Kochi in southern Japan may not be as famous as its neighboring cities like Kyoto and Tokyo, but it does have its own unique attractions that never disappoints. It has several ancient castles that take you back as far as the Meiji era, jaw-dropping gardens, odd museums, and scrumptious seafood cuisines. Though it’s situated on Shikoku island, a bit isolated and often passed over, it’s worth a second look for its many hidden gems. The lush landscape and beautiful terrain make it hard to ignore. This is where Japan’s world-class corals were first discovered. One of Japan’s oldest markets, which is found in Kochi, sells the freshest fish, fruits, and vegetables used in the dishes served in izakayas (Japanese cafes). Follow our list of things to do in Kochi, Japan and you’ll never get bored. Read on and include them in your travel plans!
1. Visit the amazing Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial Museum
This ultramodern museum is on a hilltop on the grounds of the former Urado Castle. It’s a memorial for Sakamoto Ryoma, a Kochi native and young samurai who wanted to end the feudal system and modernize Japan. His political movement started the Meiji Revolution in 1868 and he was assassinated in Kyoto at age 31. The museum contains his memorabilia, including a collection of his written work, 2,000 books on Meiji Restoration, scrolls, videos, replicas of the gun he used for self-defense, and the bloodstained screen where he was murdered. Shops, shrines, and Katsurahama Aquarium are nearby, making it perfect for a day trip.
Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial Museum
Address: Japan, 830 782 Kochi, Urado, Shiroyama
Website: Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial Museum
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Price: from 5 USD (500 JPY)
2. Join the pilgrimage to Chikurin-ji Temple
Chikurin-ji Temple is the 31st stop among 88 temples included in Shikoku Pilgrimage, believed to be the training grounds of a Buddhist monk. Students also flock here because the bodhisattva enshrined here is the deity for wisdom. Though it’s not as popular as those in Kyoto, this five-story pagoda is equally handsome and worth visiting. It has a tree-lined pathway once you enter the remarkable wooden gate lit by moss-covered lanterns. Wander around the surrounding gardens for free. The paid area features a showcase of Buddha sculptures, a treasure house, and a lovely Japanese garden.
Chikurin-ji Temple
Address: 3577 Godaisan, Kochi, 781-8125, Japan
Website: Chikurin-ji Temple
Opening hours: 8:30am - 5pm (daily)
3. Tour the ancient Kōchi Castle
Kochi Castle is among the few original Japanese castles that survived the Meiji and Edo eras. Among the original castles, it’s the only one with its original gate. The Castle-Lord and his family’s residence, government office, and observation tower are still intact. It was first built in the 1600s and reconstructed in 1748. Compared to other castles like Matsuyama and Himeji, it’s smaller but with lovelier scenic views and interiors. It’s located in a lovely park perfect for cherry blossom viewing and picnics.
Kōchi Castle
Address: 1 Chome-2-1 Marunouchi, Kochi, 780-0850, Japan
Website: Kōchi Castle
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
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4. See the dolphins at Katsurahama Aquarium
Just 40 minutes by bus from JR Kochi Station is an aquarium on the Katsurahama Park shore, facing the scenic Tosa Bay. Unlike other Japanese aquariums which are typically big, this is smaller, with a family-friendly feel. It’s mostly open-air and everything is within a kid’s reach and eye level. Play and feed the sea animals with friendly staff ready to assist. Adults can relax in a small café with a cup of coffee or eat ice cream while admiring the beach. Watch the dolphin and seal shows for free, or listen to talks on how otters and sea lions are bred. For an extra fee, try the fish spa where tiny fish nibble the dead skin off your hands and feet.
Katsurahama Aquarium
Address: 778 Urado, Kochi, 781-0262, Japan
Website: Katsurahama Aquarium
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
5. Learn history from Kochi Castle Museum of History
Unlike most Japanese castles that also work as a museum, Kochi Castle Museum of History is a detached building devoted to the castle’s history. It’s within walking distance to the castle so the two buildings are easily combined. Take the My Yu bus to get to the museum and get a discounted price for the entrance fee to certain exhibits. See records of Tosa Kingdom’s history from the era of the Warring States up to the Meiji Reformation in the form of artwork, ancient manuscripts, and state-owned treasures. Kids have the opportunity to put on real Samurai armor. The third-floor observatory offers a spectacular view of the entire castle.
Kochi Castle Museum of History
Address: 2 Chome-7-5 Otesuji, Kochi, 780-0842, Japan
Website: Kochi Castle Museum of History
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 6pm; Sun: 8am - 6pm
Price: from 5 USD (500 JPY)
6. Smell the flowers at Kochi Prefectural Makino Botanical Garden
Across Chikurinji temple, Kochi Prefectural Makino Botanical Garden sits on the peak of Mt. Godai, offering breathtaking views of Kochi and the Pacific Ocean. It was built in 1958 to honor Japan’s Father of Botany, Dr. Tomitaro Makino. Both a research laboratory and botanical garden, it’s Japan’s best garden facility featuring rare and ornamental plants, hundreds of medicinal plants, and wild plants from Kochi Prefecture. The garden’s architectural design is impressive. The open-air landscaped area lined with native flora and fauna is great for picnics. The south garden features a pond for contemplating. Explore the observatory, which houses several trees, plants, and various flowers.
Kochi Prefectural Makino Botanical Garden
Address: 4200-6 Godaisan, Kochi, 781-8125, Japan
Website: Kochi Prefectural Makino Botanical Garden
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 6.63 USD (730 JPY)
7. See the scenic Katsurahama Beach
The scenic beach of Katsurahama is 30 minutes by bus from the southern side of Kochi Central. It’s forbidden to swim here due to the strong waves. Instead, it would be better to explore the wonderful scenery and attractions in the area. On a hill overlooking the beach is Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial Museum. The statue of the legendary revolutionist Ryoma is located by the beach. Near the museum and accessible on foot through a lovely path is a tiny aquarium and a shrine. There are nearby restaurants that serve katsuo no tataki, the specialty dish of Kochi.
Katsurahama Beach
Address: 9 Urado, Kochi 781-0262, Kochi Prefecture
8. Be impressed at Museum of Art, Kochi
From the outside, you will be impressed by the museum’s architecture. The building is a brilliant mix of modern and traditional design, surrounded by water features and lush greenery. Though some people only visit the coffee shop, most are here to view the exhibits. They house the collective works of local and contemporary artists in a variety of genres. Works by Marc Chagall, a French artist with a unique impressionist style, and Ishimoto Yasuhiro’s popular photography collection are the biggest crowd drawers. The museum also has a hall with a Noh stage and a traditional stage where international dances, lectures, interdisciplinary performances, theater plays, concerts, and movie screenings are held.
The Museum of Art, Kōchi
Address: 353-2 Takasu, Kochi City, Kochi Prefecture
Website: The Museum of Art, Kōchi
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 3.26 USD (360 JPY)
9. Enjoy the Sunday Market Kochi
Feel the local vibe of Kochi and Shikoku Island by visiting their local Sunday Market. It’s an excellent source for local produce and handicraft. Around 600 vendors sell fruits, herbs, vegetables, antiques, ceramics, and other artisan goods. Grab some breakfast like fresh sushi or sip some ginger juice (yuzu) while strolling the tiny streets in the 1.3-km-long (0.80-mi) market. It’s located within sight of Kochi Castle and accessible by train on the Dosan Line, 10 minutes away from Kochi Station. Or ride a streetcar on Kochieki-mae to Hasuikemachidori then walk a few steps to the market.
Sunday Market Kochi
Address: 10 Otesuji, Kochi, 780-0842, Japan
Opening hours: Sun: 5am - 6pm (closed from Mon - Sat)
10. Admire spectacular views at Godaisan Park
Enjoy breathtaking views of the downtown area, Kochi Port, and Urado Bay from an elevation of 146 meters (479 feet) high. Godaisan Park, located on the apex of Mt. Godai in eastern Kochi, has a viewpoint on the rooftop of an observatory deck. The deck features an extended overhead walkway leading the viewpoint, perfect for a panoramic view of the cityscape, especially when it’s lit up at night. The mountain, named after Chinese Buddist monks, is accessible by taking a 25-minute ride on the My Yu bus coming from JR Kochi Station.
Godaisan Park
Address: 210-1 Gyuko, Kochi, 781-8126, Japan
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
11. Cross the romantic Harimaya Bridge
Harimaya Bridge seems ordinary and small, measuring only 20 meters (65.62 feet) long, but it plays a big role in the local folklore. This was the meeting place of Junshin, a Chikurinji monk and his secret lover, a local woman. He was caught buying a hairpin from a shop beside the bridge, which exposed their forbidden love affair. Their controversial love story became the subject of a movie and inspired the lyrics of the songs played during the annual Summer Festival, where 1,000 dancers participate in celebrating a good harvest. Stores beside the bridge sell sweets and Kanzashi hairpins.
Harimaya Bridge
Address: 1-5 Harimaya-cho, Kochi-shi, Kochi-ken
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
12. Go shopping in Obiyamachi
Obiyamachi is among the several covered shopping arcades spread all over Japan. Though smaller compared to Kyoto’s Shinkyogoku and Teramachi, Obiyamachi has its own selection of restaurants, cafes, and shops that take a whole day to explore. The area starts from Sanbashidori, which goes out of Kochi Station and passes through Hirome Ichiba. It’s a 10-minute walk from the station, passing by Harimayabashi Bridge along the way. Notably, it has four shopping streets: Obiyamachi 2-chome, Obiyamachi 1-chome, Ohashi-Dori, and Ichiban-Gai Arcade
Obiyamachi Itchome Shopping Street
Address: 1 Obiyamachi, Kochi 780-0841, Kochi Prefecture
13. Dine at Hirome Ichiba
Hirome Ichiba is a small building with a food court and a market with over 60 shops, some of which are Japanese-style pubs (izakaya) and eateries. There are long tables and benches meant for sharing. The restaurants are arranged like a food court so diners can socialize while sampling various cuisines. The vendors also sell quirky souvenirs, fresh produce, and more. Hirome Ichiba is right across the castle park on the other side of the shopping arcade. Once you see a waving cat from the top of the gate, head inside!
Hirome Ichiba
Address: 2 Chome-3-1 Obiyamachi, Kochi, 780-0841, Japan
Website: Hirome Ichiba
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 11pm; Sun: 7am - 11pm
14. Explore Ryuga Cave
Located on the Katsurahama coastline are three limestone caves carved into the earth by rainwater. The largest one, Ryuga Cave, is 4.5 km (2.79 mi) long but only 1 km (0.62 miles) can be accessed. Climb down 800 steps on narrow staircases into a labyrinth of low-ceiling caves where you’ll see a spectacular showcase of stalactites and other rock formations. During holidays like Kochi-Hari Winter Festival, these caves are lit up with multi-colored neon lights. Aside from the caves, there is also a museum, Jincho Center (Rare Birds Center), shops, and restaurants nearby that visitors can explore.
Ryuga Cave
Address: 1424 Tosayamadacho Sakakawa, Kami, Kochi 782-0005, Japan
Website: Ryuga Cave
Opening hours: 8:30am - 5pm (daily)
15. See the "Miracle Stream"
Niyodo River, also known as Niyodo Blue, is among the most beautiful rivers of Japan and Shikoku Region’s third-largest. It’s popular for its stunning aquamarine color and possesses the country’s cleanest water. Depending on the season, the river water sparkles in shades of dark green or bright blue under the sunlight. The mysterious river is found in Nikobuchi. You will find a small sign along the road and you’ll have to rappel down a cliff-like path to view and admire the hidden river system. It’s forbidden to swim or jump into the water.
Niyodo River
Address: 2060-2 Otsu, Sakawa, Takaoka District, Kochi 789-1202, Japan
Website: Niyodo River
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
16. Feel like a kid at Kaiyodo Hobby Museum Shimanto
At the back of Shimanto River, in the heart of the mountains, is the popular Kaiyodo Hobby Museum. It contains impressive exhibits of all kinds of figurines and anime characters, vehicles, animals, dinosaurs, and more. Kaiyodo is known worldwide as a high-class figurine maker. You will learn to appreciate Japanese pop culture with their handiworks. They also have a café where they offer kiddie meals with toys, model building kits, and capsule toys. There’s a corner where guests can indulge in reading comics, watching videos, and doing all sorts of activities. The museum is accessible by train, bus, or a short 30-minute car drive from Kochi Expressway.
Kaiyodo Hobby Museum Shimanto
Address: 1458-1 Utsuigawa, Shimanto, Takaoka District, Kochi 786-0322, Japan
Opening hours: Wed - Mon: 10am - 5pm (closed on Tue)
17. Go with the flow at Shimanto River
Located in western Kochi is Japan’s last clear stream: Shimanto River. It’s 196 km (121.79 mi) long, has a watershed, no dams, and is far from major cities. It flows down from the mountains and combines with larger rivers before joining the Pacific Ocean. With this great beauty flows the culture of the community that lives there. Kagura, traditional plays about ancient myths, and traditional fishing methods like hiburi and shibazuke are still practiced here. There are 22 submergible bridges without hand railings built on the river so water can flow through them along with debris like tree branches. These bridges represent how people and nature co-exist harmoniously. Canoeing and kayaking are popular activities here and are the best way to appreciate the charming appeal of Shimanto River.
18. Visit picture-perfect Kashiwajima Island
4 km (2.48 miles) west of Otsuki is the tiny island of Kashiwajima. It’s among the most beautiful dive and fishing spots in Japan, with an underwater seascape comparable to that of Ogasawara Islands and Okinawa. Its pristine blue sea overflows with over 1,000 species of fish from Seto Inland Sea entryway and the Pacific’s Kuroshio Current. Snorkeling is an option for visitors, or riding a sightseeing boat is another way you can appreciate the beautiful scenery without getting your feet wet. At least stay overnight to have a complete island experience.
Kashiwajima Island
Address: Kashiwajima, Otsuki-cho, Hata-gun 788-0343, Kochi Prefecture
19. Eat at Kuretaishomachi Market
An hour’s drive from Kochi through the Nakatosa Interchange and a five-minute walk from JR Tosakure Station is a tiny historical market worth seeing. Kuretaishomachi Market was a small village wiped out by a big fire during the Meiji Period. With the Emperor’s assistance, the town was rebuilt and the people named it Taisho-machi. It bears the 1950s fishing village atmosphere, with tiny shops selling freshly caught fish which you can purchase along with fruits, vegetables, and handmade delicatessen food. Right across are open-air stalls where the fish and other ingredients that you bought are cooked kure-don style. Bowls of freshly steamed rice are topped with your choice of cooked seafood paired with miso soup. 1,000 JPY (9.09 USD) entitles you to five topping tickets paired with miso soup and rice tickets - an affordable and hearty meal.
Kuretaishomachi Market
Address: 789-1301 Kure Taisho-cho, Nakatosa-cho, Takaoka-gun, Kochi
Website: Kuretaishomachi Market
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 4pm; Sat - Sun: 9am - 4pm
20. Enjoy reading manga at Yokoyama Memorial Manga Museum
Posted by Sid - Travel Counsellor on Wednesday, 13 November 2019
Yokoyama Memorial Manga Museum was built to honor Japan’s first cartoonist. Yokoyama Ryuichi is Kochi’s honorary citizen and a brilliant cartoonist whose comic strips are fun and entertaining. The museum showcases interactive exhibits featuring Fuku-chan, the main character in his comics, Yokoyama’s toy collection, studio, and personal memorabilia. There are manga exhibits by Tosa to educate people and let the future generations continue the manga culture. For those who can’t afford the entrance fee, there is a library where visitors can read the comics drawn by local artists for free. The museum is in Bunka Plaza, near Harimayabashi tram station and Yosakoi Museum.
Yokoyama Memorial Manga Museum
Address: 2-2 Kutanda, Kochi, 780-0832, Japan
Website: Yokoyama Memorial Manga Museum
Opening hours: 9am - 6pm (daily)
Price: 3.73 USD (410 JPY)
21. Enjoy fresh Japanese seafood at SuigeiTei
Just steps away from Harimayabashi and Tosa Sunday Market is a traditional Japanese restaurant that serves the freshest Japanese seafood dishes. The spacious restaurant has traditional exteriors and can hold up to 60 guests. Like all traditional Japanese restaurants, there are counter seats where some patrons prefer to dine alone and quietly. There are seats for small groups and tatami rooms for large groups. Food can be ordered starting noontime.
SuigeiTei
Address: 1 Chome-17-25 Minamiharimayacho, Kochi, 780-0833, Japan
Website: SuigeiTei
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 11:30am - 2pm, 5pm - 9pm; Sun: 5pm - 9pm (closed on Mon)
22. Dance all night at Outer Kochi
Partygoers have a place to go to for an exciting weekend night out. Outer Kochi is a popular nightclub in Kochi where international and local DJs entertain guests with their music. Dance to EDM, techno, bass, and more. They are open every night and there’s a special event every weekend. The interior is a chic music bar motif with a dance floor, an elevated booth, and a long bar serving alcoholic beverages. The student-run Bar CuCutana is also an event space that you can rent for parties, seminars, presentations, and drinking sprees. The club is just walking distance to Obimachi.
Outer Kochi
Address: 1 Chome-15-15 Obiyamachi, Kochi, 780-0841, Japan
Website: Outer Kochi
Opening hours: 10pm - 4am (daily)
23. Enjoy the view at Cape Ashizuri
Cape Ashizuri is a promontory point in Tosashimizu-shi, a city in Southern Shikoku. To reach the top, you will have to hike up a winding, 2-km-long (1.24-mi) seaside hiking trail that goes through the rugged terrain of Cape Ashizuri. You are rewarded with spectacular views of the Kuroshio Current ocean stream. The lighthouse called Tengu-Nose Observatory also offers a 180-degree unobstructed view. The cape is reachable by taking a 1 hour and 40-minute bus ride from Nakamura Station or by a 1 hour and 45-minute train ride on the Tosa Kuroshio Railway.
Cape Ashizuri
Address: Ashizurimisaki, Tosashimizu, Kochi 787-0315, Japan
Opening hours: 8:30am - 5pm (daily)
24. Pay a visit to Yosakoi Inari Shrine
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Don’t miss this eye-catching red building found within the grounds of the grand shrine of Kochi Daijingu. The traditional Japanese temple design has a huge archway and a fox statue on each side of the entrance. Built around 1955 and 1956, it led to the celebration of the Yosakoi Festival. It’s frequented by people from all over the world who come to pray to the three major gods enshrined in this temple. They pray for good luck, prosperity in business and agriculture, peace, success, and safety. It’s visited together with Kochi Castle and museum. Amulets and stamps are sold at Yosakoi Inari and Kochi Daijinguru shrines.
Yosakoi Inari Shrine
Address: 2-chōme-7 Obiyamachi, Kochi, 780-0841, Japan
Website: Yosakoi Inari Shrine
25. Check out Sawada Mansions
Posted by Discover Japan on Friday, 21 August 2015
Sawada Mansions is a unique apartment building you may want to check out. Built by Kanao Sawada, it has been a work in progress since 1971. The huge white building is hard to overlook with its awkward angles, white exteriors, and never-ending ramps. Sawada had in mind a structure made from concepts like ramps instead of stairs for the elderly and differently-abled, a rooftop garden with a duck pond, a tiny artist’s café with a gallery, and an aikido dojo. The residents are mostly elderly and a small group of young artists.
Sawada Mansions
Address: 1 Chome-10-3 Azono Kitamachi, Kochi, 781-0011, Japan
Website: Sawada Mansions
26. Tour the amazing Nakatsu Gorge
Nakatsu Gorge is a 300-year-old gorge found in Kochi’s Niyodo Blue. The pathway runs through Nakatsu River, winding between boulders, and flowing over stepping stones. It’s anointed a sacred Shinto ground, where seven statues of gods of good luck mark the way to your ultimate destination: Uryu-no-Taki waterfalls. The gorge, created by shifting tectonic plates, is decorated with massive boulders in shades of green, red, and gray and are complemented by foliage in hues of orange and red, contrasting with the clear blue waters of the river. The mystical aura of your surroundings will make you feel like you are in another world.
Nakatsu Gorge
Address: Nanokawa, Niyodogawa, Agawa District, Kochi 781-1741, Japan
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Enjoy the fascinating sights of Kochi
Kochi is filled with fascinating attractions that are a mix of natural scenic beauty, old traditions, and modern development. It’s also the source of the most influential Japanese citizens, with museums and monuments dedicated to these people who shaped their history and environment. Learn more about their heritage by exploring Kochi. Make sure you include our list of things to do in your itinerary when visiting this lovely destination in Japan.
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