Seafood Delicacy of Kochi
- the Great Gift of Nature

Alfonsino is a representative fish of Kochi, proud with the largest catch among western Japan.
Alfonsino can be enjoyed with various cooking methods, such as thickly-cut fatty [sashimi] or [simmered] using seasonings such as mirin and soy sauce.
In Muroto city, located in the south-eastern part of Kochi prefecture, is renowned for their [Muroto Kinme Bowl] using alfonsino.Do not miss this dish offered at several restaurants in this area.

Have you ever tasted [mackerel] as sashimi? Actually, [Shimizu Mackerel of Tosa], a brand fish from Kochi, can be eaten fresh.
Only the [blue mackerel] caught and unloaded alive at a fishery cooperative association in Tosashimizu city, can be [Shimizu Mackerel of Tosa]. From autumn to winter, you can enjoy the fatty mackerel with chewy texture.

Bonito has been Kochi prefecture's signature fish, and the consumption per a civilian in Kochi is incomparably higher than any other Prefectures. Many fishers who fish bonito with using just one fishing rod, called “Ippon-zuri,” belong to Kochi port and many high-quality bonitos from the offshore of Kochi and from all over Japan gather in Kochi. [Lightly-seared bonito], the surface-broiled bonito to be enjoyed with seasonings such as scallions to your preference, is the must-eat dish.

[Okyaku] originally meant the guests who were invited to banquets. [Okyaku] guests are invited to banquets to enjoy sake (Japanese alcohol) together, sometimes until getting [terribly drunk], to deepen the relationship between each other. Without noticing it, the word [Okyaku] itself became the term for [banquet] among the people in Kochi prefecture.

[Kenpai (pouring sake)] and [Henpai (pouring back sake)] are part of Kochi prefecture's own culture of sake (Japanese alcohol). An inferior person pours sake for a superior person. The person received the sake has to drink it up. Next, the superior person pours back sake to the inferior person who poured first. They repeat this with many people, so that they naturally become good friends even when it is their first meeting. This is the banquet, Kochi-style.

Kochi-jo Castle is the most renowned castle in the Shikoku region. It is one of the 12 rare castles in Japan that still remain in the same condition as when they were built. Its beautiful shape keeps attracting many people.

Visiting hours

9:00 am - 5:00 pm (Last entry 4:30 pm) Closed during new year's holidays

Address

1-2-1 Marunouchi, Kochi city, Kochi 780-0850

Access

25 minute-walk from Kochi Station / 15 minutes by tram from Kochi Station. Get off at [Kochijomae] stop

Shimantogawa River is known as [the last clear stream] in Japan. Along this river, many [Chinka-bashi Bridges] still remain, which sink under water when the river water rises. These bridges add accents to the idyllic scenery. This great river has been closely connected to people's lives, and fishing in traditional methods is still carried out. This river is also very popular as a fishing spot, as river fish such as sweetfish caught in this river are delicious.

What is famous in Kochi? The beautiful Rivers! You can appreciate the river thoroughly by going rafting. Dive into the beautiful nature, as getting on the rhythm of powerful river stream without a stop is a great adventure to give you thrill and excitement. The outdoor and sports lover who loves adrenaline cannot miss this opportunity.

Ocean admired from Kochi shore is stunning. Why don’t you enjoy this beautiful ocean by going snorkeling? Snorkeling tool is simple and does not require a special license or experience to enjoy that anyone can casually experience. The number of fish species lives around Kashiwajima in west Kochi is said to be the highest in Japan, and so coral reef and school of small fish will welcome you.

It is a great surprise that you can meet wild whales and dolphins since Kochi is facing the Pacific Ocean. The season of whale watching starts from the end of April to the end of October. There are several tours available to meet whales and dolphins. This may be your life changing experience!

Yosakoi festival is the dancing festival with the music “Yosakoi bushi,” the traditional folk song in Kochi, with dance using “Nariko” as an instrument. This event is held for four days, on August 9 (the pre-event party), 10, 11, (the festival days), and 12 (the national contest day), every year. Approximately 20 thousand dancers perform at the 16 dancing floors in the city. It is impressive to see the unique variety of Yosakoi dances different in choreography, music, costume, and a parade float, from traditional to the modernized, performed by different groups. The number of performers joining from overseas and from all around Japan is increasing these days. There are some teams, which you can participate with simple practice on the actual performing day, so it may be fun to join, instead just seeing.

The largest street market in Japan open on every Sunday, held at the streets around Kochijo castle by closing for pedestrians only. Around 430 stalls extending about 1.3 km, sell fruits and vegetables, knives, and more of Kochi’s local specialties. The unmissable sightseeing spots for both locals and tourists.

Open

Sunday 5:00 am – 6:00 pm (October - March; 5:30 am – 5:00 pm)

Closed

During the Yosakoi festival, January 1 – 2

Address

Outesuji, Kochi city

Access

A 10-minute walk from Kochi Station on JR Line.

Shikoku is famous for “Ohenro-san.” Ohenro refers to the pilgrimage journey to visit 88 places in Shikoku Island, where Kobo-Daishi (Kukai) relates. It originally started as Buddhist training, yet nowadays widely spread casually to many Japanese, for self-discovery, for health, or to pray for better fortune. If you complete the road of Ohenro, it will be 1200 km, which takes about 50 days by walking. These days, People casually go Ohenro by bicycle, motorbike, or car whichever the way suits their style. There are 16 places to visit in Kochi. Along with the joy of communication and connection with locals, it is a great way to bring a sense of accomplishment. Once you finish, you feel a sense of spiritual growth.