What’s Kochi Prefecture like?
A Place Where You Can Enjoy Lush Forests, Crystal Clear Rivers,
and Delicious Food
Kochi Prefecture is an area in the southern part of Shikoku, surrounded by a rich natural environment.
Clear rivers, such as Shimanto and Niyodo Rivers, flow from grand mountains to the Pacific Ocean, and locals who are fond of the “okyaku (gathering/party) culture” warmly welcome you.
Kochi offers a variety of delicious food made by using bonito and other fresh seafood as well as local vegetables.
Especially seared bonito is a specialty you cannot miss. Easily accessible from Osaka and Kyoto, it's a captivating place where you can enjoy nature, cultures, and good.
Access from Osaka to KochiAbout 45 minutes by plane
About 3 hours and 40 minutes by train
About 4 hours and 30 minutes by car
Access from Osaka to KochiAbout 45 minutes by plane
About 3 hours and 40 minutes by train
About 4 hours and 30 minutes by car
Immerse Yourself in the Rivers and the Sea of Cobalt Blue Color
You Cannot Find Elsewhere,
the Plateau that Extends High Above, and the Starry Sky
Kochi is a 45-minute plane ride away from Osaka. It is full of natural beauty, including “miraculously clear Niyodo River” with an amazing water quality, “the Shikoku Karst,” and the Tatsukushi Coast with astonishingly clear water, to name a few. You get to enjoy the views while traveling, and revel in fascinating activities.
See model course
Engrossed in the Diverse “Beauties” of Kochi,
from a Place that Allows You to Immerse Yourself in the World of Paintings,
to a Beauty Care that Takes Advantage of the Bounty of the Sea
Kochi is a place where you can appreciate its unique beauty created by its nature, history, and culture.
It offers a variety of multifaceted, profound artistic features, and lets you take in a wealth of “Japanese beauty” through the wellness care that uses deep sea water, Japanese sake and bonito flakes rich in skin-beautifying ingredients, Monet’s Garden, renowned temples, and more.
Be in a Place that
Once Served as the Base for
Modernization Revolution in Japan, and
Experience the Unique Aspects of Kochi that are Passed On to This Day
Kochi became one of the bases for revolutionary activists at the end of Edo period (1603-1868) and has created history and cultures like no other.
Kochi also offers delicious delicacies, such as bonito seared in a dynamic straw fire and Tosa Akaushi Beef. Enjoy a trip to feel the spirit and cultures of Kochi, the birthplace of modernization.
Recommended sightseeing spots in Kochi Prefecture
- Sightseeing
- Dining
- Activities
- Stay
- Shopping
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Shikoku Karst
One of the Three Major Karsts in Japan that offers a sweeping view of the Shikoku Mountains on fine days. Designated as one of the 100 most scenic roads in Japan, Route 383, also known as “road in the sky" winding through the karst is popular driving/cycling course.
Oku-Shimanto -
Tatsukushi coast
A scenic site with an expansive, superb view of beautiful, oddly shaped rocks formed by strong winds and waves over thousands of years.
Hata -
Cape Ashizuri Lighthouse
One of the largest lighthouses in Japan. Located some distance away is an observatory with a stunning, panoramic view where you can actually see the curvature of the Earth.
Hata -
Kongofukuji Temple
This is the 38th temple of Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage. It is located halfway up a hill overlooking Cape Ashizuri, and has long been a home to a number of cultural properties.
Hata -
Hakusan-domon (natural arch)
A granite sea-eroded cave near the base of Cape Ashizuri. It’s a 16-meter high, 17-meter wide, and 15-meter deep large cave creating a mystic scenery, and is designated as a Natural Monument of Kochi Prefecture.
Hata -
Muroto Deep Sea Water Aqua Farm
Here, you can learn all about mineral-rich deep sea water of Muroto through information displays and videos set up.
eastern -
Cape Muroto
A scenic spot designated as a quasi-national park. There are numerous oddly-shaped rocks, and natural power spots where Kobo Daishi (Kukai), the founder of Shingon Sect in Buddhism is said to have trained are scattered about along the coast.
eastern -
Saigosakiji Temple
This is the 24th temple of Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage. It’s the first temple in Kochi Prefecture, and its principal deity Kokuzo Daibosatsu, stored out of the public view, is considered to be created by Kobo Daishi (Kukai), the founder of Shingon Sect in Buddhism.
eastern -
Kiragawa Preserved Townscape
One of the Nation's Preservation District for Groups of Historic Buildings. Merchant houses with plastered walls and storehouses with draining tiles built during the Meiji period (1868-1912) line the streets and make you feel as if you have travelled back in time.
eastern -
Kitagawa Village "Monet's Garden" Marmottan
A reimagined version of the beloved gardens in Giverny of the French impressionist painter Claude Monet that inspired the painter’s famous works.
eastern -
Katsurahama Beach
One of the most renowned scenic sites of Kochi. Green pines surrounding the beach with five-colored gravels are beautiful, and the area is full of tourist spots, such as Katsurahama Aquarium and the statue of Sakamoto Ryoma, the Kochi-born samurai who fought for modern Japan.
Kochi City -
Kochi Prefectural Makino Botanical Garden
Honoring the late Kochi-born botanist Doctor Makino, known as the father of Japanese botany over 3,000 plant species, from rare exotic flowers to wild endemic varieties discovered by Dr. Makino bloom in a garden of some 8 hectares.
Kochi City -
Godaisan Chikurinji Temple
This is the 31st temple of Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage. The main hall is designated an Important National Cultural Property, and the garden believed to be created by a high priest Muso Kokushi as a National Place of Scenic Beauty.
Kochi City -
Kochi Tabi Hiroba (Kochi Travel Plaza)
Located just one minute walk from Kochi Station, it's a tourist information center where you will find all of the guidance you need to enjoy your time in Kochi.
Kochi City -
Kochi Castle
This is the only castle in Japan where the original castle tower and main keep remain intact. It is also one of the only spots in Japan where you can get a unique shot incorporating both castle main gate and tower.
Kochi City -
Kochi Castle Museum of History
A museum that stores and displays numerous historical materials artworks associated with the Tosa Domain, what is now Kochi Prefecture. The cafe inside the museum allows you to enjoy local desserts while viewing the Kochi Castle up close.
Kochi City -
Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial Museum
Sakamoto Ryoma is a Kochi-born hero who played an instrumental role in ending the 250-year-long feudal age. This museum houses the world’s most extensive collection Ryoma’s letters, written while drafting his plan to overthrow the government.
Kochi City -
Ryugado Cave
One of the three largest limestone caves in Japan. Designated a Natural Monument of Japan, this otherworldly cave’s twists and turns reveal stalactites and stalagmites of all sizes formed over the course of 175 million years.
Monobe River basin -
Ekingura
Kinzo ,better known as Ekin,was a late 19th century painter who lost his status after a forgery scandal. The museum stores and displays artwork centered around 23 kabuki play paintings drawn on folding screens.The paintings are so vibrant that people in them look like they are about to move.
Monobe River basin
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Tanaka Sengyoten
A fish store in a fishing town of Kure Taishomachi Ichiba Market that continues to offer very fresh bonito seared with house-made sun-dried straw fire.
Oku-Shimanto -
Cafe Monet's House
A cafe/restaurant located within Monet’s Garden Marmottan in Kitagawa Village. The place offers dishes using local ingredients and inspired by recipes of Monet, who was also knowledgeable about cooking.
eastern -
Hirome Market
Nicknamed "Kochi's kitchen",you can try a wide range of Kochi specialties. If you are looking for classic souvenirs, imo-kenpi (sweet potato fries), aonori (lavor seaweed), and shuto (a paste made from the innards) of sweetfish are recommended.
Kochi City -
Tosawo Shoten
It’s a unique shop selling daily necessities and fresh food with a dining area at the back. You must try “Chunichi Soba Noodle,” a mix of Japanese style udon soup broth and Chinese noodles!
Monobe River basin
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Niyodogawa Outdoor Center
Float over the purest river in Japan in a clear kayak or SUP. Its surreal cobalt blue color know as the "Niyodo Blue", the Niyodo River is so clear that it seems like you are floating on air.
Niyodo River Basin -
Niyodo River Experience
A rafting tour that allows you to enjoy the ride while viewing the beautiful water surface of the Niyodo River and the surrounding scenery. As the flow is gentle, even the first-timers can participate worry-free.
Niyodo River Basin -
Nakatsu Valley Trekking
Take a hike on the 2.3 km walkway along the gorge, and you will enjoy the rock formations created by years of erosion from rain and the flow of the Niyodo River. It is particularly popular as a spot to cool down during the summer, and during the autumn when the red and orange leaves contrast beautifully with the clear blue river.
Niyodo River Basin -
Niyodo River Cycling
Cycle along the Niyodo River and across chinka-bashi (submersible bridges) without rails and enjoy the pleasant wind blowing through the river valley.
Niyodo River Basin -
Yakatabune: Niyodo River
A roundtrip boat tour that takes you close to Nagoya chinka-bashi (submersible bridge) on a yakatabune, traditional roofed leisure boat. Reach out your arm from the window, and you will find the beautiful,cobalt blue water within your reach.
Niyodo River Basin -
Tengu Forest
Tengu Highland stretches on the east side of the Shikoku Karst at an altitude of 1,400 meters. You can try a one-day hike up to the “Tengu Forest” which is located at its highest point.
Oku-Shimanto -
Tatsukushi Diving Center
Enjoy underwater views, including massive oddly-shaped rocks on the seafloor, over 100 kinds of corals, and colorful tropical fish.
Hata -
Tatsukushi glass boat
Tatsukushi Marine Park is home to one of Japan’s largest coral reefs and you will find all types of colorful fish and shellfish thriving in these waters that remain warm all year round.See amazing views of the coral reef and tropical fish that live in the pristine waters of Tatsukushi from a glass-bottom boat.
Hata -
Cilest Muroto
Located right along the coast, it is a thalassotherapy health and wellness center that uses Muroto’s deep sea water in their warm pool, outdoor jacuzzi, and Finnish sauna. It’s a perfect place for you to leisurely spend your day off.
eastern -
Tano Town Complete Sun Dried Salt Making Experiencing Facility
A facility located right by the sea where you can experience salt-making that uses only sea water and the power of the wind and sun , which is rare in Japan. The salt you make can be taken home as a souvenir.
eastern -
Bentenza
A playhouse built by local residents in the Meiji Period (1868-1912) is located in front of Ekin Museum. The world of the kabuki play painted by Kinzo on folding screens is performed as “Ekin Kabuki” at annual Tosa Akaoka Ekin Festival in July.
Monobe River basin -
Kuroshio Country Club
A marquee course for Kochi, hosting some of the biggest tournaments in Japan such as the Casio Open, which attracts some of the top names in international golf. The sea breeze from the Pacific Ocean feels cool in summer and warm in winter, allowing you to enjoy golf in a pleasant condition throughout the year.
eastern -
Kaiyodo Space Factory Nankoku
It is a free museum and factory with a distinctive exterior designed after a spaceship where you can watch the figurines being created from start to the delicate hand-finishing work. You can even try painting your own figurine or making a small diorama under the expert guidance of one of Kaiyodo’s modelers.
Monobe River basin
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Hoshifuru Village Tengu Hotel
High up in the Tengu Highlands in Shikoku Karst, the many skylights and picture windows of this elegant and airy lodge make the most of the mountain views during the day and starry skies at night. If the evening is rainy (or you are only coming up for a day trip), you can still see the stars at their planetarium.
Oku-Shimanto -
New Royal Hotel Shimanto
A hotel conveniently located in the center of Shimanto City. It is an ideal hub to access to the Shimanto River and Cape Ashizuri.
Hata -
Ashizuri Kokusai Hotel
A hotel located close to Cape Ashizuri that lets you enjoy the views of the ocean and starry sky from various places within the hotel.
Hata -
MUROTObase55
A glamping facility engulfed by the natural wonders of the Muroto UNESCO Global Geopark. Modern container houses with an interior of different themes are lined up.
eastern -
Jyoseikan
A long-established Japanese ryokan in the center of Kochi City that has hosted the imperial family as well as many intellectuals and celebrities since its founding in 1874.
Kochi City -
Kitagawamura Onsen Yuzu no Yado
An onsen hotel built with the concept of “yuzu citrus,” a local specialty.
eastern -
Villa Santorini
A resort hotel inspired by Santorini, an island in the Aegean Sea.
Niyodo River Basin
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Kure Taishomachi Ichiba Market
A shopping arcade market that is said to have started out as a place where wives of fishermen began selling fish. You can find all kinds of foods, including freshly-caught seafood, home cooked side dishes, vegetables and fruit at this community’s beloved market.
Oku-Shimanto -
Suigei Brewery
A sake brewery that has continued to create sake to enjoy with meals, which is the traditional Kochi-style (because sake is seen as a way to enrich and enhance the flavors of ingredients gathered from Kochi’s pristine sea, mountains, and rivers). The name Suigei means “drunken whale” and is easily recognizable by its whale's tale motif.
Niyodo River Basin -
Kameizumi Brewery
A sake brewery known for its renowned sake, “Kameizumi,” which is made with the water from 'the spring that never dries up' since the Edo Period (1603-1868).
Niyodo River Basin -
Hamayoshiya
A store founded in 1870 offering dried, smoked skipjack tuna(or bonito). The method passed down from fishermen in Kishu region, has been adapted to the climate and environment of Tosa with unique additions.
Niyodo River Basin
Kochi Prefecture Promotional Video
Promotional video
~Kochi/Niyodo Edition~
Promotional video
~Kochi Yusuhara Edition~
