Kōchi Prefecture borders the Pacific Ocean to the south. More than 700 km of coastline invite you to explore the coastal areas; in the west, the Shimanto River flows for 196 km through forested mountains. There is also the Tosa Washi tradition: it is more than 1,000 years old, and Kōchi is considered one of Japan’s three major papermaking regions. This gives you a range of themes for your stay: coast and geology, river scenery, or culture in Kōchi City.
Coast, Geology and Pilgrimage Sites
Muroto lies at the southeasternmost point of the prefecture. In 2011, the area was designated a Global Geopark because of the visible and ongoing geological changes in the Earth’s crust. On the Muroto Peninsula, the Ransho Boardwalk runs for 2.6 km along the coast. Three temples of Muroto Sanzan are no more than 12 km apart and offer a glimpse into the lives of pilgrims. These details give the Muroto area a distinctive theme of coastal scenery, geological history and pilgrimage tradition.
Katsurahama is another scenic spot in the prefecture. A statue of local samurai hero Sakamoto Ryoma stands there, gazing out over the Pacific. The location thus connects Ryoma’s history with its seaside setting.
River Scenery and Hiburi Fishing
The Shimanto River, flowing through the forested mountains in the west, shapes a landscape different from the coast. Traditional Hiburi fishing is still practiced in the Shimanto River Valley: flaming torches drive ayu into nets. This fishing method is rare in other parts of Japan. Those interested in the connection between river landscapes and traditional practices will find a distinctive theme here alongside Muroto’s geology and coastal towns.
Kōchi City: Castle, Garden and Markets
History, plant diversity and recurring events are at the heart of Kōchi City. Kōchi Castle was built more than 400 years ago and is one of the twelve original Japanese castles still standing. Visitors can tour the main citadel buildings in their original condition for an entrance fee. The Kochi Castle Museum of History provides a map for a walk through the former castle town.
The Kochi Prefectural Makino Botanical Garden covers about 8 hectares and features more than 3,000 species of wild and cultivated plants. On Sundays, about 300 stalls line the Kochi Sunday Market; the number may vary. The market has been part of life in Kōchi City for well over 300 years. The Yosakoi Festival is also held there every year from August 9 to 12. Around 200 dance teams and about 20,000 dancers give an indication of the festival’s scale, not the attendance in any particular year. Check the specific festival dates before your trip.
Activities and Getting There
The prefecture has short hiking trails that are generally well maintained and suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels. Water sports, especially stand-up paddleboarding, are also among the options. These activities offer different experiences: short hikes for exercise on land, and water sports for days by the water.
Kōchi Ryōma Airport has flights to Narita, Komaki, Chūbu Centrair International, Osaka International, Kobe and Fukuoka. As flight connections can change, check current schedules before your trip. The Limited Express Nanpu takes about 2 hours and 35 minutes to reach Kōchi Station from Okayama Station; Okayama is served by the Sanyō Shinkansen line. Travel times may vary, so it is also worth checking the current timetable.
Choose Accommodation Based on Your Travel Plans
Choose your accommodation based on the destinations you actually plan to visit. This way, your search starts with the travel experience you want, rather than an unconnected collection of possible excursions.
Discover more destinations: Aki, Kōchi, Takaoka District, Kami, Umaji, Tosa, Sukumo and Kanagawa Prefecture.
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