Kochi

Kochi, the capital of Kochi Prefecture on Shikoku island, welcomes visitors with its hilltop castle, Pacific coast, and local food culture. You can watch fishmongers prepare fresh bonito at Hirome Market, join thousands of dancers at the August Yosakoi festival, or walk through Japan's longest-running Sunday Market where farmers have sold their produce since 1690.

Exploring Kochi Castle and Downtown

The wooden buildings of Kochi Castle date from 1749, making it one of Japan's twelve original castles. You can explore fifteen separate structures and climb the keep's stairs for city views. Cherry trees line the castle moat and fill several parks within the grounds. Three tram lines connect the castle area to other parts of downtown.

Markets and Local Food

The Sunday Market fills one kilometer of downtown streets with 500 vendors selling vegetables, fruits, and handmade crafts. Inside Hirome Market, 65 food stalls serve local specialties including katsuo tataki - bonito fish with a flame-seared exterior and raw center. Local residents gather here from afternoon until late evening, sharing tables and meals.

Rivers and Nature Activities

You can swim, fish, or take a yakatabune (river houseboat) trip on the Niyodo River. Local guides explain the area's ecology while you sit on tatami mats during the 124-kilometer journey. The Shimanto River runs for 196 kilometers without dams, creating clear waters for kayaking. Many visitors camp along the riverbank in summer.

Cultural Sites and Museums

Mount Godaisan's Chikurin-ji Temple dates from 724, with walking paths winding through its forested grounds and gardens. The adjacent Makino Botanical Garden contains over 3,000 plant species. At Katsurahama Beach, the Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial Museum tells the story of the 19th-century samurai who helped shape modern Japan.

Getting Around

Three tram lines run through central Kochi. The My Yu Bus stops at major locations including the castle, Godaisan, and Katsurahama Beach. You can fly directly to Kochi-Ryoma Airport from Tokyo's Haneda Airport. Several highway buses travel daily between Kochi and Osaka, passing through Tokushima.