Kochi

Kochi Prefecture is located on the southern side of Japan’s Shikoku Island, blessed with a stunning Pacific coastline, Japan’s last pristine river, and a rich sense of history and anime culture. With its slow pace and abundant food, it is an ideal destination for slowing down and experiencing a southern-island atmosphere.

Here is a classic 3-day, 2-night Kochi itinerary for you, balancing natural scenery, history and culture, and food experiences:

Classic 3-Day, 2-Night Itinerary

• Day 1: City History and Seaside Charm
  • Morning: Arrive at Kochi Station and buy a one-day “My-Yu Bus” pass at the tourist information center. Head to Kochi Castle, one of the few old castles in Japan that still retains its wooden keep, then take a stroll through Kochi Park.

• Afternoon: Take the bus to Katsurahama, known for its perfect crescent-shaped bay. Visit the statue of Sakamoto Ryoma, walk along the seaside promenade, or head to Cape Ryuo for distant views of the Pacific Ocean.

• Evening: Return to the city center and go to Hirome Market to try Kochi’s local specialties and experience the lively atmosphere of its food-stall scene.

• Day 2: Hidden Natural Scenery and Pristine River Experiences
  • Morning: Drive or take a bus to the Niyodo River and try drifting in a transparent kayak. In direct sunlight, the river takes on the dreamy color known as “Niyodo Blue,” making it incredibly photogenic.

• Afternoon: Head to Ikegawa Tea Garden for a tea ceremony experience, taste matcha pudding, and enjoy the fresh tea fragrance of the mountains.
  • Dusk: Ride a yakatabune pleasure boat on the Niyodo River to admire the twilight, passing unique submersible bridges along the way, then return to the city center or continue on to stay in Shimanto City.

• Day 3: Shikoku’s Southernmost Point or an Anime Pilgrimage
  • Option A (Natural Scenery): Head to Cape Ashizuri, stand on the observation deck at the southernmost point of Shikoku and look out over the Pacific Ocean, then visit Hakusan Domon, a natural sea-erosion arch. Best suited for self-driving or a chartered car.

• Option B (Anime and Family Trip): Visit the Yanase Takashi Memorial Hall (Anpanman Museum), where you can see recreations of classic scenes such as the bread factory and buy limited-edition merchandise. It can be reached from Kochi Station by transferring between JR trains and buses.

Must-Visit Attractions

Kochi’s attractions are fairly spread out, with distinctive highlights both inside and outside the city. Here are the core destinations most worth recommending:

• Katsurahama: Kochi’s signature attraction, with some of the bluest seawater in Shikoku. The white sand and pine forest complement each other beautifully, making it an excellent place to watch the sunset or simply zone out, and you can also get up close to the statue of Sakamoto Ryoma.
• Kochi Castle: The only old castle in Japan that preserves the wooden structures of its keep, palace, and gate all together. From the top of the keep, you can take in panoramic views of Kochi City, and the surrounding Kochi Park is also great for a walk.
• Niyodo River: Known as “Japan’s last pristine river,” with water so clear you can see to the bottom. A transparent kayak drifting experience is highly recommended; in the sunlight, the water turns a captivating jewel blue, and even beginners can enjoy it easily.
• Cape Ashizuri: Located at the southernmost point of Shikoku, with cliffs up to 80 meters high. You can enjoy a 270-degree view over the Pacific Ocean, and most of the walking trails are shaded by mountain trees, with cool sea breezes that make it perfect for hiking and breathing in fresh air.
• Yanase Takashi Memorial Hall: A memorial museum in the hometown of Yanase Takashi, creator of *Anpanman*. It displays many original hand-drawn works and recreates classic scenes from the anime, making it ideal for family trips and pilgrimages for anime fans.

Must-Eat Food Guide

Kochi’s cuisine centers on hearty local dishes and fresh seafood. Here are the specialties you should not miss:

• Seared Bonito Tataki: Kochi’s soul food. The surface of the bonito is seared over rice straw, giving it a subtle smoky aroma, while the inside retains a sashimi-like texture. Paired with garlic slices, green onion, and soy sauce, it is astonishingly fresh and flavorful.

• Yatai Gyoza: A representative of Kochi’s izakaya culture. The dumplings have thin skins and generous fillings, with a crisp pan-fried exterior, making them perfect with drinks. Yasubee inside Hirome Market and the roadside stall Yatai Yasubee are both very popular.

• Sawachi Cuisine: A local Kochi cuisine in which a huge platter is piled high with various seafood, vegetables, and fried foods, highlighting an unpretentious and hearty style. It is ideal for sharing among a group.

• Imo Kenpi: A Kochi specialty snack. Sweet potatoes are cut into thin strips, fried until crisp, and coated with sugar syrup. With its sweet-and-savory flavor, it can be bought at Hirome Market or supermarkets and makes an excellent souvenir.

• Conger Eel Tempura: A lesser-known Kochi specialty ingredient. The coating is crisp and the fish is delicious; you can try it at shops such as Myojinmaru in Hirome Market. Paired with matcha salt, it has a distinctive flavor.

Transportation and Pitfall-Avoidance Guide

• City Transportation: It is highly 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, offering excellent value for money.
• Transportation to Surrounding Areas: For nearby areas such as Cape Ashizuri, the Niyodo River, or the Shimanto River, public transportation takes a long time and has limited departures, so renting a car and driving yourself is the most recommended option. If using public transportation, be sure to check JR train and bus connection times in advance.
• Pitfall Reminder: Hirome Market is very crowded on weekends and seats can be hard to find, so it is best to go during off-peak hours or visit long-established restaurants around the market instead. If you go to Kashiwajima or Cape Ashizuri to see the sea, be sure to choose a perfectly sunny day, as on cloudy days the water loses its transparent quality.