Kochi

Kochi gets a lot of rain in summer, so bring rain gear for coastal outings.

Kochi Prefecture is located in the southern part of Japan’s Shikoku Island, facing the Pacific Ocean. It has broad coastlines, clear rivers, historic castles, and culture connected to anime. The pace of life here is relatively relaxed, and the local food is rich and varied, making it a good place for an unhurried southern Japan trip.

Below is a classic 3-day, 2-night Kochi itinerary, covering natural scenery, history and culture, and local food.

Classic 3-Day, 2-Night Itinerary

• Day 1: City history and seaside atmosphere
  • Morning: After arriving at Kochi Station, you can first buy a one-day “My Yu Bus” pass at the tourist information center. Then head to Kochi Castle, one of the few old castles in Japan that still preserves its wooden main keep. After your visit, you can take a walk in Kochi Park.

• Afternoon: Take a bus to Katsurahama. This area is known for its crescent-shaped bay. You can visit the statue of Sakamoto Ryoma, stroll along the seaside path, or go to Cape Ryuo for a distant view of the Pacific Ocean.

• Evening: After returning to the city center, head to Hirome Market for dinner. Try Kochi’s local dishes and enjoy the lively market dining atmosphere.

• Day 2: Hidden natural scenery and clear river experiences
  • Morning: Drive or take a bus to the Niyodo River and try a clear kayak drifting experience. When the weather is fine and sunlight hits the river surface, the water takes on the clear color known as “Niyodo Blue.”

• Afternoon: Visit Ikegawa Tea Garden for a tea ceremony experience, taste matcha pudding, and enjoy the fragrance of tea and fresh mountain air.
  • Dusk: Take a yakatabune boat ride on the Niyodo River and enjoy the river scenery in the evening light. Along the way, you may pass local-style chinkabashi, or low-water bridges. Afterward, return to the city center or stay overnight in Shimanto City.

• Day 3: Shikoku’s southernmost point or an anime-themed route
  • Option A (natural scenery): Go to Cape Ashizuri and look out over the Pacific Ocean from the observation deck at the southernmost point of Shikoku. Also visit Hakusan Domon, a natural sea-eroded arch. This route is better suited to driving or hiring a car.

• Option B (anime and family travel): Visit the Yanase Takashi Memorial Hall (Anpanman Museum), where you can see recreations of classic scenes from the anime, such as the bread factory, and buy limited-edition merchandise. From Kochi Station, you can get there by transferring between JR trains and buses.

Main Attractions

Kochi’s attractions are spread out, with things to see both in the city and in the surrounding areas. The following are some of the most representative places on this itinerary:

• Katsurahama: One of Kochi’s most iconic coastal attractions, known for its clear-colored seawater. White sand, pine trees, and the bay scenery complement one another. It is suitable for sunset viewing and walks, and you can also see the statue of Sakamoto Ryoma up close.
• Kochi Castle: The only old castle in Japan that still preserves the wooden structures of its main keep, palace, and gate at the same time. From the main keep, you can overlook Kochi City, and the surrounding Kochi Park is also pleasant for a slow walk.
• Niyodo River: Known as “Japan’s last clear stream,” it has highly transparent water. You can try clear kayak drifting here. On sunny days, the water often appears jewel-like blue, and it is relatively easy for beginners to take part.
• Cape Ashizuri: Located at the southernmost point of Shikoku, with cliffs up to 80 meters high. From here, you can enjoy a 270-degree view of the Pacific Ocean. Many of the walking paths pass through shaded mountain trees, and the sea breeze is refreshing, making it good for hiking.
• Yanase Takashi Memorial Hall: A museum in the hometown of Yanase Takashi, the creator of *Anpanman*. It displays many original hand-drawn works and recreates classic scenes from the anime, making it suitable for families and anime fans.

Kochi Food Guide

Kochi’s food is centered on local cuisine and fresh seafood, with direct flavors and strong regional character. The following are worth adding to your meal plans:

• Seared bonito: Kochi’s representative dish. The surface of the bonito is seared over rice straw, giving it a light smoky aroma, while the inside keeps a sashimi-like texture. It is usually eaten with garlic slices, green onions, and soy sauce.

• Yatai gyoza: A snack that reflects Kochi’s izakaya culture. The dumpling wrappers are thin, the filling is generous, and the outside is pan-fried until crisp, making them good with drinks. Yasubei inside Hirome Market and the roadside stall Yatai Yasubei are both popular.

• Sawachi cuisine: A traditional local Kochi dish served on a large platter with seafood, vegetables, fried items, and other foods. The style is bold and generous, making it suitable for sharing among several people.

• Imo kenpi: A Kochi specialty snack. Sweet potatoes are cut into thin strips, fried until crisp, and coated with sugar syrup. The flavor mixes sweetness and saltiness. You can buy it at Hirome Market or supermarkets, and it also makes a good souvenir.

• Sea eel tempura: A fairly distinctive local way to prepare this ingredient in Kochi. The outside is fried until crisp, while the fish is savory and fresh. You can try it at shops such as Myojinmaru in Hirome Market, and the flavor stands out even more when paired with matcha salt.

Transport and Practical Tips

• City transport: It is recommended to buy a one-day “My Yu Bus” pass, which costs around 1,300 yen. It allows unlimited rides on sightseeing buses and streetcars covering the main attractions, making it suitable for city sightseeing.
• Transport to surrounding areas: When going to outlying areas such as Cape Ashizuri, the Niyodo River, or the Shimanto River, public transport takes a long time and services are limited, so renting a car is more suitable. If you choose public transport, check JR and bus transfer times in advance.
• Itinerary tips: Hirome Market gets crowded on weekends, and seats can be hard to find. Consider going at off-peak times or eating at long-established restaurants around the market. If you plan to go to Kashiwajima or Cape Ashizuri to see the sea, sunny weather will show the water’s clarity much better, while the view is noticeably less impressive on cloudy days.