tower’s top floor offers nice view of downtown. 

From Kochi Station, take a tram to Kochijo-mae tram stop (~15 min)

3. Sunday Market

travel to kochi japan

One of the oldest outdoor market, which has been a weekly tradition for over 300 years in Kochi City, stretches along the road towards Kochi Castle for about 1.3 kilometers. Every Sunday, over 400 stalls line the street selling Kochi’s local food and products such as fresh vegetables and fruits, breads and sweets, plants, Japanese knives, arts, crafts, and more. The market opens from morning until late afternoon. 

About 15 minute walk from Kochi Station

4. Shimanto River

travel to kochi japan

This is the longest river in the island of Shikoku , 196 kilometers in length. The river is remote from major cities and dams, and it is sometimes referred to as the last clear stream of Japan. The river slowly makes its way through the natural landscape, and eventually connects with the Pacific Ocean in Shimanto City. Over the river, there are about 47 footbridges which are traditionally built without railings. Because these bridges do not inhibit the flow of the river when the river is flooded, the river is less likely to burst its banks and the bridges are also less likely to be washed away. 

You can enjoy rafting and canoeing on the river, camping alongside the river or hiking along the river bank. 

From Kochi Station, take the Tosa Kuroshio Line to Nakamura Station (~30 min) 

5. Cape Ashizuri

travel to kochi japan

Located at the southernmost tip of Shikoku, Cape Ashizuri offers great views of the landscape, waters, and horizon from the century-old lighthouse or the Tengu-Nose Observatory. 

At the top of a cliff overlooking the sea at Cape Ashizuri, Kongofukuji Temple can be found. This is one of the grandest temples on the 88-temple pilgrimage that runs for 1,200 kilometers around the island of Shikoku. 

Near the cape, you can take a break at Ashizuri Hot Spring which is an open-air bath with views of the ocean below. 

From Nakamura Station on the Tosa Kuroshio Railway, take a local bus and get off at Ashizuri Misaki bus stop (~1.5 hrs)

6. Cape Muroto

travel to kochi japan

Cape Muroto is located in the south east of Kochi. It has been shaped by volcanic activity and juts out sharply into the Pacific Ocean, offering dynamic seascapes and landscapes. Going there to see the sunrise or sunset is recommended, you can see the magnificent view.

It is recognized as Global Geopark, and there is the Goepark Visitor Center on the east coast of the cape where you can learn about the geology and features of the area. 

From Kochi Station, take the JR Dosan Line to Gomen Station, change to Gomen-Nahari Line and get off at Nahari Station (~1.5 hrs). Take a local bus bound for Muroto Misaki, get off at Muroto Misaki bus stop. 

7. Kashiwa Island

travel to kochi japan

This is a small island situated in the westernmost tip of Kochi , in Otsuki Town. The island is connected with the mainland by a bridge. The sea around Kashiwa Island is famous for its crystal clear water, and some people even say the water is clearer than in Okinawa. It is a great place for diving and snorkeling since there are more than 1,000 types of sea creatures inhabit here. 

From Sukumo Station on Tosa Kuroshio Railway, take Kochi Seinan Kotsu Bus bound for Michino-eki-Otsuki, get off at Michino-eki-Otsuki bus stop. Take another local bus bound for Kashimashima, get off at Kashimashima bus stop (~60 min).

8. Irino Coast

Less than two hours away from Kochi City, in the little town of Kuroshio, you can find this beautiful coast which stretches about 4 kilometers. Its clean white sand is carefully preserved as a prefectural natural park. Twice a day when the tides change, the surface of the water becomes like a mirror, reflecting the colors of the sky. 

There are several events held at the coast. One of them is the t-shirt art exhibition, which is held in every May, showcasing works of artist from around the world, printed on cotton t-shirts hung in long lines across the beach. 

About 10 minute walk from Tosa-Irino Station on the Tosa Kuroshio Railway. 

9. Yasui Valley

travel to kochi japan

Yasui Valley spreads out over 10 kilometers amidst the mountain forests of Mount Ishizuchi. The water is known as Niyodo Blue due to its beautiful, clear blue colors of Niyodo River. For the last three consecutive years, its water was ranked as the best in Japan for its quality and transparency. The valley is the major sport for viewing autumn foliage in Kochi and the area is dotted with waterfalls. You can hike alongside the beautiful river on a trail. 

From Ino Station, take the Tosaden Kotsu Bus bound for Nagasawa, and get off at Hodono Iriguchi bus stop. Walk about 20 minutes. 

10. Monet’s Garden Marmottan in Kitagawa Village

travel to kochi japan

This garden recreates the world of Claude Monet who is the French impressionist painter in the 19th century. Kitagawa Village is a faithful replica of Monet’s famous garden in Giverny, France and only garden outside his home country. 

The Monet’s garden consists of three gardens; Flower Garden, Water Garden and Garden of Bordighera. The Flower Garden presents attractive and colorful flowers which changes its ambience throughout the year. The Water Garden is influenced by Monet’s fascination for Japanese gardens and Japanese woodblock prints called “ukiyo-e”. This garden features a Japanese taiko bridge arched over a pond, Japanese wisterias, willow trees, bamboos and water lilies. The Garden of Bordighera is based on Monet’s expedition to the Mediterranean Sea, with palm and olive trees and other exotic flowers and plants. From this garden, you can enjoy beautiful sceneries of mountains, forests and ocean. 

The Monet’s Garden also features a café, bakery, gallery and shop, playground, and nature forest trail. 

From Kochi Station, take JR Dosan Line to Gomen Station. Then, take Gomen-Nahari Line to Nahari Station. Take a local bus bound for Kitagawa-mura and get off at Mone-no-niwa bus stop. 

Shimanto Riverside Hideaway – Classic Japanese accommodation yet very stylish and comfortable, the host is friendly and you can enjoy the beautiful view of the mountain and river. Oyamanoyado Michitsuji – The 100 years old building was renovated into the guest house, two meals are included on your stay with the host’s family, you can get local experience surrounded by nature. Shimanto River House Yuube-Tei – Limited to 2 pairs only per day, you can enjoy a quiet stay with the view over Shimanto River and the friendly owner will welcome you. You can enjoy BBQ, watching full of stars, SUP lessons (additional fee) with the host.

How did you think about Kochi Prefecture? In Kochi, you can enjoy traditional culture and history along with abundance of beautiful nature. 

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VOYAPON

Could Kochi Be Japan’s Best Kept Secret?

I could try to convince you about the many virtues of Kochi Prefecture (高知県), but instead, I’ll leave that to Kenneth Mukai, the transplant from Southern California who is now owner of Kochi’s newest craft beer brewery .

We met Kenneth serving us beer tastings at his Blue Brew Taproom , tucked away in the mountains of Niyodogawa (仁淀川町). “Tucked away” is a polite understatement; Lewis and Clark would have had some trouble locating Blue Brew in the dense forests along the Nakatsu River, a tributary of the locally famous Niyodo River. Kenneth said he chose the location partly because of the renowned purity of the Nakatsu water. But that didn’t explain why this long-tenured former school teacher left his job in Los Angeles a year-and-a-half ago to open a craft brewery in one of the most remote places in Japan.

Japanese river in Shikoku

To put it simply, Kenneth loves Kochi, everything about it. Since coming to Kochi on short stints coaching basketball camps for over 20 years, Kenneth’s fondness for Kochi and its friendly people grew until finally, at the constant urging of a friend to make his beer brewing hobby into a full-time career in Kochi, he took a leap of faith. Today, Kenneth is the proud owner of Kochi’s newest craft beer brewery and, in my opinion,  one of the best sweet potato stouts on the planet . 

If Kochi is good enough to make a Southern Californian turn his life on end to move there, it should at least be good enough for a visitor to Japan to spend some time exploring. Here are some recommendations of just a few of Kochi’s offerings that no traveler should miss out on .

Things to See Around Kochi City

With a population of around 330,000, Kochi city is home to nearly half of the prefecture’s residents but retains many of the charms of its long history, not the least of which is Kochi Castle .

Kochi Castle: One of Japan’s Last Remaining Original Castles

When the Meiji government took power from the Shogunate in the late 19th century, Japan’s feudal system was literally dismantled; almost all castles in Japan were required to be destroyed. From several thousand castles, only 12 castles remaining in Japan are considered original structures with an intact main keep, Kochi Castle being one of them . It is also the only castle remaining in Japan with both its original keep and residence where the daimyo lord of the castle lived.

kochi castle gate in Shikoku, Japan

The location of Kochi Castle on Otakasa Hill, along with its high fortified stone walls, makes the castle appear more formidable than it actually is. There was even a false gate constructed where arrows, rocks, and boiling water could rain down on attackers before they realized the door they were trying to force open led nowhere. But in fact, no battles were ever waged against the castle, leaving it in the pristine condition it is in today.

When you reach the top of the hill, you realize that what Kochi Castle lacks in stature, it makes up for in regalness. It stands stoically keeping watch over its city as it has for centuries, and it’s easy to imagine why nobody ever tried to pick a fight with it during its 400-year reign.

Kochi city view from castle in Shikoku, Japan

The castle’s grounds are a public park planted with scores of cherry trees that make it the prime location for locals to celebrate hanami (cherry blossom viewing parties) with plenty of alcohol each Spring. The view from the top floor of the castle keep is fantastic any time of the year, and as one of the castles without a safety net wrapped around it, presents a prime opportunity for panoramic photos of Kochi city.

Hirome Market: Where the Locals Eat and Drink

Feel a rumble in your tummy after your stroll around the castle grounds? Take a short walk to Hirome Market , a culinary destination for locals and tourists alike. This slightly chaotic collection of 60 vendors is mainly focused on eating , although you can find some cheap souvenirs and even a shop with a gaudy collection of trucker hats here if you’re in a pinch.

But the thing about Hirome Market is how Kochi it is. Long picnic table seating is meant to be shared with strangers, who, after your third beer, may not be strangers any longer. And if you desire, you will drink a lot of beer (or sake) here, as the locals do, to wash down that insanely delicious local Kochi fare.

Japanese style market in Hirome, Shikoku, Japan

The Hirome Market stalls sell a large variety of inexpensive dishes that are meant to be easily eaten … and shared. Gyoza dumplings, fried karaage chicken, makizushi (sushi rolls), and yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), to name a few. But the famous food making an appearance on everyone’s table is katsuo no tataki , bonito tuna seared over straw-fed flames, with a smoky flavor complemented by thinly sliced garlic, wasabi, and a squeeze of sudachi citrus juice. While katsuo no tataki might be found all over Japan, Kochi is where you come to see and taste how it is done right.

japanese lanterns in food market, Shikoku, Japan

Meditative Experiences at Chikurin-ji Temple

If your meal at Hirome Market has bordered on gluttony, perhaps a spiritual experience will help set your soul at ease. Shikoku is famous for its 88 Temple pilgrimage following a 1,200-kilometer circular route around the island. Chikurin-ji temple in Kochi city is the 31st temple on the pilgrimage route and one of its most beautiful.

Located on Mt. Godai just above the Kochi Prefecture Botanical Gardens, Chikurinji features a five-story pagoda on its lovely forested grounds. While you are free to stroll the main grounds for free and enjoy views of the buildings, there is a 700-year-old garden designated as a National Place of Scenic Beauty that can be viewed for a small fee and should not be missed. You can even sit and contemplate the view from inside one of the buildings, as the garden was designed for.

five-story pagoda in Japan

Yamada-san met us near the entrance of the temple grounds and led us up the temple’s ancient set of mossy stairs to Monju Hall, the temple’s main hall. He had become a monk ten years ago after a brief stint working at a publishing company. Even in high school, Yamada-san dreamed of becoming a monk, mainly from his interest in Buddhism’s history in Japan, but later, he learned to appreciate its spiritual aspects as well.

Japanese monk in Shikoku, Japan

Yamada-san led us through an experience copying Buddhist sutras, which is meant to be a time to meditate on the wisdom of Buddha’s teaching while enjoying the practice of writing in Japanese with  sumi  ink and a calligraphic brush known as a  fude . Yamada-san explained that our technical skill was unimportant but that we should only desire to do our best. The goal, he explained, is to simply do it better than we had done it previously, and do it wholeheartedly.

Sutra copying is just one of the experiences you can schedule at Chikurin-ji. Meditation sessions and tours of the temple can also be reserved by sending an email before your visit. I could have talked for hours to Yamada-san about his life as a monk and how he came to be at Chikurin-ji, but that would have to wait for another time. There was much more Kochi waiting to explore.

Exploring the Rest of Kochi Prefecture’s Natural Beauty

Outside of the cities, Kochi consists mainly of dense mountain ranges fed by pure mountain streams originating from underground sources. The Shimanto River is one of those, the only river left in Japan that is undammed. Along this pristine river, we stayed at the new hotel, Seiran no Sato.

Seiran no Sato had the misfortune of debuting amid the COVID pandemic in Japan, so by the time we stayed here months later, it still felt like it was brand new. 6 rooms are designed with modern luxury in mind, each facing the Shimanto River with its own private deck. The rooms combine natural Japanese minimalism and Western comfort , with comfortable beds rather than Japanese futons. Amenities include a deep Japanese-style bath for soaking in comfort, a collection of luxurious toiletries, and of course, the coveted top-of-the-line automated Japanese toilet, that does everything except vacuum the floor (or maybe it does and I didn’t notice the button for it).

luxury Japanese hotel near shimanto river, Kochi, Japan

The hotel features an open kitchen where the diligent staff prepares dinner and breakfast using local produce and other ingredients. Our meals leaned toward Japanese style with some Western touches, but Western breakfast also seems to be available sometimes.

We woke at daybreak to take an impromptu hike to the headwaters of the Shimanto River , which spring from underground a few kilometers up the mountain. A local tourism company graciously loaned us a tuk-tuk which we road up the mountain to the trailhead. From there, it was about a 45-minute hike to the headwaters. As we walked, the sun rose in a fiery crimson hue illuminating the trail through the forest. Although I had not intended to take a 6:00 am hike in the mountains, it turned out to be a refreshing way to start a day in Kochi.

man hiking in shikoku, Japan

After breakfast, the hotel staff encouraged us to enjoy an activity they dubbed “chairing.” While this might sound about as fun as leading a meeting of the PTA, “chairing” at Seiran no Sato is a different experience entirely. It involves taking an outdoor folding chair to the river and sitting in the middle of a shallow area while enjoying a nice beverage or perhaps the morning paper. And it’s even better with a friend or loved one to enjoy the experience with.

two men chairing in the shimanto river, shikoku

Yusuhara: Home to Modern Japanese Architecture by Kengo Kuma

Architect Kengo Kuma has designed so many memorable buildings over the past few decades that it is difficult to remember when he wasn’t famous. But there was a time when Kuma was just an up-and-comer, and it was during that period of his career when he made his first visit to Yusuhara , a visit that some might say changed his life.

Yusuhara town (梼原町) is nestled in the primeval forests of northwestern Kochi Prefecture, once a thriving logging town. Many centuries before that, it was founded by a member of Kyoto’s political elite who was exiled to Shikoku on the count of a false conspiracy against him. As a man of culture, he gathered skilled craftsmen and artisans to create works of beauty in Yusuhara, a culture that continues to thrive even today.

bridge in yusuhara, Shikoku

So perhaps it is no surprise that when modern-day Yusuhara needed help, they found it in one of the world’s greatest designers. Kuma’s first project in Yusuhara was Kumo-no-Ue no Hotel, “The Hotel Above the Clouds,” inspired by the nickname of Yusuhara itself, completed in 1994. Although distinct from Kuma’s later works, the extensive use of natural wood and the organic shapes of walls and rooflines hinted at his signature style.

Kuma was commissioned again in 2006 to create the Yusuhara Town Office. By this time, the trademarks of his work had become clear: warm cedar planks smelling of the forest and large windows and skylights giving the space the feeling of being outdoors.

Kumo-no-Ue no Hotel: "The Hotel above the Clouds" designed by Kengo Kuma

Kuma would later create four more buildings for Yusuhara, the iconic Kumo-no-Ue no Gallery , resembling a bridge of an inverted pyramid of cedar balancing on a single beam. Kumo-no-Ue Library , where wooden beams from local timber protrude from the ceiling like a forest canopy and multiple levels connected by wide staircases invite visitors to linger and read. The YURURI Welfare Facility provides a space to care for the town’s elderly population. And Yusuhara Machi no Eki , a combination local marketplace and small hotel, uses local cedar and gassho-thatched grass as a nod to Yusuhara’s history.

Yusuhara Machi no Eki local market and hotel by kengo kuma

These facilities are open to the public except the Kumo-no-Ue no Hotel, which is closed for renovations until 2024. The YURURI Welfare Facility is not really a tourist attraction either, so it is recommended that you don’t just go inside and wander around.

Yusuhara has other events and attractions to enjoy, as well as the town itself being the gateway to trekking and adventure in the mountains of northwestern Kochi. At the very least, it is worth visiting for aficionados of modern Japanese architecture or Kengo Kuma himself.

Tea Farm Cafe Asunaro

If your drive around Kochi has filled your spirit but left your stomach feeling empty, a final stop at a restaurant with an exquisite view might be the best way to wrap up your adventure.

Tea Farm Cafe Asunaro sits along Highway 33 about a 40-minute drive from Yusuhara, overlooking the pristine Niyodo River. Owned by the nearby Sawatari Tea Farm, Cafe Asunaro has a small menu of dishes, drinks, and desserts inspired by locally cultivated Sawatari tea. From tea-infused udon noodles (¥1,080) to waffles coated with roasted green tea powder (¥880) to sumptuous (and Instagrammable) Sawatari tea cream lattes (¥680), this little restaurant is a great place to recharge before your drive back to Kochi, Takamatsu, or Matsuyama.

japanese food with  views of river in kochi, Japan

The restaurant has indoor and outdoor seating, the latter with impeccable views of the Niyodo River and surrounding mountains. It is a small restaurant, so there may be a short wait on particularly busy days, but we had no problems getting a seat at the outdoor counter with the beautiful views.

How to Access Shikoku

Shikoku remains a mysterious place to most visitors to Japan, but it doesn’t need to be. There is  easy access by air, train, and car to its major cities,  and with the help of smartphone navigation, you can get anywhere on the island you want to go. Take advantage of the fact that Shikoku is still relatively untraveled compared to the rest of Japan and experience what few have done before in Shikoku.

After several days of exploring Kochi, I was perplexed as to why it remains one of the least visited prefectures in Japan. Moreover, after nearly a week in Shikoku, I was convinced that this path-less-traveled was exactly what visitors to Japan needed: an opportunity for authenticity in a place where you’ll never feel caged in by modern trappings.

True, you’ll need to bring a sense of adventure and a willingness to travel by rental car if you want to explore the deepest recesses of Kochi. But if you merely want a quick getaway from Tokyo to a lovely city with delicious food, Kochi is a quick and inexpensive hop by plane from Haneda Airport. If you come by train using the JR Rail Pass , transfer from the Shinkansen at Okayama Station to the Dosan Line Limited Express train heading to Kochi.

Sponsored by Shikoku District Transport Bureau

Todd Fong

Freelance writer, photographer, and mentor. Japan-based, Oaktown (Oakland, California) born. Freelance writing and photography work includes Lonely Planet, Voyapon, Metropolis Japan, and several regional tourism websites around Japan.

www.peraperapera.net/

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A Backpacker's Tale

A Travelers Guide to Kochi Japan

Kochi is the latest place I’ve visited on my adventures in Japan.

After spending a few days in the area I felt equal measures of awe and heartbreak at the thought of leaving.

The wonderment was discovering a fascinating new part of the world, a place that appealed to my sense of adventure just as much as its food appealed to my taste buds.

The heartbreak was knowing I didn’t have enough time to do/eat everything.

The more I discussed Kochi with other travelers, locals, and expats the more I realized this place isn’t even on the radar for most people. But it is a stop that should be added to anyone traveling Japan for two weeks or heading around Japan for 3 weeks or more; Kochi is a greaat option.

Most travelers rarely stray from to the well-trodden tourist trail of Tokyo, Kyoto, and a couple other places.

In the hopes of persuading you to get away from the bigger cities and explore rural areas, I’ve painstakingly crafted this guide to Kochi, Japan. I spot I believe, is one of the best places to visit when backpacking Japan . 

As you read on you’ll discover the in’s and out’s, why you should visit, and the best things to do in Kochi.

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Where is kochi.

The first question we need answer is where exactly is Kochi. 

Kochi Prefecture spans almost the entire south-east side of the Japanese island on Shikoku.

Getting to Kochi

Kochi is only an hour flight from Tokyo. However, I highly recommend making sure to spend a few days in Tokyo before heading to Kochi.  There are a lot of cool things to do in Tokyo . 

This makes it both an easy and convenient destination as well as leaves you without an excuse to visit!

Kochi is also very close to Kyoto and Okayama. 

There are also  buses and trains  to Kochi. However, they are all priced around the same so the quickest and easiest way is by plane. 

What Makes Kochi so Special?

Kochi Japan Beautiful

Kochi is a little different from other areas of  Japan for a few reasons . Kochi offers lush forest, tall mountains, cultural experiences, epic adventures, mouthwatering food (seriously some some must try foods in Japan are found in this region) , and last (but certainly not least) sake. This combines some of the best experiences that Japan has to offer in one location! How cool is that?

Like I mentioned earlier Kochi is a not a major hotspot for western tourists. Now, I know a lot of people worry when heading off the beaten path about finding someone who speaks English. 

In Kochi this wasn’t a problem at all, perhaps, this is because it is a popular destination for TEFL teachers and various other expats.

Another perk is that you are venturing into a rural area where you can discover the villages and local people that aren’t used to hundreds of tourist flocking to their area.

Food in Kochi

Food Market in Kochi Japan

Ah, food in Japan is carefully handled, and each dish is treated with the respect it deserves. All this TLC really shines through in the almost grandiose presentation and fresh taste. 

I can honestly say that I have never had a bad meal in Japan. However, Kochi wears the crown as the home my new favorite dishes to eat. Without a second thought, the best thing to eat in Kochi is katsuo  (translated into English as skipjack tuna) . 

This mouthwatering fish is the region’s speciality. Katsuo is similar to sashimi, however, it has two major differences. First, they smother the fish then they quickly sear the outside in a roaring flame for just a few seconds. 

This leaves a top layer packed with a smoky/salty taste but the inside tender and juicy. I ate katsuo almost every meal for four days……. and I still didn’t get enough.

Things to do in Kochi

So now that we know why to visit Kochi, but let’s discover the best things to do when visiting!

Sake Brewery Tours – Is it possible to visit Japan without drinking your weight in Sake? Spread throughout the prefecture are numerous breweries. Many of these offer tours that take you on a journey of how Sake is elegantly crafted into the drink that is loved around the world. 

As a bonus at the end, they also provide tastings that provide a healthy portion of the different types of rice wine that they brew. Personally, my tasting comprised of seven different types of Sake and by the end, I was leaving the brewery with a slight stumble and a huge smile. 

There are also many bars, like Toshashu Bar that offer a range of different types of sake flights. This lets you mix and match Sake from all over Japan to compare. Kochi is a haven for sake lovers like me.

The Markets – Kochi has some great food markets that are filled with friendly locals, souvenirs, and new foods to try! Make sure to check out these two markets when visiting Kochi.

Hirome Market :   An air of fills the lively stalls and dining areas of this market. Both locals and expats chat excitedly take in gulps of sake, and bits of food in between the short pauses in conversation. 

This market is addictive and if I lived in Kochi would quickly become my go-to hotspot for hanging out as well as trying new foods. It is a great place to meet people, have a drink, and try foods like katsuo, jellyfish, eel. If your not a fan of seafood there are other options. 

Although my general rule for Japan is to eat all the seafood I can get my grubby little hands on.

Kure Taisho-Machi Ichiba Market:   This market is famous for Japanese travelers. It offers a range of cool shops, foods, fish, and souvenirs. 

Personally, it is my new favorite market in Japan. This market is famous for katsuo. The fact that an awesome Sake brewery is just around the corner is just an added bonus

Whitewater Rafting – Who doesn’t love white water rafting!? Luckily that is one of the top things to do in Kochi! It is a prefecture of jaw-dropping winding rivers that cut through the mountainous landscape. 

This makes it an adrenaline packed area for people who want to go both whitewater rafting and kayaking or any other outdoor activity you could ever want.

Biking – Small roads at the base of the mountains follow along with the gushing rivers in perfect harmony. These roads entice and challenge bikers. Imagine a beautiful scenic view of a gushing river on one side and a towering forested mountain right above you. 

As you bike through the ridge roads, you will come along epic vistas, charming villages, and much more.

Pro Tip – You can rent bikes right from the train stations!

Knife Making – Due to a typhoon hitting while I was in Kochi I actually didn’t get to do any of the famed biking, hiking, and rafting. 

Although, I did go along the routes and imagined what it would be like. While this was a disappointment,  I learned to roll with the punches as a traveler  long ago. 

So instead of those fun water adventures, I spent an afternoon with a Japanese bladesmith working on my very own knife! It was fun, exhausting, and a little dangerous (all the qualities needed for an excellent adventure) . 

I spent the morning and afternoon working his forge, hammering out my blade, and trying not to give myself a third-degree burn from the glowing coals. Making my very own knife became a major highlight of my time in Kochi!

Scenic Drives- For those who rather experience the vast landscape for a car window you are in luck. Kochi is packed full of scenic drives that show off the beauty without all the strenuous activity.

Temples – Kochi also has a lot of temples in the area. You see the pilgrims and temples.

Kochi Castle – Kochi castle was my first Japanese castle, and I was extremely impressed. It is a massive cliffside structure with hidden rooms, a tall tower, and a lot of history. It is well worth a visit when exploring Kochi.

Where to Stay in Kochi Japan

There are a lot of hotels to stay in around Kochi. I recommend trying at traditional Japanese style room at Hotel Takasago .

Overall, Kochi is an incredible place to visit in Japan. It is a prefecture I am yearning to get back to visit, not just for the food, landscape, and sake. But also for the people who made my time memorable. I highly suggest getting off the regular tourist trail and exploring this untouched and rural area of Japan. 

Chaing Mai Backpacking

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Kochi: Japan’s friendliest city?

The people of Kochi think they’re Japan’s friendliest. It could have something to do with their love of a drink!!

Written by Michael Turtle

Michael Turtle is the founder of Time Travel Turtle. A journalist for more than 20 years, he's been travelling the world since 2011.

Michael Turtle is the founder of Time Travel Turtle and has been travelling full time for a decade.

Updated: August 21, 2023

Things to do in Kochi, Japan

There’s a festival held each year in Kochi prefecture that climaxes with a competition to see who can drink sake the fastest. Men get given 1.8 litres of sake in a big cup and women get 0.9 litres.

How long do you think it would take to drink that much of the rice wine?

Well, the fastest time for the men is 12.5 second and for the women it’s 10.8 seconds.

If somebody wins the competition at the Dorome Festival for three years in a row, they get the title “The Doctor of Drinking”.

It’s definitely a source of pride here. You see, Kochi has a reputation for enjoying a drink or two. And they’re not ashamed to show it.

Perhaps this goes some way to explaining why Kochi is also known for having some of the friendliest people in Japan. In a country where shyness can often inhibit conversations with strangers, it’s refreshing to find a region where the locals love to have a chat.

I find this conversation easily one evening at the Hirome Market in Kochi City. This large indoor market building has about 65 different food stalls and bars and is absolutely packed with locals eat, drinking… and talking.

They talk to their friends, they talk to the people next to them in Japanese, and they even try to talk to a tourist like me in English. There’s an animated atmosphere that makes you feel instantly welcome – the people of Kochi true to their reputation.

But before you get here in the evening, I think you need to earn a drink. A night market always feels more worthwhile after a busy day of sightseeing – and there’s plenty to do here in Kochi city.

Luckily there’s an easy way to explore all the highlights and I’m going to offer some tips on the best way to spend a day in Kochi city.

A day in Kochi City

The good people of Kochi have made it easy for visitors to their city by putting together a tourist bus called the My-Yu Bus and a transport pass that includes it and the local trams. They will take you to everywhere you want to go.

You can buy the pass at the tourist information office at the main entrance to the JR train station in Kochi City. A one day pass is 1000 yen for Japanese people but only 500 yen (US$4.50) for foreign tourists, if you show your passport.

You can see a map and more information here . But I would also like to share my tips for how to use the My-Yu Bus pass for the day.

Kochi Castle

The first stop is Kochi Castle. You can use the transport pass to catch the tram here from the JR train station – or it’s just a 20 minute walk.

This is one of the most important castles in Japan. There are only 12 in the whole country that are considered to be original and intact – and Kochi Castle is one of them.

It was built between 1601 and 1611 and is an imposing and impressive complex. Coming in from the street, you’ll pass through large defensive gates before climbing up a hill to the main building at the peak.

This main building is interesting because, unlike many other Japanese castles, it was used as both a residence and for military purposes. So as you walk through it, you’ll see comfortable living rooms and manicured gardens, plus a five-level tower where soldiers would be able to defend from.

This is one of the best things to do in Kochi City. The grounds are free to explore but it’s worth paying the entrance to see the main building and climb up the tower for the fantastic views.

Across the road is the Kochi Castle Museum of History. It’s a great building but it’s probably only worth going inside if you have a very specific interest in the topic because most of the exhibitions are only in Japanese.

Yosakoi Inari Shrine

Just near Kochi Castle is a cute little shrine that you won’t find in most guidebooks but I think it worth stopping at. The reason I find it interesting is because it’s full of chickens!

You’ll notice that this shrine is dedicated to chickens (or, more accurately, the rooster) and you’ll see images of them in statues and other design elements. But I think it’s the words scratching around and defending their territory that are particularly fun!

Harimayabashi

One of the most famous landmarks of Kochi City is Harimayabashi, which is a small red bridge (that is now rarely used because the main pedestrian path runs just metres away.

It’s not that visually spectacular and it’s only reason famous because of a legend that goes along with it that a monk in the 19 th century fell in love with a woman (which was forbidden) and they were caught here and banished.

However, the bridge is at the crossroads of the two tram lines and close to the My-Yu bus stop that you’ll want to use, so you might as well have a look at it.

Of more interest is probably the mechanical clock on the opposite side of the street that puts on a very impressive sound and movement show at the top of the hour.

Godaisan Observatory

If you catch the My-Yu bus from the Harimayabashi intersection, the first place I recommend getting off is the Godaisan Observatory. Don’t be confused by the name (as I was originally). It is not a telescope – by ‘observatory’, they mean a viewpoint.

And it’s an impressive viewpoint! From here you get a perfect vista down over Kochi city. You’ll see how it fits amongst the mountains with the waterways around it. It really is a stunning part of Shikoku!

There is a cafe with good views here too, if you’re ready for a coffee or a snack. Otherwise walk down the hill to Chikurin-ji Temple.

Chikurin-ji Temple

In some of my previous stories about Shikoku, I have mentioned a famous pilgrimage that goes to 88 Buddhist temples. Well, Chikurin-ji is one of them (officially it’s number 31 if you’re doing them in the correct order).

It’s a charming temple complex that was founded in the 8 th century and has important Buddhist scholarly scrolls and statues in its treasure hall. One of the main highlights, though, is the five-story pagoda that sits on an elevated part of the site.

There are some peaceful gardens and a few other things to see here. You’ll probably notice some pilgrims walking through, with their white shirts and conical hats. It’s an interesting way to see a bit of this important religious journey.

Makino Botanical Garden

Next to the temple is an entrance to the Makino Botanical Garden. It was opened in 1958 to honour local (but world renowned) botanist Tomitaro Makino. It is one of the most comprehensive botanical gardens in Japan and is well worth a visit.

One of the highlights is the large greenhouse that has hundreds of tropical plants in it. But as you wander through the garden, you’ll find other sections that are dedicated to different regions or styles.

There is a garden of medicinal plants, a flower garden, and a hall with exhibitions. In total, there are about 3000 species of plants here.

You can walk through and then leave from the exit on the other side and catch the My-Yu bus from there.

Katsurahama Beach

The bus will take you to its final stop, Katsurahama, which is a delightful area on the outskirts of Kochi city. The main feature here is the beach which is a lovely spot to have a rest on a sunny day.

At one end of the beach is a picturesque shrine up on a hill, and at the other end is the enormous 14 metre statue of the famous historical figure Sakamoto Ryoma.

There is also a shopping area here which is good for souvenirs. There are restaurants above the shops so, if you’re hungry, this may be a good chance to get something to eat.

From the bus stop near the shops, you can catch the express bus back into the centre of Kochi city.

Obiyamachi Shopping Arcade

Back in the centre of Kochi, you may be interested in the Obiyamachi Shopping Arcade. This large arcade has a series of streets that are undercover and pedestrianised so you can easily explore what’s on offer.

There’s a large variety of shops with a whole range of things for sale. There are also lots of restaurants and cafes.

Hirome Market

And that brings us back to Hirome Market, at the western end of Obiyamachi Shopping Arcade. By now I think you’ve definitely earned your drink and something to eat.

I would recommend getting a seat in the general area and then choosing a selection of food and drink from different stalls in the market.

One of the local delicacies here that you must try is called ‘katsuo no tataki’ and is pieces of bonito fish that migrate past Kochi in the warmer months. It is usually slightly seared on the outside – and is delicious!

You can also try some of the local sake, which Kochi is very proud of. As you do, though, please don’t try to challenge the winners of the annual sake-drinking competition.

Even if you think you can handle a litre or so, there’s no point drinking it in just ten seconds. You won’t get to enjoy it nearly enough – and enjoying the evening is one of the best things about Kochi!

Time Travel Turtle was supported by Visit Kochi but the opinions, over-written descriptions and bad jokes are his own.

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8 thoughts on “Kochi: Japan’s friendliest city?”

These places must be how paradise looks like! I haven’t been to any of them but I have them on my bucket list and hope to cross them off soon!

12.5 seconds?! That’s amazing! I can’t beat that. haha. I’d love to go check out Kochi Castle. Your photos look amazing!

I had never heard of Kochi Japan, I knew only the one in India. This looks like a great place to visit though! I especially love the look of the castle!

The right combination of culture, heritage and modernization! Loved the details.

Great! Very informational …got exactly what I was looking for. Loved it.

Perfect ambiance for a great escape and a holiday experience.

It is great to list all the places. Thanks for everything

Visited Kochi to see my brother, an his wife Mari. Great place, great, great food, and lovely friendly people. I loved it, and will be back. You must try the bonito !

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10 Amazing Things to Do in Kochi, Japan – A Guide to Shikoku’s Most Beautiful City

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Kōchi, the capital of the province of the same name, is a delightful city on Shikoku’s southern Coast and has enough eclectic sights to keep you busy exploring for a few days. The city played an important part in Japanese history, as national hero Sakamoto Ryōma , who was instrumental in bringing about the opening of the country to the West with the Meiji Restoration was born here.

Ryōma  is venerated in several museums and monuments all over the city. To see the most important sights Kōchi has to offer, I’d recommend at least two days in the city, but with a pleasant atmosphere, good food and friendly locals there are plenty reasons for a longer stay. Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Kōchi.

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What to see and do in Kōchi

What to see and do in central kōchi.

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Kōchi has a pretty compact centre that you can easily explore on foot. The bank of the Enokuchi River makes for an especially pleasant stroll and there are several historical buildings in the vicinity, some of which serve as small museums. Drop by the Tourist Information Office near the train station to get a leaflet detailing the historical trail .

Kōchi confronts you with its historical heroes even as you leave the train station, where you’ll notice an impressive trio of statues depicting local samurais Sakamoto Ryoma, Takechi Hapeita and Nakaoka Shintaro watching over the city as if protecting it.

Kōchi Castle

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Walking around down-town Kōchi, you can’t miss the city’s well preserved castle sitting atop a hill to the west of the centre. Originally constructed in the early 17 th century, it’s one of only twelve intact castles in Japan .

You can explore the keep and surrounding palace buildings, including the traditional living quarters and audience halls. Apart from that, climbing up to the highest level of the tower offers splendid views of the surrounding area. The entrance fee is 420¥.

Sakamoto Ryōma Memorial House

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Vestiges of the life of Japanese national hero Sakamoto Ryōma can be found all over the city and this is where his journey began. Apart from displaying artefacts relating to the life of Ryōma, the museum does a good job of invoking  local life in the 19 th century.

The exhibitions are surprisingly cutting-edge for such a small museum and feature various interactive rooms giving you the chance to immerse yourself in Edo-era Kōchi. It’s located south-west of the castle near the Kamimachi-itchōme Station of the tram line. The entrance fee is 300¥.

Sunday Market

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Kōchi is famous for its 300 year old week-market taking place every Sunday along Otte-suji , the broad road leading east from the Castle. Several hundred stalls are spread out over a distance of more than a kilometre selling everything from fruit to flowers and various knick-knacks. It’s also a good opportunity to try some street-food – We particularly liked the local speciality Aisukurin , a kind of sorbet.

Okawasuji Samurai House Museum

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This small museum in a preserved 19 th century wooden home of a Samurai allows you a glimpse into the life of this highly venerated class of Japanese society. Both the house and the garden are very pretty and well worth checking out plus the caretaker is more than a little enthusiastic. It’s located in a residential area north of the river and can be visited for free.

Other sights in Central Kōchi

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There are a couple of other modest sights in the city centre, most of them points of interest on the historical trail. The small Torahiko Terada House Museum is the well-preserved former home of a local late 19 th and early 20 th century physicist.

We weren’t familiar with Dr. Terada before our visit but like the nearby Okawasuji Samurai House Museum it’s of interest mainly as a glimpse into the domestic architecture of a different century. It’s located on the northern bank of the river, slightly north-west of the castle and there’s no entrance fee.

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The pretty Kōchi Hachimangu Shrine on the southern bank of the river east of Harimaya Street leading south from the train station and warrants a short visit and stroll around its peaceful grounds. Finally, the little crimson Harimayabashi Bridge is one of the symbols of the city and features in a famous story of a young monk falling in love with a local girl.  You can find it along Harimayabashi road leading south from the train station.

Godaisan Area

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The small mountain Godaisan east of Kōchi’s city centre packs several sights worth visiting. You can get there by taking one of the My-Yu sightseeing buses (see How to get around section below) . There’s an excellent viewpoint offering fantastic vistas over the city and the harbour area down to the Pacific Ocean. You can enjoy the views from a platform or from a café while sipping a drink.

Chikurin-Ji Temple

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One of the 88 temples on the Henro Pilgrimage, Chikurin-Ji features several fantastic buildings set in beautiful gardens. You can walk around the grounds and appreciate the shrines, five-storied pagoda and countless statues of Jizō, protector of Children in Japanese Buddhism.

Don’t miss the treasure house , which is especially worth visiting for its wonderful little garden, although there are also some interesting statues and scrolls on display inside. The entrance fee to the treasure house is 400¥, while the rest of the temple area can be visited for free.

Makino Botanical Garden

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This large Botanical Garden is named after local Botanist Dr. Makino Tomitaro and is a wonderful place to stroll around for a few hours. There are a couple of greenhouses featuring exotic plants from various climate zones as well as giant lotus leaves.

Apart from countless pathways and boardwalks allowing you to explore the beautiful grounds , there are also some small exhibition spaces with rotating expositions and some nice viewpoints to the surrounding area. The entrance fee is 730¥.

Suburbs of Kōchi

Ino japanese paper museum.

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This fascinating museum, located in the town of Ino, about 10km west of central Kōchi is dedicated to the art of Japanese paper making . Apart from several interesting exhibits detailing the intricate process going into the creation of washi (the traditional Japanese Paper), there are displays of countless artful objects made out of paper from lunch-boxes to clothing and papier-mâché figurines.

You can even learn to make washi yourself in the museum’s workshop. It’s an interesting glimpse into this part of local culture plus you get to take home the postcards you made. If you decide to go for the workshop, I suggest you do it before checking out the exhibition, because the paper takes about 30 minutes to dry.

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The entrance fee is 500¥, the paper-making workshop an additional 400¥. To get there, take the JR train to Ino Station, then follow the big road in front of the station west for about 10 mins.

Katsura-hama Beach Area

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This pretty beach area is located about 12km south of the city centre and can easily be reached by taking one of the My-Yu sightseeing buses (see below). The pretty sand beach is backed by a hill studded with pine trees. There’s a gigantic statue of Sakamoto Ryōma and a small picturesque shrine called Katsurahama Ryuogu Shrine on a cliff over the Pacific Ocean.

Sakamoto Ryoma Museum

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If you haven’t had your fill of local hero Sakamoto Ryōma yet, this museum on a hill behind Katsura-hama beach details both his life as well as the turbulent time period leading up to Japan’s opening to the west with the Meiji Restoration in 1867.

One of the more lurid exhibits is a still bloody partition screen from Ōmiya Inn in Kyoto, where Ryōma was assassinated. There’s also a letter of excuse to his wife after a night of drunken debauchery. I guess national heroes can be human, too.

The entrance fee is 500¥ and there’s a stop of the My-Yo sightseeing bus right in front of the museum.

Map of Kochi’s Sights

Here’s a map of the most important sights mentioned above as well as other accommodation options.

Practicalities

How to get to kōchi.

By far the best way to get around Japan is by using the country’s impeccable train system, which is fast, comfortable and efficient. A regional JR-Railway pass allows for unlimited use of Shikoku’s JR railways for 3 (9,000¥/68$), 4 (10,000¥/75$), 5 (11,000¥/82$) or 7 days (13,000¥/96$), which is a fantastic deal.

You can order your pass online on this site.

Coming from the north, you can use trains on the JR Dosan Line which starts in Okayama in southern Honshu (about 2.5 hours / 3,300¥). You can travel to Kōchi from Takamatsu (about 2h 20mins. / 2,800¥), Kotohira (about 1.5 hours / 2,100¥) and Oboke in the Iya Valley (about 50 mins. / 1,300¥).

From the east, trains travel from Tokushima (about 1h 20mins. / 3,200¥) to Kōchi via Awa-Ikeda, where you’ll have to change trains. From Matsuyama in the west, it’s easiest to travel to Kōchi by the JR Shikoku bus (about 2.5 hours). 

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How to get around in Kōchi

The convenient My-Yu Sightseeing Buses , which start at the train station serve the most popular tourist attractions in the city, including the Godaisan Area and the Katsura-hama beach.

A one-day ticket costs 1,000¥ and additionaly gives you a discount on a couple of tourist attractions . You can check out the route and timetable here . The ticket is also valid for several stops on the tram running from in a west-easterly direction through the city.

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The Best Hotels in Kōchi

Kōchi is a popular place with domestic and some international travelers and there are plenty of accommodation options.

We stayed at the Katsuo Guesthouse north of the centre, which is a good choice if you’re on a budget . There are plenty of midrange hotels , in the city centre of which Dormy Inn Kochi seems to be the top pick as well as some luxurious traditional Ryokan-style hotels, like まちの別邸 緝 Shu or Jyoseikan Ryokan , which both have great ratings.

Where to eat in Kōchi

Kōchi is a great place for foodies and you can try a couple of regional specialities. One of the best places to try them is Hirome Ichiba , a big food court with tons of stalls that allows you to try all manner of different snacks. One of the specialities of Kōchi prefecture to try here is Katsuo no-tataki , a salted and slightly charred bonito fillet but choices are nearly infinite. It’s located south-east of the castle.

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Another cool place to try is Hakobe , where you can make your own Okonomiyaki (savoury pancakes) at your table. You just order your preferred ingredients and prepare them on your own personal hot-plate. It’s a lot of fun and super tasty. It’s close to the eastern end of the pedestrian Obiyamachi Street.

Where to go next

The Iya Valley – the best place to seriously get off the beaten track on Shikoku.

Matsuyama, home to the bath house from Spirited Away

Uchiko , a cute small town allowing you to experience traditional village life on Shikoku

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How to Spend a Perfect Three-day Weekend in Kochi

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The capital of Kōchi Prefecture on Japan’s Shikoku Island may be on the smaller side in terms of Japanese cities, but with a population of just over 300,000 residents, the charming city is a great destination for spending some down time outside of bustling tourist hubs like Tokyo or Osaka .

Known for its mountains, rivers, beaches, and regional cuisine, Kōchi is a city of artists, entrepreneurs, and students known for their laid-back, relaxed way of life. The quaint Shikoku town is just a 90-minute nonstop flight from Tokyo, or four hours by train from Osaka, which makes it easy to plan a mini-escape or add-on to an existing Japanese itinerary.

We’ve pulled together a perfect itinerary that will fully immerse you in everything the quaint Japanese city has to offer — even if you’ve only got a weekend.

Here, everything you’ll want to eat, drink, and see during an enriching and relaxing three-day trip to Kōchi.

After arriving at the Kōchi Ryōma Airport, hop on the bus and drop your bags at the Richmond Hotel Kōchi . Tucked into a side street off the Obiyamachi Itchome shopping arcade (Kōchi’s main shopping street), this compact property is both cozy and well-located for travelers planning to explore the city mainly by foot.

Once you’ve checked in, head out the door and make your way to Obiyamachi Itchome. It’s here that you’ll find all sorts of shops and services — from high-end vintage shops selling gently used Louis Vuitton, Hermès, and Chanel, to more modest boutiques stocked with unique Japanese fashions and homeware.

After you’ve made your way up and down the central shopping arcade, duck into Hirome Market for prime people watching and unparalleled local cuisine. The indoor market feels almost like a Western food court with over 65 vendors serving up beer and highballs and great Japanese street food. Grab some yakitori, tempura, or gyoza to eat at the picnic-style tables scattered throughout. Be sure to visit the fish vendors who serve extremely fresh sushi and sashimi.

Note that Hirome Market is almost always packed with hungry locals all the way up until its closing time at 11 p.m. Be sure to bring cash and feel free to grab any open seat — it’s common for market-goers to share tables with other people. After you’ve finished, leave your plates and glasses at the table where they’ll be picked up by the staff and redistributed to the market vendors.

After you’ve indulged in dinner and drinks, take a stroll back around the Obiyamachi Itchome shopping street and peek into the SEGA World Fuji Grand to test your hand at the art of the Japanese claw machine. You’ll also find a variety of cute and quirky photobooths, or purikura , those pastel-colored kiosks that snap digital selfies that you can draw on, edit, and apply Instagram-like filters over before printing.

Start the day with a quick seared tuna platter or tuna and whitebait bowl at the hotel before grabbing a 15-minute taxi or 40-minute train ride out of the downtown core to Mount Godai. It’s here you’ll find Chikurinji temple, the 31st stop on the famous Shikoku Henro, or 88 Temple Pilgrimage. The temple houses a number of important sculptures, including a statue of Jizo Bosatsu that is known for granting a single wish to every visitor. Be sure to make a wish!

If you prefer to punctuate cultural escapades with adventure, make your way to the Ryuga Cave in Kami City — about a half hour drive or 90-minute train trip from Mount Godai. This natural monument and historic site was formed over 175 million years ago and today tourists can embark on a guided hike through the 2.5-mile underground system, which features waterfalls, natural light projections, and centuries-old artifacts.

When you’ve worked up an appetite, tuck into a bowl of Nabeyaki ramen, a hotpot-style noodle dish that comes in a single-serving “donabe” clay pot. Native to Kōchi prefecture, the soup is made from chicken broth, soy sauce, and thin egg noodles with thick cut chikuwa fish cakes, spring onion, and egg yolk.

After lunch, make your way to the Tosa Washi paper making class at Tosawashi Kougeimura QRAUD , where visitors can learn to make their own paper from scratch. If you prefer to spend the afternoon relaxing and taking in the natural sights, consider the Niyodo River tour with Yakata Niyodo , where you’ll set sail down the Niyodo coastline in a traditional Japanese yakatabune houseboat.

Back in Kōchi City, spend the evening savoring Sawachi-ryori, a heaping platter of regional seafood and other Japanese delicacies, including sashimi, sushi, snow crab, sea snails, pickled vegetables, and katsuo no tataki, a flame seared bonito native to the prefecture. The striking seafood dish is said to have originated in the Muromachi Period, with the term ‘Sawachi’ being coined in the Edo period. These days, Sawachi-ryori is a staple in both fine dining restaurants and humble house parties across the region largely due to the particularly fertile fishing grounds across Kōchi.

You’ll want to be up and ready to go early this morning. We recommend skipping breakfast and making a beeline to the Kōchi Market, the largest outdoor market in Japan. The famed Sunday market stretches nearly a mile, from Ekimae Densha Street to Kōchi-jo Street, and has been a weekly occurrence in the city since the 1600s. Take your time to wander through the 400 different stands and vendors where you’ll find everything from local fruits and veggies to street snacks, and fresh juices.

After meandering your way through the Sunday market, you’ll find yourself at the city’s most famous attraction: Kōchi Castle. The 17th-century construction is the only castle in Japan where the original tenshu and honmaru (castle tower and main keep) are still in tact. Peep the traditional tatami rooms and cultural artifacts of the Tosa region before climbing to the top of the tower. Here, you’ll be met with an unobstructed 360-degree view of Kōchi City and the surrounding area.

Make your way down the tower and take a few minutes to walk the striking castle grounds. If you have a sweet tooth, you’ll definitely want to make sure you stop at one of the old-fashioned regional ice creams (known locally as “ice crin”) vendors along the way. The regional treat is essentially a cross between American ice cream and Kakigori (shaved ice) and is a well-loved treat for locals and visitors alike, especially on hot, sunny days.

For your last dinner in Kōchi, one last helping of katsuo no tataki is imperative. The famed local dish is insanely flavorful, with each bite literally melting in your mouth. Hop on the train and make your way to Kuroshio Koubou, a seaside restaurant where you can learn to straw-grill your own freshly caught bonito. If you’d prefer to stay local, katsuo no tataki is also widely available across many izakayas along the Obiyamachi Itchome shopping street.

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Kochi Japan Travel Guide And Top Things To Do Kochi Prefecture

Published: September 20, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Lianne Pegram

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Introduction

Welcome to Kochi, a beautiful prefecture located on the southern coast of Shikoku Island in Japan. Known for its stunning natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and delicious local cuisine, Kochi offers a unique and memorable travel experience for visitors.

Kochi Prefecture is blessed with an abundance of natural attractions, including picturesque mountains, breathtaking coastlines, and pristine rivers. The region is also steeped in history, with numerous historical sites and traditional temples that reflect the fascinating past of the area.

One of the highlights of Kochi is its famous Kochi Castle, a symbol of the region’s samurai history. This well-preserved castle stands majestically in the heart of Kochi City, offering visitors a glimpse into the feudal era of Japan.

For those who love the outdoors, Kochi is a paradise. The Shimanto River, often referred to as “Japan’s last clear stream,” is perfect for a scenic cruise or kayaking adventure. The rugged cliffs and pristine beaches of Cape Ashizuri provide a stunning backdrop for sunset views and leisurely walks.

But Kochi is not just about nature and history; the prefecture also boasts a vibrant culinary scene. Kochi is renowned for its fresh seafood, especially katsuo (skipjack tuna), which is a local specialty. Don’t miss the opportunity to try some of the delicious local dishes, such as katsuo tataki (lightly seared skipjack tuna) or Jakoten (deep-fried fish cake).

Kochi also hosts a number of festivals and events throughout the year. The Yosakoi Festival, held in August, is a vibrant and energetic dance festival that draws participants from all over Japan. The Harimayabashi Summer Festival is another popular event, featuring traditional dances and fireworks.

Whether you’re a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or a food lover, Kochi has something for everyone. Get ready to immerse yourself in the natural beauty, rich culture, and warm hospitality of this charming prefecture.

Location and Overview

Kochi Prefecture is located on the southern coast of Shikoku Island, one of the four main islands of Japan. It is bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the south and the Kii Peninsula to the north. With a land area of approximately 7,100 square kilometers, Kochi is the largest prefecture on Shikoku.

Despite its size, Kochi has a relatively small population, making it a peaceful and tranquil destination for travelers seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. The prefecture is known for its abundant nature, with lush mountains, pristine rivers, and stunning coastlines.

Kochi City serves as the capital and largest city of the prefecture. It is located on the southern coast and offers a blend of modern amenities and historical charm. The city center is compact and easily navigable, making it a convenient base for exploring the rest of the prefecture.

The climate in Kochi is classified as humid subtropical, with mild winters and hot, humid summers. The region experiences a fair amount of rainfall throughout the year, contributing to its lush greenery. The best time to visit Kochi is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons when the weather is pleasant and the landscapes are adorned with cherry blossoms or vibrant fall foliage.

Kochi is renowned for its strong connection to Japanese history, particularly the samurai era. Many historical sites and museums in the prefecture offer insights into the region’s rich cultural heritage. Visitors can explore Kochi Castle, a designated national treasure, and learn about the influential figure of Ryoma Sakamoto at the Ryoma Memorial Museum.

Travelers seeking outdoor adventure will find plenty to do in Kochi. The Shimanto River, often referred to as “The last clear stream in Japan,” is a haven for kayaking, fishing, and enjoying the scenic beauty of the surrounding area. The lush mountains of Kochi also offer hiking trails, wildlife viewing opportunities, and hot spring retreats.

With its stunning natural landscapes, rich history, and warm hospitality, Kochi Prefecture is a hidden gem that awaits exploration. Whether you’re interested in immersing yourself in nature, diving into the history and culture of Japan, or simply enjoying delicious local cuisine, Kochi has something for every traveler.

Getting to Kochi

Kochi Prefecture is well-connected to the rest of Japan, with multiple transportation options available for travelers. Here are some ways to get to Kochi:

  • By Air: The most convenient way to reach Kochi is by flying into Kochi Ryoma Airport. The airport serves domestic flights from major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka. From the airport, you can take a taxi or use public transportation to reach your destination in Kochi City or other parts of the prefecture.
  • By Train: If you prefer to travel by train, you can take the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Okayama Station and transfer to the Limited Express Nanpu or Shiokaze train bound for Kochi. The journey takes approximately 3 to 4 hours, depending on the train. Alternatively, you can take a local train to Kochi from nearby cities like Osaka or Takamatsu.
  • By Bus: Kochi has bus connections to major cities in Japan. There are overnight buses available from Tokyo, Osaka, and other cities that take around 10 to 12 hours to reach Kochi. Bus services also operate within the prefecture, making it a convenient option for exploring different parts of Kochi.
  • By Car: If you prefer a road trip, you can rent a car and drive to Kochi. The prefecture is accessible via major highways, and the journey from cities like Osaka or Hiroshima takes around 3 to 4 hours. It’s important to note that tolls apply on highways in Japan, so be prepared for the additional cost.

Once you have arrived in Kochi, getting around the prefecture is relatively easy. Kochi City has a well-developed public transportation system, including buses and trams, which are convenient for exploring the city and its nearby attractions. Renting a car is a great option if you want to venture further into the countryside and explore the natural beauty of Kochi at your own pace.

Whether you choose to fly, take a train, bus, or drive, reaching Kochi is a straightforward process. With a range of transportation options available, you can easily plan your journey based on your preferences and travel schedule.

Best Time to Visit

Kochi Prefecture is a year-round destination with each season offering its own unique charm. The best time to visit Kochi depends on your personal preferences and the activities you wish to engage in. Here’s a breakdown of the seasons in Kochi:

  • Spring (March to May): Spring is a beautiful time to visit Kochi as the cherry blossoms come into full bloom. The sight of pink petals adorning the landscapes is truly breathtaking. During this season, temperatures are mild, ranging from around 10°C (50°F) to 20°C (68°F).
  • Summer (June to August): Summers in Kochi can be hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 25°C (77°F) to 35°C (95°F). However, this is the ideal time to enjoy the beaches and coastal areas, as well as participate in vibrant festivals like the Yosakoi Festival.
  • Autumn (September to November): Autumn is another pleasant season in Kochi, with mild temperatures ranging from 15°C (59°F) to 25°C (77°F). The foliage turns into vibrant hues of red, orange, and yellow, creating a stunning backdrop for hiking, nature walks, and enjoying the local sights.
  • Winter (December to February): Winters in Kochi are mild and offer a respite from the summer heat. Temperatures range from 5°C (41°F) to 15°C (59°F). This is a great time to visit if you want to avoid crowds and experience a peaceful atmosphere. It is also a good time to enjoy hot springs, as the colder temperatures make the hot baths even more inviting.

In addition to seasonal considerations, it’s worth noting that Kochi experiences rainfall throughout the year, so be prepared for occasional showers regardless of the season. However, this also contributes to the lush greenery and beautiful landscapes that characterize the region.

Ultimately, the best time to visit Kochi depends on your preferences and the kind of experience you seek. Whether you want to witness the cherry blossoms in spring, indulge in outdoor activities in the summer, marvel at the autumn foliage, or enjoy a peaceful winter getaway, Kochi offers something for every season.

Take into account the weather, festivals, and activities that interest you most, and plan your visit accordingly to make the most of your time in this captivating prefecture.

Places to Visit in Kochi Prefecture

Kochi Prefecture is a treasure trove of captivating destinations, offering a mix of natural beauty, historical landmarks, and cultural experiences. Here are some must-visit places in Kochi:

  • Kochi Castle: Located in the heart of Kochi City, Kochi Castle is a symbol of the region’s samurai history. This well-preserved castle offers a fascinating glimpse into the feudal era of Japan, with its impressive architecture and beautiful gardens.
  • Katsura Hama Beach: Just a short drive from Kochi City lies Katsura Hama Beach, a picturesque stretch of coastline with soft white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters. It is an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll or a day of relaxation by the sea.
  • Ryoma Memorial Museum: Dedicated to the influential figure of Ryoma Sakamoto, a key figure in Japan’s Meiji Restoration, this museum provides insights into his life, achievements, and impact on Japanese history. The museum is located in Kochi City and exhibits artifacts related to Ryoma’s life and the Meiji period.
  • Shimanto River Cruise: Experience the beauty of “The last clear stream in Japan” by taking a relaxing cruise along the Shimanto River. Enjoy the serene atmosphere as you glide past lush greenery, traditional fishing villages, and ancient bridges.
  • Sunday Market in Kochi City: Every Sunday, the streets of Kochi City come alive with the bustling Sunday Market. Explore the colorful stalls filled with fresh produce, local crafts, street food, and a vibrant atmosphere that reflects the local culture and traditions.
  • Hirome Market: Located in the heart of Kochi City, Hirome Market is a lively indoor market where you can indulge in a wide variety of local dishes and beverages. Grab a seat at one of the communal tables and savor regional delicacies like katsuo tataki, seafood tempura, and sake.
  • Cape Ashizuri: Situated at the southernmost tip of Shikoku Island, Cape Ashizuri offers breathtaking coastal views and rugged cliffs. Visit the iconic Ashizuri Lighthouse, explore the Ashizuri-Uwakai National Park, and soak in the mesmerizing beauty of this natural wonder.
  • Chikurin-ji Temple: Located in the mountains of Kochi, Chikurin-ji Temple is one of the 88 temples on the Shikoku Pilgrimage. The temple complex features stunning architecture, tranquil gardens, and panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

These are just a few of the many incredible places to explore in Kochi Prefecture. From historical landmarks to stunning natural landscapes, Kochi offers a diverse range of attractions that will captivate and inspire you throughout your visit.

Kochi Castle

Kochi Castle, also known as Kochi-jo, is a prominent historical landmark and one of the most iconic attractions in Kochi Prefecture. Located in the heart of Kochi City, this well-preserved castle stands as a testament to the region’s samurai heritage and offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into feudal Japan.

Originally constructed in 1603, Kochi Castle has a rich and storied history. The castle underwent several reconstructions over the years, with the current structure dating back to 1749. It is one of only twelve original castles remaining in Japan.

One of the highlights of Kochi Castle is its impressive architecture. The main keep, known as the donjon, stands five stories high and is adorned with black tiles and white walls. The castle’s design incorporates both Japanese and Western elements, showcasing a unique blend of architectural styles.

Visitors can explore the interior of the castle, which has been transformed into a museum. Inside, you’ll find a wealth of historical artifacts, samurai armor and weapons, as well as exhibits that showcase the castle’s role in shaping the region’s history.

As you climb to the top floor of the castle, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Kochi City and the surrounding landscapes. On a clear day, you can see the shimmering Pacific Ocean in the distance, adding to the charm of the experience.

Surrounding the castle is a beautiful park, known as Kochi-jo Ryoma Park. The park features lush greenery, cherry blossom trees, and tranquil gardens, providing a serene and peaceful atmosphere for visitors to enjoy. It’s an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll or a picnic, especially during the cherry blossom season in spring.

In addition to exploring the castle itself, visitors can also immerse themselves in samurai culture through various activities such as wearing traditional samurai armor, participating in sword demonstrations, or trying their hand at archery. These interactive experiences offer a deeper understanding of the samurai way of life and provide a unique opportunity to step back in time.

Kochi Castle holds a special place in the hearts of the locals, as it represents their regional pride and heritage. Throughout the year, the castle serves as a venue for various cultural events and festivals, which further highlights its significance in the community.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply seeking to appreciate the architectural beauty and cultural significance, a visit to Kochi Castle is a must during your time in Kochi Prefecture. It offers a captivating journey through time and a deeper appreciation for the samurai legacy that shaped the region.

Katsura Hama Beach

Katsura Hama Beach, situated just a short drive from Kochi City in Kochi Prefecture, is a picturesque and inviting coastal gem. With its soft sandy shores, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and breathtaking natural surroundings, Katsura Hama Beach offers a perfect seaside escape for both locals and visitors alike.

Stretching approximately 500 meters, Katsura Hama Beach is renowned for its pristine beauty and tranquility. The beach’s gentle slope creates a calm and safe swimming environment, making it an ideal destination for families or those looking to relax and soak up the sun.

One of the highlights of Katsura Hama Beach is its stunning natural landscape. Flanked by lush greenery and framed by majestic cliffs, the beach offers beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, creating a serene and secluded atmosphere that feels like a hidden paradise.

Visitors to Katsura Hama Beach can enjoy a variety of activities. Whether you’re a beach lover, an avid swimmer, or simply someone seeking solace in nature, this beach has something for everyone. Take a refreshing dip in the clear waters, bask in the sun on the soft sand, or explore the rocky outcrops and tide pools teeming with marine life.

Katsura Hama Beach is also known for its mesmerizing sunsets. As the golden sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky with vibrant hues of red and orange, the beach becomes a magical place to witness the beauty of nature. Many visitors gather to capture this stunning spectacle or simply reflect upon the natural wonders surrounding them.

Along the beach, you’ll find facilities such as showers, restrooms, and beachside cafes where you can grab snacks or refreshing drinks. There are also rental services for beach chairs, umbrellas, and sports equipment, allowing you to make the most of your beach day experience.

For those seeking adventure, Katsura Hama Beach offers opportunities for water sports such as paddleboarding, kayaking, and snorkeling. Rental equipment is available, and there are local companies that offer lessons and guided tours for beginners.

Visiting Katsura Hama Beach is not just about the beach itself, but also about experiencing the natural wonders that surround it. Take some time to explore the nearby trails that lead through lush forests and offer stunning viewpoints of the coastline. The fresh air, peaceful atmosphere, and breathtaking scenery make it an ideal place to connect with nature.

Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or simply a place to enjoy the beauty of nature, Katsura Hama Beach in Kochi Prefecture is a hidden paradise that will leave you with lasting memories of your time in Kochi.

Ryoma Memorial Museum

The Ryoma Memorial Museum, located in Kochi City, pays homage to the influential figure of Ryoma Sakamoto, a key figure in Japan’s Meiji Restoration. This museum provides a fascinating insight into Ryoma’s life, achievements, and his significant impact on Japanese history.

Ryoma Sakamoto was a visionary and revolutionary thinker who played a crucial role in the 19th-century movement to overthrow the Tokugawa Shogunate and bring about a modern, unified Japan. Born in Kochi in 1836, Ryoma’s ideals and actions made him a central figure during a time of great political and social change.

The Ryoma Memorial Museum showcases Ryoma’s life through a variety of exhibits and artifacts. Visitors can explore the museum’s extensive collection, which includes personal belongings, letters, historical documents, and detailed explanations of Ryoma’s revolutionary ideas.

The museum beautifully depicts Ryoma’s journey from a young samurai to a prominent statesman. It highlights his efforts to promote modernization and unification in Japan, as well as his contributions to the creation of a new government and the abolition of the feudal system.

Through interactive displays and multimedia presentations, visitors can gain a deeper understanding of Ryoma’s trials and achievements. The museum beautifully illustrates the historical context in which Ryoma operated and the significant impact he had on shaping the future of Japan.

In addition to the permanent exhibits, the museum also hosts temporary exhibitions that delve into specific aspects of Ryoma’s life and the Meiji Restoration period. These special exhibitions provide even more insights and create a dynamic and engaging experience for visitors.

Surrounding the museum is a serene garden, offering a peaceful retreat where visitors can reflect on the life and accomplishments of Ryoma Sakamoto. The garden features lush greenery, a small pond, and statues that depict key moments in Ryoma’s life, creating a tranquil setting for contemplation.

The Ryoma Memorial Museum also offers various cultural activities, such as traditional martial arts demonstrations, calligraphy workshops, and kimono dressing experiences. These activities provide visitors with the opportunity to immerse themselves in Japanese culture and get a taste of the samurai spirit that Ryoma embodied.

For history enthusiasts, the Ryoma Memorial Museum is a must-visit destination in Kochi. It not only sheds light on Ryoma Sakamoto’s remarkable life but also offers a deeper understanding of the pivotal period of Japan’s modernization. The museum stands as a tribute to a visionary leader who helped shape the nation’s path and continues to inspire generations.

Shimanto River Cruise

The Shimanto River, often referred to as “The last clear stream in Japan,” is a beloved natural treasure in Kochi Prefecture. A Shimanto River cruise is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the serene beauty of this remarkable river and experience the tranquil charm of the surrounding countryside.

The Shimanto River stretches approximately 196 kilometers, making it the longest river in Shikoku Island. It meanders through picturesque valleys, dense forests, and traditional rural landscapes, offering a peaceful and scenic environment that feels a world away from the bustling city life.

Embarking on a Shimanto River cruise allows you to experience the tranquil rhythm of this pristine waterway. Board a traditional wooden boat, known as a sappa-bune , and let the gentle flow of the river carry you along its course. The sound of the water and the soft swaying of the boat create a soothing ambiance that instantly relaxes the mind and rejuvenates the spirit.

As you cruise along the Shimanto River, you’ll be enchanted by the surrounding natural beauty. Lush greenery lines the riverbanks, providing a rich tapestry of colors and textures. The area is teeming with diverse flora and fauna, making it a haven for nature lovers and birdwatching enthusiasts.

One of the highlights of the Shimanto River cruise is the opportunity to witness traditional rural life along the river. You’ll pass by charming villages, terrace fields, and small traditional houses nestled among the green hills. It’s a chance to get a glimpse of the timeless countryside and the unhurried way of life that prevails in this idyllic region.

In addition to the stunning natural scenery, the Shimanto River cruise offers a chance to interact with the local community. The boatmen, who are often lifelong residents of the area, share their knowledge and stories about the river and its significance in the local culture. They might even serenade you with traditional songs and folktales, adding an extra touch of authenticity to the experience.

Another aspect of the Shimanto River cruise is the opportunity to enjoy local delicacies. Some boats offer onboard dining, allowing you to savor fresh seafood caught from the Shimanto River and taste regional specialties as you float along the tranquil waters.

Whether you choose a short leisurely cruise or a longer excursion deep into the river’s heart, a Shimanto River cruise is an immersive and enchanting experience. It offers a different perspective on Kochi Prefecture, providing a glimpse into its natural beauty, traditional lifestyle, and the enduring spirit of the Shimanto River.

So, sit back, relax, and let the Shimanto River carry you on a peaceful journey through pristine landscapes and the gentle rhythms of rural life.

Sunday Market in Kochi City

Every Sunday, the streets of Kochi City come alive with the bustling Sunday Market, a vibrant and colorful event that has been a tradition in the city for over 300 years. This bustling market is a must-visit destination for both locals and visitors, offering a lively atmosphere, a wide array of products, and a glimpse into the local culture and traditions.

The Sunday Market in Kochi City is a true feast for the senses. Spanning several blocks, the market is teeming with vendors selling a diverse range of goods, from fresh produce and local delicacies to handicrafts, clothing, household items, and much more. The market offers a captivating mix of sights, sounds, and scents as vendors enthusiastically showcase their wares and interact with customers.

As you wander through the market, you’ll be greeted by the vibrant colors of fresh fruits, vegetables, and flowers beautifully displayed in stalls. Locally grown produce, such as Kochi’s famous yuzu citrus fruits and fresh seafood, are among the highlights of the market. It’s a great opportunity to taste and purchase seasonal and regional specialties directly from local farmers.

Not only can you find a wide variety of food and produce, but the Sunday Market is also a treasure trove for those seeking unique souvenirs and handcrafted items. Discover traditional crafts like pottery, textiles, handmade accessories, and local artwork, showcasing the skill and creativity of local artisans.

It’s not just shopping that makes the Sunday Market special; it’s also the lively and cheerful atmosphere. As you navigate through the vibrant crowd, you’ll encounter street performers, musicians, and entertainers, adding to the festive ambiance. Take a moment to enjoy the sounds of traditional music or witness local street performers showcasing their talents.

The Sunday Market is not just limited to commercial activities; it also serves as an important social hub. The market is a meeting place for locals to catch up with friends, engage in lively conversations, and share stories. This creates a strong sense of community and adds an authentic touch to the market experience.

When visiting the Sunday Market, don’t forget to sample some of the delectable street food offerings. From savory treats like takoyaki (octopus balls) and yakitori (grilled skewers) to sweet delights like taiyaki (fish-shaped pancakes) and soft-serve ice cream, there’s a wide range of flavors to satisfy your taste buds.

Overall, the Sunday Market in Kochi City offers not just a shopping experience but an opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and connect with the vibrant community. It’s a chance to witness the lively energy of Kochi and appreciate the diverse array of products, flavors, and traditions that make this market a true gem of the city.

Hirome Market

Located in the heart of Kochi City, Hirome Market is a bustling and vibrant indoor market that offers a unique and delightful culinary experience. Known for its lively atmosphere, delicious food, and warm hospitality, Hirome Market is a must-visit destination for food lovers and those looking to immerse themselves in the local culture.

As you step into Hirome Market, you’ll be greeted by a lively and energetic scene. The market’s open-plan layout features numerous food stalls, communal dining areas, and vibrant decorations, creating a welcoming and communal space where locals and visitors can gather.

The highlight of Hirome Market is undoubtedly its diverse range of food options. From local delicacies to international cuisines, the market offers a mouthwatering selection that will satisfy any palate. You’ll find stalls serving up regional favorites such as katsuo tataki (lightly seared skipjack tuna), yakitori (grilled skewers), and Jakoten (deep-fried fish cake). The aroma of sizzling seafood, grilled meats, and savory snacks fills the air, making it impossible to resist indulging in the delicious offerings.

One of the unique features of Hirome Market is its communal dining area. Large shared tables invite diners to sit together, fostering a sense of community and encouraging conversations with fellow food enthusiasts. It’s a fantastic opportunity to interact with locals, exchange travel tips, and learn more about the culinary traditions of Kochi.

Aside from the wide array of dining options, Hirome Market is also a great place to sample the local sake and craft beer. There are dedicated stalls where you can try different brands and varieties, enjoying the rich flavors and the craftsmanship of the local brewers.

Shopping is an integral part of the Hirome Market experience. You’ll find vendors selling a variety of goods, including fresh produce, artisanal products, traditional crafts, and souvenirs. Take the opportunity to browse through the stalls, pick up some Kochi-inspired items, and support local businesses.

While Hirome Market is primarily known for its culinary delights, it also hosts cultural events and performances. From live music and traditional dance performances to local festivals and art exhibitions, there’s always something happening at Hirome Market, adding an extra layer of entertainment and cultural immersion.

Whether you’re an adventurous eater, a curious traveler, or simply someone who appreciates good food and lively atmospheres, Hirome Market is a must-visit destination in Kochi. It offers a unique opportunity to sample the local flavors, connect with the community, and create lasting memories of your time in this vibrant city.

Cape Ashizuri

Nestled at the southernmost tip of Shikoku Island, Cape Ashizuri is a captivating natural wonder that offers breathtaking coastal views and a serene atmosphere. Known for its rugged cliffs, pristine beaches, and stunning vistas, Cape Ashizuri is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and those seeking tranquility amidst awe-inspiring landscapes.

One of the highlights of Cape Ashizuri is the Ashizuri Lighthouse, a prominent landmark perched atop a rocky cliff. Built in 1914, this historic lighthouse provides panoramic views of the surrounding coastline and the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean. From the observation deck of the lighthouse, visitors can marvel at the dramatic cliffs, watch the waves crash against the rocks, and revel in the vastness of the ocean.

Surrounding the lighthouse is the Ashizuri-Uwakai National Park, a protected area that encompasses a diverse range of marine and terrestrial ecosystems. The park offers an extensive network of walking trails that wind through lush forests, leading to scenic viewpoints and hidden coves.

For beach lovers, Cape Ashizuri boasts pristine and secluded beaches that are perfect for relaxation and quiet contemplation. Kashiwajima Beach, with its soft sand and clear blue waters, is an ideal spot for sunbathing or a leisurely beach walk.

Immerse yourself in local folklore and spirituality by visiting Kongofukuji Temple, a Buddhist temple situated near Cape Ashizuri. The temple, believed to have been founded over 1,200 years ago, features a stunning statue of the Goddess of Mercy and offers a serene and peaceful environment for contemplation and meditation.

Exploring the coastal area of Cape Ashizuri is an adventure in itself. Follow the walking trails that lead you along dramatic cliff edges, allowing you to soak in panoramic views of the sea and the rugged coastline. Keep an eye out for unique rock formations, including the iconic “Lion Rock,” which resembles a roaring lion overlooking the ocean.

Cape Ashizuri is also known for its onsen (hot springs) that offer therapeutic and relaxing experiences. Dip into the warm waters while gazing at the sweeping coastal vistas, rejuvenating body and soul.

Throughout the year, Cape Ashizuri hosts various festivals and events that celebrate local traditions and cultural heritage. The Ashizuri Summer Festival, with its lively street performances and fireworks, is a highlight that attracts visitors from near and far.

Whether you’re a nature lover, a photographer, or simply seeking a tranquil escape, Cape Ashizuri offers an unforgettable experience. From its majestic cliffs and pristine beaches to its rich cultural heritage, this scenic cape has an enchanting allure that makes it a hidden gem in Kochi Prefecture.

Chikurin-ji Temple

Located in Kochi Prefecture, Chikurin-ji Temple is a serene and historic Buddhist temple that holds a special place in the hearts of locals and visitors alike. As one of the 88 temples on the Shikoku Pilgrimage, Chikurin-ji Temple offers a peaceful retreat and a glimpse into Japan’s spiritual heritage.

Chikurin-ji Temple, which dates back over 1,200 years, is nestled amidst the lush mountains of Kochi. It is known for its tranquil and picturesque surroundings, offering visitors a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

The temple’s name, “Chikurin,” translates to “bamboo grove,” and true to its name, the temple is enveloped by beautiful bamboo forests. The rustling of the bamboo leaves, combined with the scent of the surrounding greenery, creates a serene and meditative atmosphere.

Chikurin-ji Temple is a three-story pagoda-style temple, featuring stunning architecture with intricate woodwork and exquisite craftsmanship. The main hall houses a golden statue of Amitabha Buddha, the principal deity worshipped at the temple. Visitors can admire the temple’s elegant design and appreciate the sense of peace and spirituality that permeates the air.

One of the highlights of visiting Chikurin-ji Temple is the captivating panoramic view it offers from the observation deck. As you ascend to the top of the temple, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking vista of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and the cityscape of Kochi in the distance. It is a perfect spot to reflect, meditate, and appreciate the beauty of nature.

The temple grounds feature serene gardens and peaceful walking paths, offering visitors a calming environment for contemplation and self-reflection. The gardens are meticulously maintained, and the seasonal flowers and foliage create a changing tapestry of colors throughout the year.

Chikurin-ji Temple holds significant cultural and historical importance. It has attracted pilgrims and devotees for centuries, seeking spiritual solace and the blessings of the Buddha. The temple also has ties to Ryoma Sakamoto, an influential figure in Japan’s history, who was believed to have sought guidance and inspiration from Chikurin-ji Temple during his quest for societal change.

Visiting Chikurin-ji Temple is not only a religious or spiritual experience but also an opportunity to immerse yourself in Japanese culture and history. Take part in the traditional practice of sutra copying or attend a Buddhist ceremony to gain a deeper understanding of Buddhist traditions and rituals.

Chikurin-ji Temple offers a serene and reflective moment in the midst of nature. It is a place to find solace, connect with the divine, and appreciate the beauty and tranquility of the surroundings. Whether as part of the Shikoku Pilgrimage or a standalone visit, Chikurin-ji Temple offers a peaceful sanctuary and a glimpse into the rich spiritual heritage of Japan.

Kochi Traditional Cuisine

Kochi Prefecture is known for its vibrant culinary scene, offering a rich and diverse array of traditional dishes that reflect the region’s natural bounty and cultural heritage. From fresh seafood to unique local specialties, Kochi’s traditional cuisine is a delight for food lovers and a true reflection of the region’s gastronomic treasures.

One of the highlights of Kochi’s traditional cuisine is its fresh seafood. Situated on the southern coast of Shikoku Island, Kochi is blessed with abundant marine resources, and its coastal location means that the seafood is incredibly fresh. The prefecture is particularly famous for its katsuo (skipjack tuna), which is often served as sashimi or lightly seared. The delicate flavor and firm texture of katsuo make it a beloved local delicacy that should not be missed.

Another beloved dish in Kochi is Jakoten, a unique local specialty. Jakoten is a deep-fried fish cake made from minced white fish, primarily mackerel. The fish paste is seasoned with spices and formed into a patty before being deep-fried to perfection. The result is a crispy, golden-brown exterior with a tender and flavorful interior. Jakoten is often enjoyed as a snack or appetizer and pairs well with a dipping sauce.

Kochi is also known for its delectable vegetarian dishes. The region’s mountainous terrain and fertile lands yield a variety of fresh vegetables. Take, for example, kankoro-mochi, a traditional vegetarian dish made from glutinous rice cakes wrapped in cabbage leaves, served with a savory soy-based sauce. The combination of the chewy mochi and the umami-rich sauce creates a harmonious and satisfying flavor profile.

No visit to Kochi would be complete without trying its famous Kochi Ramen. Kochi-style ramen features a rich, flavorful soy-based broth that has been simmered for hours to extract maximum depth and complexity. The noodles are typically thin and straight, and the bowl is topped with various ingredients like slices of tender pork, scallions, bamboo shoots, and a soft-boiled egg. Kochi Ramen is a hearty and comforting dish that will warm your soul.

For those with a sweet tooth, Kochi offers its own unique desserts. Try Botan Mochi, a traditional sweet made from glutinous rice cake wrapped around a soft Azuki red bean paste filling. These delightful treats are often enjoyed with a cup of green tea and are a popular souvenir among visitors.

When dining in Kochi, keep an eye out for local izakayas (traditional Japanese pubs) and small family-owned restaurants that specialize in regional cuisine. These establishments often use fresh and locally sourced ingredients, ensuring an authentic and unforgettable dining experience.

So, whether you’re savoring the exquisite flavors of fresh seafood, indulging in unique local specialties, or exploring the breadth of Kochi’s traditional cuisine, you’ll find yourself immersed in a culinary journey that showcases the incredible tastes and traditions of this vibrant region.

Festivals and Events in Kochi

Kochi Prefecture is renowned for its vibrant and lively festivals and events, which showcase the region’s rich cultural heritage and provide an opportunity to immerse oneself in local traditions. Throughout the year, Kochi comes alive with colorful processions, energetic dances, and captivating performances. Here are some of the festivals and events that highlight the unique spirit of Kochi:

Yosakoi Festival: Held in August, the Yosakoi Festival is one of the most energetic and dynamic events in Kochi. Participants dressed in vibrant costumes perform a traditional dance known as “Yosakoi,” featuring lively movements accompanied by the sounds of traditional music and instruments. The festival draws thousands of participants from all over Japan, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere that engulfs the streets of Kochi City.

Harimayabashi Summer Festival: The Harimayabashi Summer Festival takes place in August and is a renowned celebration of Kochi’s cultural heritage. The festival features traditional dances performed by local groups, magnificent fireworks displays, and a variety of food stalls offering regional delicacies. The highlight of the festival is the “Harimayasai,” a procession in which participants carry portable shrines through the streets, accompanied by the beat of drums and musical performances.

Kochi Castle Festival: Celebrated in early May, the Kochi Castle Festival is a grand event that pays homage to the historical significance of Kochi Castle. The festival features samurai processions, martial arts demonstrations, traditional music performances, and cultural exhibitions. Visitors can witness reenactments of samurai battles, try on samurai armor, and immerse themselves in the ambiance of feudal Japan.

Danjiri Festival: The Danjiri Festival, held in October, is a thrilling and dynamic event that celebrates bravery and teamwork. Teams of participants pull enormous wooden floats, known as “Danjiri,” with great excitement and energy through the streets of Kochi City. The floats are adorned with elaborate decorations and are accompanied by traditional music and chanting. The festival is a true spectacle showcasing the strength, dedication, and coordination of the participants.

Sukoshicon Anime Convention: Anime enthusiasts will delight in the Sukoshicon Anime Convention, which takes place annually in Kochi City. The convention showcases cosplay contests, anime screenings, live performances, and interactive workshops. It’s a gathering of like-minded individuals who share a passion for Japanese animation and pop culture.

These are just a few examples of the festivals and events that take place in Kochi Prefecture throughout the year. Whether you’re interested in traditional culture, dance, music, or anime, Kochi offers a vibrant and diverse calendar of festivities that celebrate the spirit and heritage of the region.

Attending these festivals and events provides a glimpse into the local culture, offering immersive experiences that create lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for the traditions that make Kochi so unique.

Outdoor Activities in Kochi Prefecture

Kochi Prefecture is a nature lover’s paradise, offering a plethora of outdoor activities that showcase the region’s stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity. From scenic hikes to thrilling water sports, there are numerous opportunities for adventure and exploration throughout the prefecture.

One of the top outdoor activities in Kochi is hiking. The prefecture is blessed with majestic mountains and picturesque trails that cater to all levels of hikers. Mount Godaisan, located in Kochi City, is a popular choice, offering panoramic views of the cityscape and the surrounding countryside. The trail to the peak is well-maintained and accessible, making it suitable for beginners. For more experienced hikers, the trail to Mount Tengu in Ashizuri-Uwakai National Park provides a challenging but rewarding trek through lush forests and rugged terrain.

Kochi’s pristine rivers and coastlines offer fantastic opportunities for water sports enthusiasts. Shimanto River, often referred to as “The last clear stream in Japan,” is perfect for kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddling. The crystal-clear waters and spectacular scenery create a peaceful and rejuvenating experience as you glide along the river’s gentle currents. On the coast, Katsura Hama Beach and Kashiwajima Beach are ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing, providing a refreshing escape from the summer heat.

For those seeking a unique and exhilarating experience, paragliding is a popular option in Kochi. The Tosa Sky Adventure Club offers tandem paragliding flights that allow you to soar through the sky and admire panoramic views of the coastline and mountains.

Kochi’s national parks, including Ashizuri-Uwakai and Muroto-Anan, offer breathtaking natural landscapes and ample opportunities for outdoor activities. Explore the hiking trails, rent bicycles to explore the park’s scenic routes, or simply wander through the lush forests and enjoy the tranquility of nature.

Another popular outdoor activity in Kochi is fishing. With its abundant marine life and pristine rivers, Kochi offers excellent fishing opportunities for both freshwater and saltwater anglers. Whether you prefer river fishing for trout and Ayu (sweetfish) or deep-sea fishing for tuna and mackerel, there are numerous fishing spots and tour operators available to guide you on your angling adventure.

Additionally, camping enthusiasts can find several campsites that provide a peaceful retreat amidst nature. Set up tents, gather around a campfire, and enjoy the starry night skies in Kochi’s beautiful camping sites such as Kazeno Machino Mori Campsite or Shimanto River Camp Village.

Kochi Prefecture is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a range of activities that cater to all interests and skill levels. Whether embracing the thrill of adventure or simply enjoying the serenity of nature, there is something for everyone to enjoy in the captivating outdoor playground of Kochi.

Kochi Prefecture is a captivating destination that offers a myriad of experiences for travelers seeking to immerse themselves in the rich culture, abundant natural beauty, and warm hospitality of the region. From historical landmarks to picturesque landscapes, traditional cuisine to vibrant festivals, Kochi has something to captivate the hearts of every visitor.

Exploring the historical treasures starts with a visit to Kochi Castle, where you can step back in time and delve into the samurai history of the region. The peaceful ambiance of Chikurin-ji Temple offers a serene retreat, allowing you to reflect in the tranquil bamboo groves and appreciate the spiritual heritage of the area.

Kochi’s enchanting natural landscapes offer a wide range of outdoor activities. Shimanto River invites you to embark on a relaxing cruise, while the rugged cliffs and pristine beaches of Cape Ashizuri provide breathtaking vistas and a tranquil seaside escape. The Sunday Market in Kochi City and Hirome Market offer vibrant showcases of local culture and culinary delights that will tantalize your taste buds.

Immerse yourself in the lively energy of Kochi’s festivals and events, such as the Yosakoi Festival and the Danjiri Festival, where you can witness traditional dances, processions, and fireworks that embody the vibrant spirit of the region.

Throughout your journey, indulge in the delectable flavors of Kochi’s traditional cuisine, from the freshness of its seafood to the unique local specialties. Experience the warm hospitality and rich culinary heritage that define Kochi Prefecture.

Whether you’re a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, a food lover, or simply seeking a serene escape, Kochi provides a captivating blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and unforgettable experiences. It’s a destination that offers a glimpse into the diverse tapestry of Japan’s past and present, leaving you with cherished memories and a desire to return.

So, pack your bags and embark on a journey to Kochi, where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with modern comforts, and the treasures of the past coexist harmoniously with the wonders of nature. Discover the magic of Kochi Prefecture and create lasting memories in this hidden gem on the southern coast of Shikoku Island.

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10 Things To Do In Kochi: Scenic Spots, History, And Cuisine

article thumbnail image

Kochi Prefecture is located in Japan’s Shikoku Island. It is a less touristy place full of stunning nature, history, and delicious food. In this article, we introduce ten places to explore, things to do, and local dishes to taste in Kochi.

Chiara Mischke

Tokyo,Japan

Kochi - Discover Amazing Views, History, and Delicious Local Food

10 Things To Do In Kochi: Scenic Spots, History, And Cuisine

Kochi , located in Japan’s Shikoku Island, is famous for scenic nature and delicious skipjack tuna as well as for its yuzu production. Kochi also boasts a rich history with one of Japan's most famous samurai, Ryoma Sakamoto , being born in here.

Prior to the Meiji Restoration, Kochi was known as the Tosa Province. Nowadays, there still is a city named Tosa in Kochi Prefecture.

We introduce ten activities and things to enjoy in Kochi, a beautiful though lesser-known region of Japan.

1. Kochi Castle - A Designated an Important Cultural Property

10 Things To Do In Kochi: Scenic Spots, History, And Cuisine

Picture from Kochi Castle - An Elegant Castle From The Edo Period

Kochi Castle is located in Kochi City. This monument has been designated an important cultural property.

Kochi Castle was originally built in 1610 and then rebuilt in 1664. After having partially burned down in 1727, the current castle tower was rebuilt in 1749. Even after this reconstruction, it is the only castle in Japan with its main building's base structure still preserved.

Kochi Castle has been chosen as one of the one hundred most beautiful castles in Japan. It is an impressive castle that truly radiates history.

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Kochi Castle

2. Ryoma Sakamoto Museums - Wander in the Footsteps of the Famous Samurai

10 Things To Do In Kochi: Scenic Spots, History, And Cuisine

Ryoma Sakamoto lived between 1836 and 1867. Although he was a great fighter, he is remembered for his rather calm nature and his wish to choose peaceful resolutions over violence.

He eventually created an opportunity to overthrow the Tokugawa shogunate without war. His proposal was accepted and, as a result, the imperial court was restored complete political power. Because not everyone agreed with his vision, he ended up being assassinated in Kyoto in 1867.

Ryoma Sakamoto is one of Japan's national heroes and remains in the people's memory for bringing peace to the land. If you wish to learn more about his life and achievements, do visit Sakamoto Ryoma's Hometown Museum or the Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial Museum , which are both located in Kochi City.

Kochi City Ryoma's Birthplace Memorial Hall

Kochi Prefectural Ryoma Sakamoto Memorial Hall

3. Katsurahama - A Picturesque Beach with a Bamboo Grove

10 Things to do in Kochi Prefecture

Katsurahama Beach is the most popular beach in Kochi. An emerald green pine grove rises along the azure ocean shoreline making it a breathtaking sight.

10 Things to do in Kochi Prefecture

This beach is a popular spot both at daytime and at night . It's the perfect place for stargazing and moon viewing when the sky is clear.

Katsurahama

The area around the beach is known as Katsurahama Park . It is home to the bronze statue of local hero Ryoma Sakamoto, the Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial Museum, the Tosa Dog Museum and the Katsurahama Aquarium .

Ryoma Sakamoto statue

4. Niyodo River - Scenic Views of Blue Water and Waterfalls

10 Things To Do In Kochi: Scenic Spots, History, And Cuisine

Niyodo River is said to have the highest quality water of any river in Japan. The beautiful blue hue of the water gave birth to the term "Niyodo Blue", which refers to the distinctive color of its waterflow.

10 Things To Do In Kochi: Scenic Spots, History, And Cuisine

The beautiful blue color can be enjoyed mainly during the autumn and winter months. At other times of the year, the water is more of a greenish color.

10 Things To Do In Kochi: Scenic Spots, History, And Cuisine

While the river flows through Kochi and Ehime, it is said to be the clearest and most beautiful at Yasui Ravine . The area is surrounded by a lush green forest and you can stroll along the river. This scenery is especially beautiful in the fall as the area is home to many Japanese maple trees whose leaves turn bright red in November.

10 Things To Do In Kochi: Scenic Spots, History, And Cuisine

The Yasui Ravine is where you'll find two beautiful waterfalls: Mikaeri Falls and Hiryu Falls . They might be rather small, but are very impressive. You can actually get incredibly close to them.

The Akataki Falls on Niyodo River is one of the rare places in Japan where you can see a frozen waterfall! This phenomenon only occurs if the temperatures are below the freezing point for several days in a row.

10 Things to do in Kochi Prefecture

Whatever tints the water blue also reacts with some of the rock formations along the river. The resulting hue is reminiscent of blood and we couldn't help but wonder if these stones are connected to stories about vengeful river spirits.

Niyodo River

5. Monet's Garden - The Only Garden of its Kind

Monet’s Garden in Giverny, France, was one of the main sources of inspiration for influential artist Claude Monet. The garden, designed after a Japanese garden, was featured in many of his paintings.

Monet’s Garden has been replicated in Kitagawa, Kochi Prefecture. The Kitagawa Village "Monet’s Garden" Marmottan is the only recreation in the world which has been allowed to use the name “Monet’s Garden”.

This unique garden truly reminds one of Monet's paintings. An estimated amount of 70,000 plants grow on the premises. Rare blue water lilies are in bloom from late June to early November.

The entrance fee is 700 yen for adults and 300 yen for elementary and secondary school students.

Beichuan Village

6. Visit a Yuzu Orchard

10 Things to do in Kochi Prefecture

Kochi is plays a very important role in Japan's yuzu production. Yuzu is a fruit unique to Asia which is about the size of a lime and an orangey-yellow color when ripe. Certain types can also be harvested when it is still green.

10 Things to do in Kochi Prefecture

Yuzu has a strong, distinctive aroma, is very tart and can be used as flavoring in a variety of dishes that can be sweet or savory.

It is customary in Japan to add yuzu in the bathwater or in hot spring baths at the winter solstice. It is believed to help in maintaining one's health through its revigorating aroma and benefits.

Yuzu is a fruit usually harvested in the autumn and winter months. When the yuzu are fully ripe, a beautiful fragrance wafts from the yuzu orchards.

10 Things to do in Kochi Prefecture

Some places allow you to take guided tours in the yuzu orchards. Since yuzu mainly grows in the mountainous areas, you can enjoy a breathtaking view alongside the unique scent of tart yuzu fruit.

7. Kuretaisho Market - Fresh Fish and Vegetables from Kochi

10 Things to do in Kochi Prefecture

The Kuretaisho Market is a popular fish market in Kochi with more than one hundred years of history. Fresh fish is on offer usually from about 11:00 every day. They also offer local fruit and vegetables.

10 Things to do in Kochi Prefecture

The market is rather small and most of the stalls are family-owned. The fishermen offer their catch of the day while their families created delicious dishes with it.

10 Things to do in Kochi Prefecture

It is highly recommended to visit while hungry to pick up some food at the market and enjoy it right away. One of the restaurants at the end of the street lets you pick small dishes from one of the fish shops to be prepared in the restaurant, then served alongside rice and miso soup.

Kaisendon is another popular dish that can be enjoyed at this market. It is a bowl of rice topped with fresh local sashimi.

Kure Taishomachi Market

8. Hirome Market - A Market and an Izakaya in One

10 Things to do in Kochi Prefecture

Hirome Market is a commercial facility located next to Kochi Castle. It is a market but also an open space izakaya (Japanese local bar).

10 Things to do in Kochi Prefecture

Benches and seats are scattered around the area. You can pick up take out from a variety of shops to sit down and enjoy local food as well as standard Japanese dishes.

It is very common to enjoy a couple of drinks here from around noon.

We recommend the yuzu draft beer. It is draft beer laced with 100% yuzu juice which gives it a refreshing flavor.

10 Things to do in Kochi Prefecture

Drinking and eating are not the only things one can do at Hirome Market. It is a great place to pick up souvenirs and local snacks as well.

Hirome Market

9. Straw-grilled Skipjack Tuna at Kuroshio Kobo

10 Things to do in Kochi Prefecture

Skipjack tuna , or katsuo, is the ultimate delicacy in Kochi. The water quality around the coast of Kochi makes the fish meat extremely juicy, flavorful, and slightly sweet.

10 Things to do in Kochi Prefecture

Kuroshio Kobo prides itself for being the inventor of grilling the tuna in a fire fueled with straw. While slightly grilled skipjack tuna is a Kochi specialty since centuries, the burning straw adds a distinct smoky flavor to the tuna you can not achieve with conventional methods.

10 Things to do in Kochi Prefecture

At Kuroshio Kobo you can either just enjoy the dish itself or take part in the straw grilling experience. The chef will show you how to separate the tuna, flavor it, and then bake it in the straw fueled flame.

10 Things to do in Kochi Prefecture

This is a very unique experience you can only enjoy at Kuroshio Kobo, nowhere else in Japan. The skipjack tuna straw grilling experience for up to four people starts from 3,500 yen. Make sure to make a reservation beforehand.

Kuroshio Kobo

10. Try Locally Brewed Sake and Yuzu Liqueur at Bijofu

10 Things to do in Kochi Prefecture

Kochi's locally brewed sake is praised for their dry and smooth quality. It goes extremly well with the local cuisine.

Bijofu  is one of the most highly regarded sake breweries in Kochi. They have refined the way they purify their water and use local ingredients to make a delicious, high-quality sake.

10 Things to do in Kochi Prefecture

While they do offer a wide variety of sake, they also make fruit liqueurs including yuzu flavored liqueurs. The yuzu liqueur is surprisingly refreshing and not too heavy or sweet. It exists in a sparkling and a non-sparkling version.

10 Things to do in Kochi Prefecture

Bijofu sake is rather affordable for the quality they offer. Their sake is priced from 1,000 yen and up. Their sake and liqueurs make a great souvenir from Kochi.

Hamakawa Shoten Co., Ltd.

Kochi - Rich History, Nature, and Delicious Food

10 Things to do in Kochi Prefecture

Kochi is a great place to visit if you want to experience rich nature, interesting historical places as well as delicious fresh tuna. It is not very known to tourists outside of Japan so you can enjoy most of the places introduced above without having to make your way through large crowds.

If you wish to visit a place off the beaten path in Japan, why not choose Kochi for your next trip?

travel to kochi japan

In cooperation with KITKAT Japan, Nestle Japan and Bijofu Brewery

I was born and raised in Berlin, Germany and am living in Tokyo, Japan since 2008. I am native in German and English.

I am a cat-mom to three rescue cats and I have a deep love for 90s rock music, kickboxing, history, chocolate and cookie dough, anything pistachio flavored, cats and bats, dragons and vampires and all things creepy-cute.

My favorite book author is Anne Rice. My favorite band is LUNA SEA.

My most recommended Japanese movie is 'Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence', featuring David Bowie and Ryuichi Sakamoto.

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  • » Cherry blossom forecast updated with later start date, full-bloom predictions added
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Cherry blossom forecast updated with later start date, full-bloom predictions added

Casey Baseel

Behind-schedule buds mean we’re going to have to wait just a little longer to see sakura .

Predicting the start of cherry blossom season is no easy task. As one of the first flowers to bloom in the spring, the timing is heavily dependent on when winter fully relaxes its grip on Japan’s weather patterns, but with the blossoms only sticking around for around two weeks total before scattering, a broad-window forecast doesn’t do much good in making hanami (cherry blossom viewing) plans.

So the sakura forecast comes in waves, with meteorologists making multiple refinements as the blossoming gets closer. The latest predictions from Japan’s Weather News are out now, and it notes that the flower buds on the sakura trees aren’t as developed as they were at this time last year in many parts of the country .

▼ Sakura buds change color from brown to yellow and green before turning pink at the tip just before the flowers open.

travel to kochi japan

That means we’re going to be seeing a slightly later start to sakura season than we’d expected , but not by much. Japan is set to see considerably warm weather as we move into mid-March, and Weather News says this will accelerate the buds’ development enough that the sakura will begin to blossom in Tokyo on March 19 , one day later than the previous forecast predicted.

travel to kochi japan

Shown on the above map are the following cities and start-of-sakura-blossoming dates:

Akita: April 9 (1 day later than previous prediction) Aomori: April 12 (2 days later than previous prediction) Fukuoka: March 21 (2 days later than previous prediction) Hiroshima: March 21 Kagoshima: March 27 (1 day later than previous prediction) Kanazawa: March 27 (1 day later than previous prediction) Kochi: March 22 (1 day later than previous prediction) Kushiro: May 7 (2 days later than previous prediction) Nagano: April 3 (2 days later than previous prediction) Nagoya: March 21 Niigata: March 31 (2 days later than previous prediction) Osaka: March 23 (1 day later than previous prediction) Sapporo: April 20 (2 days later than previous prediction) Sendai: March 30 Tokyo: March 19 (1 day later than previous prediction)

Also, while not listed on the map, March 22 is the predicted date for both Kyoto and Yokohama .

Likewise, the predicted blooming dates for a number of famous cherry blossom viewing spots have been shifted back a bit, most notably with Tokyo’s Ueno Park , traditionally the capital’s most popular sakura excursion destination, now predicted to see its flowers open on March 20 .

travel to kochi japan

Arashiyama (Kyoto City): March 25 Goryokaku (Hakodate, Hokkaido): April 19 (2 days later than previous prediction) Hirosaki Park (Hirosaki, Aomori): April 13 (2 days later than previous prediction) Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park (Hiroshima City): March 23 Kochi Park (Kochi City): March 22 (1 day later than previous prediction) Kumamoto Castle (Kumamoto City): March 22 (2 days later than previous prediction) Maizuru Park (Fukuoka City): March 21 (2 days later than previous prediction) Shiroishikawa Riverbank (Ogawara, Miyagi): March 30 Sunpu Castle Park (Shizuoka City): March 26 (1 day later than previous prediction) Takato Castle Park (Ina, Nagano): March 30 (2 days later than previous prediction) Tsuruma Park (Nagoya, Aichi): March 21 Ueno Park (Tokyo): March 20 (1 day later than previous prediction)

Arguably just as important as when the sakura will start blooming is when they’ll reach full bloom , as it takes a few days after opening for the blossoms to reach their biggest, brightest, and most beautiful form. As part of its updated forecast, Weather News also has the following by-city full-bloom predicted dates:

Akita: April 13 Aomori: April 16 Fukuoka: March 29 Hiroshima: March 29 Kagoshima: April 7 Kanazawa: April 3 Kochi: March 30 Kushiro: May 10 Kyoto: March 30 Nagano: April 9 Nagoya: March 30 Niigata: April 4 Osaka: March 31 Sapporo: April 24 Sendai: April 5 Tokyo: March 27 Yokohama: March 30

And finally, if you’re looking for zoomed-in regional forecasts for the start of sakura blooming , those maps have been updated too. As always, the cherry blossoms bloom earlier in the southern/western parts of Japan, and later as you move north/east.

▼ Kyushu forecast: Fukuoka (福岡), Saga, (佐賀), Oita (大分), Nagasaki (長崎), Miyazaki (宮崎), Kumamoto (熊本), and Kagoshima (鹿児島)

travel to kochi japan

▼ Shikoku and Chugoku: Okayama (岡山), Hiroshima (広島), Matsue (松江), Tottori (鳥取), Shimonoseki (下関), Takamatsu (高松), Tokushima (徳島), Matsuyama (松山), and Kochi (高知)

travel to kochi japan

▼ Kansai: Hikone (彦根), Kyoto (京都), Osaka (大阪), Kobe (神戸), Nara (奈良), and Wakayama (和歌山)

travel to kochi japan

▼ Tokai: Shizuoka (静岡), Nagoya (名古屋), Gifu (岐阜), and Tsu (津)

travel to kochi japan

▼ Hokuriku: Niigata (新潟), Toyama (富山), Kanazawa (金沢), and Fukui (福井)

travel to kochi japan

▼ Kanto and Koshin: Mito (水戸), Utsunomiya (宇都宮), Maebashi (前橋), Kumagaya (熊谷), Tokyo (東京), Choshi (銚子), Yokohama (横浜), Nagano (長野), and Kofu (甲府)

travel to kochi japan

▼ Tohoku: Aomori (青森), Akita (秋田), Morioka (盛岡), Sendai (仙台), Yamagata (山形), and Fukushima (福島)

travel to kochi japan

▼ Hokkaido’s Sapporo (札幌), Wakkanai (稚内), Asahikawa (旭川), Abashiri (網走), Kushiro (釧路), Obihiro (帯広), Muroran (室蘭), and Hakodate (函館)

travel to kochi japan

With less than a month to go before the sakura start to bloom, we may or may not be getting one more update to the forecast, but odds are this latest batch of dates will be very close to how things play out.

Source: Weather News Top image: Pakutaso Insert images: Weather News ● Want to hear about SoraNews24’s latest articles as soon as they’re published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter !

  • ( cherry blossom • cherry blossom forecast 2024 • flowers • nature • sakura • sakura forecast • sakura forecast 2024 • tourism • travel )

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  • Kochi Castle

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HOME > Japan’s Local Treasures > Kochi Castle

One of the twelve original Japanese castles. Enjoyable around the clock and during any season

Kochi Prefecture

travel to kochi japan

Kochi Castle is one of the must-see sightseeing spots when visiting Kochi. Constructed at the beginning of the 17th century, Kochi Castle is one of the 12 original Japanese castles and the only castle in Japan where both the original castle tower (tenshu) and the main keep (honmaru) remain intact. Another great characteristic of Kochi Castle is that you can capture both the Otemon main gate and the castle tower in one photo, which is very rare in Japan. While there’s a lot to see, the castle grounds are quite compact, so you can still check it out even if you’re pressed for time. The castle is enjoyable around the clock and during any season. In the spring, the grounds become especially lively with locals and tourists enjoying the cherry blossoms and the contrast of their pink color against the white walls.

travel to kochi japan

How to get there

From Haneda Airport, about a 1 hour 30 minute flight to Kochi Ryoma Airport, then 30 minutes by bus to Kochi Station. Take a Tosaden Tram to Kochijo-mae Station (15 minutes), then walk for 5 minutes.

1-2-1 Marunouchi, Kochi-shi, Kochi-ken

More Information

Shikoku Region | JNTO Official Website

Kochi Prefecture | JNTO Official Website

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  • Japan’s Local Treasures

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Kochi: Getting there and around

Getting to kochi.

  • ¥ 7,000 - 42,000

JAL, ANA and Jetstar Japan operate multiple flights per day between Tokyo (JAL and ANA use Haneda Airport and Jetstar uses Narita Airport ) and Kochi Ryoma Airport. Flight duration is 90 minutes. The regular one way fare by JAL and ANA is around 41,000 yen, but discount tickets are usually available for between 18,000 and 34,000 yen. One way fares by Jetstar Japan start from around 5,500 yen. Kochi Ryoma Airport is connected with central Kochi (JR Kochi Station) by airport bus. The one way trip takes about 40 minutes and costs 900 yen.

  • ¥ 21,000

Take the JR Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen from Tokyo to Okayama (3.5 hours) and transfer to a JR Nanpu limited express train for Kochi (2.5 hours). The entire one way trip takes around six hours and costs about 21,000 yen. The Japan Rail Pass fully covers the entire trip if Hikari and Sakura trains are used along the Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen, but a supplement fee is required on the faster Nozomi and Mizuho trains.

  • ¥ 8,900 - 14,500

Several overnight highway buses operate between Tokyo and Kochi . The one way trip takes about 12 hours and costs between 8,900 and 14,500 yen depending on the day of travel. Further discounts can be available for reserving in advance. Online reservations for some of the buses can be made through Willer .

Above fees and schedules are subject to change. Be sure to check current yen exchange rates .

Getting around

Even though Kochi is a small city, its sights are spread over a wide area. Kochi Station lies at the north end of town. While Kochi Castle and the downtown area around Harimayabashi are within walking distance of the station, Mount Godaisan (4 kilometers southeast of Kochi Station) and Katsurahama Beach (8 kilometers south of Kochi Station) are farther away.

Kochi is served by two tram lines , operated by Tosaden, the local railway company. One line runs north-south (Sanbashi Line) and the other runs east-west (Ino Line). They meet each other at Harimayabashi in the city center. The fare is a flat 200 yen per ride in the city center.

Trams are used in a similar way as local buses : Enter through the rear door and take a ticket, and leave through the front door after depositing the fare into the box next to the driver. Passengers transferring between the two lines need to ask the driver for a transfer ticket ("norikae-ken") when exiting the first tram. IC cards , such as Suica, cannot be used.

Tosaden also operates buses that provide access to Katsurahama Beach . Furthermore, there is the My Yu Bus , a bus line for tourists, which connects central Kochi with Godaisan and Katsurahama roughly hourly. The cost is 600 yen for a day of unlimited rides between Kochi Station and Godaisan, and 1000 yen for a day of unlimited rides between Kochi Station and Katsurahama. Foreign tourists qualify for a 50% discount if they present their passport.

Kochi Ryoma Airport , named after local hero Sakamoto Ryoma, is located to the east of the city. It is connected to Kochi Station via an airport bus (40 minutes, 900 yen one way).

travel to kochi japan

Questions? Ask in our forum .

Links and Resources

Kochi ryoma airport, hotels around kochi.

travel to kochi japan

IMAGES

  1. 10 Reasons Why You Need to Visit Kochi

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  2. 10 Best Places to Visit in Kochi Prefecture in Japan

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  3. 19 things to do in Kochi, Japan: a city guide

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  4. 10 Best Places to Visit in Kochi Prefecture in Japan

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  5. Kochi Castle

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  6. Things to do in Kochi City, Japan

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VIDEO

  1. Kochi Sunday Market 2023 in Kochi, Japan

  2. Japan Travel Vlog

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  4. #kochi,Japan,COOKING MY ORGANIC TARO

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COMMENTS

  1. Kochi Guide: Things to do in Kochi

    Two notable activities in Kochi include whale-watching and the famous Yosakoi Dance Festival every August. If you're on a long vacation (and want to get some exercise), try the Shikoku O-henro, a pilgrimage of 88 temples that runs through Kochi (16 of the temples are located within the prefecture) and covers all of Shikoku, spanning 1200 km long.

  2. Kochi Travel Guide

    The city is small and friendly, with a casual atmosphere and a dose of southern flair. Kochi boasts several attractions of interest to travelers. A well preserved, original hilltop castle from the feudal period marks Kochi's downtown. Nearby on another mountain, Godaisan, pilgrims visit Chikurinji Temple, one of the 88 temples along the Shikoku ...

  3. Kochi

    Kochi Prefecture's location on the Pacific Ocean has made it a gathering place for surfers from all over Japan. The Muroto area of its rugged coast has earned UNESCO Global Geopark status for its geological formations. The clear Shimanto River draws campers and trekkers eager to spend time on its banks. Historical townscapes such as Kochi Castle, old sake breweries and traditional markets in ...

  4. Visit Kochi Japan

    VISIT KOCHI JAPAN, an official website introducing information on tourism in Kochi Prefecture, is open. Of all regions on Shikoku Island situated in southwestern Japan, Kochi is the largest prefecture abundant in the blessings of nature.The website provides useful information to people who are considering traveling to Kochi and those currently visiting the prefecture.

  5. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Kochi (Updated 2024)

    Rule 3: ring the bell once, it is bad luck to ring when you leave. Rule 4: exit the main gate on the left side , turn around and bow once. Do not miss the 5 story pagoda. One can view a treasure trove of cultural assets from Kochi and relax in the natural beauty setting. Review of: Chikurinji Temple.

  6. Top 10 Things to Do in Kochi Prefecture, Japan

    Nanokawa, Niyodogawa, Agawa District, Kochi 781-1741. 8. Shimanto River. The Shimanto River is the longest river in Shikoku at 196 km and is known as "Japan's last remaining unobstructed stream" with no dams or blockage throughout. Photo: Kochi Prefecture.

  7. Kochi Japan Travel Guide and Top Things to Do

    Washi paper making experience, Inochō. Located inside the Inochō Paper Museum, you'll find a chance to have a go at making a special type of paper, Tosa Washi. Kochi Prefecture was previously named Tosa, hence the name, and Tosa Washi has since been officially designated as a traditional handicraft in the country.

  8. 15 Best Things To Do In Kochi, Japan

    Kochi, Japan is a beautiful place to visit and one of my favorite places in Japan. Here are my favorite things to do in Kochi, Japan. Check it out! ... If you are planning to travel via train, then it will cost you a lot more time and money. The flight from Tokyo Narita Airport to Kochi Airport, is around 1 hour and 40 minutes. ...

  9. 13 Exciting Things to do in Kochi, Japan: A ...

    The market is also walking distance from the Kochi Castle (more in #10). Opening Hours: 10AM - 11PM. Opens 9AM - 11PM on Sundays. Shops may close earlier. Address: 2-3-1 Obiya-machi, Kochi City, Kochi Prefecture 780-0841 *Pro-tip: Even though the market hall opens early, most individual stalls only open in the evening.

  10. Kochi City Travel Guide

    Kochi Castle, is probably the town's biggest attraction and is a completely original castle, one of only twelve such in Japan. The complete inner citadel (honmaru) of the castle is still intact.First constructed between 1601 and 1611 by Yamauchi Katsutoyo, the feudal lord (daimyo) of Tosa, the castle burnt down in 1727 and was rebuilt between 1729 and 1753.

  11. The 8 Best Things To Do In Kochi You Should Not Miss In 2024

    Kochi City, the capital of the Kochi Prefecture, which is located in the south coast of Shikoku Island, the smallest of the four main islands of Japan, offers a side of Japan that is almost never covered in mainstream Japan travel topics.It's a mystery why though, as traveling to this remote region off the south coast of Honshu is now super easy thanks to heightened domestic tourism, and the ...

  12. Kochi City Travel Guide: Things to do in Kochi City, Kochi

    If you're not a fan of big cities, or just need a break from the constant crowd, the much slower pace of Kochi City will be a welcome addition to your travel itinerary in Japan. Kochi City is the capital of Kochi Prefecture, and has a population of about 343,000. On first look, Kochi is not much different looking from most Japanese cities.

  13. 10 Best Places to Visit in Kochi

    1. Katsurahama Beach. Located in Kochi City, Katsurahama Beach is a scenic beach where swimming is prohibited because of strong currents. The beach is a home to a famous statue of the local samurai hero Sakamoto Ryoma. Ssakamoto was one of the key persons who helped to bring an end to Japan's feudal age in 1868.

  14. Kochi: A Travel Guide to Japan's Best Kept Secrets & Destinations

    Yusuhara town (梼原町) is nestled in the primeval forests of northwestern Kochi Prefecture, once a thriving logging town. Many centuries before that, it was founded by a member of Kyoto's political elite who was exiled to Shikoku on the count of a false conspiracy against him. As a man of culture, he gathered skilled craftsmen and artisans ...

  15. Kochi City

    Kochi City is Shikoku's gem on the Pacific Ocean. With abundant nature, numerous caves, and lots of chances to get crafty, Kochi City is a great addition to any travel itinerary. ... Planning a Trip to Japan? Share your travel photos with us by hashtagging your images with #visitjapanjp. KOCHI Kochi City Kilometers of caves, Monet's Garden ...

  16. A Travelers Guide to Kochi Japan

    But it is a stop that should be added to anyone traveling Japan for two weeks or heading around Japan for 3 weeks or more; Kochi is a greaat option. Most travelers rarely stray from to the well-trodden tourist trail of Tokyo, Kyoto, and a couple other places. In the hopes of persuading you to get away from the bigger cities and explore rural ...

  17. Things to do in Kochi City, Japan

    The first stop is Kochi Castle. You can use the transport pass to catch the tram here from the JR train station - or it's just a 20 minute walk. This is one of the most important castles in Japan. There are only 12 in the whole country that are considered to be original and intact - and Kochi Castle is one of them.

  18. 10 Amazing Things to Do in Kochi, Japan

    The best things to see and do in Kochi, Japan including the Sakamoto Ryoma Museum, Makino Botanical Garden and Ino Japanese Paper Museum. Including tips for great budget accommodation in Kochi. ... You can travel to Kōchi from Takamatsu (about 2h 20mins. / 2,800¥), Kotohira (about 1.5 hours / 2,100¥) and Oboke in the Iya Valley (about 50 ...

  19. Best Things to Do in Kochi, Japan

    The capital of Kōchi Prefecture on Japan's Shikoku Island may be on the smaller side in terms of Japanese cities, but with a population of just over 300,000 residents, the charming city is a ...

  20. Kochi Japan Travel Guide And Top Things To Do Kochi Prefecture

    Kochi Prefecture is located on the southern coast of Shikoku Island, one of the four main islands of Japan. It is bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the south and the Kii Peninsula to the north. With a land area of approximately 7,100 square kilometers, Kochi is the largest prefecture on Shikoku.

  21. 10 Things To Do In Kochi: Scenic Spots, History, And Cuisine

    Kochi also boasts a rich history with one of Japan's most famous samurai, Ryoma Sakamoto, being born in here. Prior to the Meiji Restoration, Kochi was known as the Tosa Province. Nowadays, there still is a city named Tosa in Kochi Prefecture. We introduce ten activities and things to enjoy in Kochi, a beautiful though lesser-known region of ...

  22. KOCHI JAPAN ATTRACTIONS: Reasons to travel Kochi

    Check out the top attractions in Kochi Prefecture, Japan. A land of lush forests, crystal-clear rivers, and crashing waves on a dramatic coastline. It's idea...

  23. Cherry blossom forecast updated with later start date, full-bloom

    That means we're going to be seeing a slightly later start to sakura season than we'd expected, but not by much.Japan is set to see considerably warm weather as we move into mid-March, and Weather News says this will accelerate the buds' development enough that the sakura will begin to blossom in Tokyo on March 19, one day later than the previous forecast predicted.

  24. Kochi Castle

    Kochi Prefecture ©VISIT KOCHI JAPAN Kochi Castle is one of the must-see sightseeing spots when visiting Kochi. Constructed at the beginning of the 17th century, Kochi Castle is one of the 12 original Japanese castles and the only castle in Japan where both the original castle tower (tenshu) and the main keep (honmaru) remain intact.

  25. Tokyo to Kochi: How to get to and around Kochi

    6 h. ¥ 21,000. Covered by: Japan Rail Pass. Take the JR Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen from Tokyo to Okayama (3.5 hours) and transfer to a JR Nanpu limited express train for Kochi (2.5 hours). The entire one way trip takes around six hours and costs about 21,000 yen. The Japan Rail Pass fully covers the entire trip if Hikari and Sakura trains are ...