Kochi Trip Tips

History & culture

Kochi Prefecture is known as the birthplace of Ryoma Sakamoto, the hero of the closing days of the Tokugawa shogunate, and is a very popular destination for those who love Japanese history. Kochi Prefecture is also known for its cheerful and vibrant culture, as evidenced by the famous Yosakoi Festival. The people are friendly and warm, and it is not uncommon for first-timers to drink together at the “Hirome Market,” where local cuisine can be enjoyed.

Katsura beach

Katsurahama Beach is one of the most scenic spots in Kochi Prefecture, where visitors can enjoy the statue of Ryoma Sakamoto and the beautiful view of the Pacific Ocean. The statue of Ryoma Sakamoto juts out into the Pacific Ocean, looking powerfully toward the future and inspiring visitors.

The Katsurahama Aquarium (also known as “Hamasui”), which has attracted attention in recent years for its unique SNS, is located near the statue and is one of Kochi’s most popular tourist attractions.

Shimanto River

The Shimanto River is a beautiful river that flows through the western part of Kochi Prefecture and is called the last clear stream in Japan. At 196 km in length, it is the longest river in Shikoku, and its clear waters and rich nature attract many tourists from Japan and abroad.

In the Shimanto River basin, traditional lifestyles that have been passed down from generation to generation still remain, and visitors can experience the unique culture of the Shimanto River, such as the sunken bridge and the Shimanto River boat cruise.

Kashiwa Island

Kashiwa Island is a small island located in Otsuki Town, Kochi Prefecture, and is a diver’s paradise known for its clear, beautiful waters and abundant marine life.

It is home to a diverse array of marine life, including sea turtles and colorful tropical fish, and has become a hot topic on social networking sites in recent years due to the beauty of its waters.

Cape Ashizuri

Cape Ashizuri is the southernmost cape on Shikoku. It is known for its magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean and sheer cliffs, and is designated as a national scenic beauty spot. The magnificent view of the endless Pacific Ocean is spectacular, especially at sunrise and sunset.

Hirome Market

Hirome Market is a stall village with about 70 restaurants located in the center of Kochi City. Visitors can enjoy a variety of gourmet foods such as fresh seafood, dishes made from local ingredients, and Kochi’s famous bonito tataki.

Because of the casual atmosphere unique to a food stall, this is a particularly good place for those who like to drink, as it allows you to mingle with people seated nearby and enjoy a small variety of dishes.

Nikobuchi

Nikobuchi is a mysterious abyss located in a tributary of the Niyodo River. The beautiful blue surface of the water, which shows various expressions depending on the sunlight and time of day, is so vivid that it is called “Niyodo blue.

Legend has it that Nikobuchi is where a serpent, believed to be an incarnation of the water god, dwells, and it is still considered a sacred place. It is recommended for those who wish to be at one with nature in peace and quiet, and for those who seek beautiful scenery.

Bonito tataki

A specialty of Kochi Prefecture, bonito tataki is a bold dish of fresh bonito roasted over straw. It is characterized by its savory surface and rare inside.

Bonito tataki itself can be found all over Japan, but the authentic taste is different, so please try it in Kochi Prefecture.

Moray eel tataki

Kochi Prefecture boasts the largest catch of moray eel in Japan, and the fish has long been a local delicacy. Among them, “Moray eel tataki” is a delicacy that can only be enjoyed in Kochi Prefecture, and its white meat and low fat content are superb.

You may resist the appearance of this “sea gangster,” but once you taste it, you will surely be captivated by its unique charm.

Jako-ten

Jako-ten is a soul food loved in Kochi Prefecture. It is made by grinding chirimenjako (dried baby sardines) into a paste and deep frying it in oil, which gives it a crispy texture and a savory flavor.

It can be eaten as is or as a snack or alcoholic beverage. It is also often used as an ingredient in udon and soba noodles.

Yuzu

Kochi Prefecture is known as the largest producer of yuzu in Japan. Various processed products using yuzu are sold here and are recommended as souvenirs. A yuzu drink called “Gokkun Umajimura” is a popular drink among Kochi residents and is very tasty, so please try it if you find it.

Tosa Sake

Kochi Prefecture is the home of Tosa Sake, a nationally renowned Japanese sake. Tosa sake is characterized by its delicate and refined taste, which is the result of a fusion of rice grown in a mild climate and high-quality water, and traditional sake brewing techniques. Famous brands include “Bikuyo,” “Tosa Shiragiku,” and “Tsukiyotan.

We invite you to take a tour of the sake brewery and participate in a tasting tour to fully appreciate the charm of Tosa sake.

Nabeyaki Ramen

Nabeyaki Ramen, a specialty of Susaki City, Kochi Prefecture, is a unique local ramen dish served in a hot clay pot. The chicken broth is made with a soy sauce base, thin noodles, green onions, chikuwa (a small piece of fish paste), and a raw egg, and is simmered in an earthenware pot. This gourmet dish is popular among men and women of all ages and is very tasty.

Yosakoi Festival

This is one of the largest festivals in Japan, held every summer in Kochi City. Approximately 200 teams and 20,000 dancers participate in the festival, performing with great enthusiasm.

The unique feature of the Yosakoi Festival is that it is participatory. Anyone can form a team and participate in the festival, and can showcase their original costumes and performances.
*If you wish to participate, you must apply to the team in advance. Some teams have acceptance programs for foreigners.

If you want to experience the culture of Kochi Prefecture and enjoy the Japanese summer to the fullest, please join the Yosakoi Festival.

Shimanto Canoeing

The Shimanto River is a beautiful river, called the last clear river in Japan. Shimanto Canoeing, a canoe trip down the Shimanto River, is a popular activity among foreign tourists.

There are a variety of canoeing companies, offering tours for beginners as well as for advanced canoeists. Join the tour that suits you best and experience an exhilarating adventure while enjoying the beauty of nature.

Niyodo River SUP

Niyodo River SUP is an activity that can be enjoyed on the Niyodo River, one of the most beautiful rivers in Kochi Prefecture, and the exhilaration of riding a SUP (stand-up paddleboard) through the clear water is exceptional.

There are a variety of courses, from beginner courses to advanced courses, so you can choose the course that best suits your level. If you want to experience something extraordinary on a crystal clear river, try Niyodo River SUP.

Skipjack fishing experience

Kochi Prefecture is a skipjack kingdom, boasting the largest catch of skipjack in Japan. The traditional fishing method of “katsuo ippon tsuri” is a must-see experience in Kochi. The fish are literally caught one at a time, which means that the fish are clean and have little pain in their flesh.

A skipjack fishing experience is a valuable experience that will become a memorable part of your trip to Kochi. Please give it a try.

Anpanman Museum

Takashi Yanase, the creator of the popular anime “Anpanman,” is from Kochi Prefecture. The Anpanman Museum in Aki City, Kochi Prefecture, is a theme park where visitors can fully enjoy the world of the popular “Anpanman” cartoon.

The museum offers a variety of facilities that can be enjoyed by both children and adults, including “Anpanman Town,” a recreation of Anpanman’s town, and “Anpanman Hall,” where a show featuring Anpanman and his friends is held.

Diving in Kashiwa Island

Kashiwa Island is a small island located in the southwestern part of Kochi Prefecture and is known as one of the best diving spots in Japan for diving enthusiasts. Kashiwa Island is home to more than 200 species of marine life, including sea turtles, manta rays, and sharks. The encounter rate with sea turtles is particularly high, allowing visitors to observe them up close.

Kashiwa Island offers a variety of dive sites, from those for beginners to those for advanced divers. In addition, many dive stores offer Japanese and English language services, allowing you to enjoy diving with peace of mind.

Spring

• Cherry Blossom Viewing Tour: Tour Kochi Castle, Katsurahama Beach, and other cherry blossom viewing spots throughout the prefecture.
• Enjoy Bonito tataki: The first bonito is in season from April to May, and you can enjoy bonito tataki.

Summer

• Shimanto River Sunken Bridge Tour: A tour of sunken bridges over the Shimanto River is recommended. You can enjoy the scenery while feeling the cool river breeze.
• Swimming: You can enjoy swimming in the beautiful waters of the Pacific Ocean.

Autumn

• Autumn Foliage Viewing: Enjoy the colorful autumn foliage at famous autumn foliage viewing spots such as Cape Ashizuri and Yasui Valley.

Winter

• Nabe cuisine at Hirome Market: You can enjoy nabe cuisine made with fresh seafood at Hirome Market.
• Winter Scenery of Cape Ashizuri: The winter scenery of Cape Ashizuri, one of Kochi’s most famous winter scenic spots, is spectacular.

Festival

• Yosakoi Festival: Dancers gather from all over Japan for this festival that represents summer in Kochi City. The festival is filled with gorgeous costumes and enthusiastic dancing.

Traditional crafts

• Tosa Washi: A traditional craft of Kochi Prefecture with a history of over 1,000 years. Delicate and beautiful washi is used for a variety of artworks.
• Tosa Lacquerware: This is a traditional craft of Kochi Prefecture that has continued since the Edo period. Vivid and gorgeous lacquerware is known as a luxury item.

Airplane

It takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes from Haneda Airport to Kochi Airport.

Railway

It takes about 3 hours and 30 minutes from Tokyo Station to Okayama Station by Shinkansen bullet train, and about 3 hours from Okayama Station by limited express “Nanpuu”.

Express Bus

It takes about 12 hours from Tokyo Station to Kochi Station. A late-night express bus service is available.