Kochi Prefecture is one of Japan’s prefectures located in the Shikoku region. It covers an area of approximately 7,000 square kilometers, making it the largest prefecture in Shikoku. As of 2021, it has a population of around 780,000 people. Kochi City is home to Kochi Airport, providing air routes to various destinations in Shikoku as well as major cities like Tokyo and Osaka. The prefecture is renowned for its beautiful natural landscapes and historical landmarks, including Kochi Castle, the Kojimagawa River, the Shimanto River, the Niyodo River, and Katsurahama Beach. Kochi Prefecture is famous for being the birthplace of historical figures like Ryoma Sakamoto, and many locations are associated with events from the late Edo period. In terms of culinary culture, the region boasts an abundance of seafood and unique dishes like ‘katsuobushi’ (dried bonito flakes) and ‘Tosa-zu’ (pickled dishes in vinegar). Additionally, the ‘Kochi-style okonomiyaki’ is a well-known local specialty. The ‘Yosakoi Festival’ held in Kochi City is a famous event where numerous dancers and spectators gather to dance in colorful costumes.
１．Kochi Castle
A beautiful castle located in Kochi City, it holds historical value even for foreign visitors. This renowned castle was founded by the first lord of Tosa, Yamauchi Kazutoyo. It is a prominent castle in southern Japan, featuring a three-story, six-tiered main keep, the Katsudon, and 15 other buildings, all designated as important cultural assets of the nation. Within the castle grounds, you can find bronze statues of Yamauchi Kazutoyo, his wife, and Itagaki Taisuke. It is also one of the few remaining wooden castles in Japan.
２．Shimanto River
Known for its pristine waters, the Shimanto River offers opportunities for canoeing and rafting, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts. Stretching over 196 kilometers, it is the longest river in Shikoku. The numerous submersible bridges along its course, lacking handrails, add to its charm. It is renowned as the ‘last clear stream’ and has been designated as one of Japan’s ‘100 Remarkable Waters.
３．Katsurahama Beach
Located in Kochi City, this beach offers a beautiful coastline for foreign visitors to enjoy. Curving gracefully between Uradome Bay, Ryutokumisaki, and Ryuo-misaki, it is one of Kochi’s representative scenic spots. You can also find a bronze statue of Sakamoto Ryoma here. Nearby attractions include the ‘Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial Museum’ and the ‘Katsurahama Aquarium,’ where you can enjoy seal shows.
４．Sunday Market
Stretching about 1 kilometer from the Otemon Gate of Kochi Castle to the tram street in Hirome-cho, around 300 shops line Otesuji. The market offers a wide variety of local products such as vegetables, fruits, flowers, potted plants, and daily goods. It is open every Sunday, except during the New Year’s holiday and the Yosakoi Dance Festival period.
５．Ryugado Cave
This is one of Japan’s largest limestone caves, created over approximately 175 million years by rainwater. Out of its total length of about 4 kilometers, around 1 kilometer is open to the public as a tourist course. The ‘Kami no Tsubo,’ a hole dwelling from the Yayoi period, combines a Yayoi earthenware vessel with the limestone cave, forming a unique sight.
６．Harimaya Bridge
A historic bridge in Kochi City, it is a charming spot for foreign visitors to explore. Originating from the Edo period, it was privately constructed by two influential Tosa Clan merchants, Hamaya Sozoku and Hetsuya Michikiyo, to connect their establishments on opposite banks. On the eastern side, you can find a karakuri (mechanical) clock featuring Ryoma Sakamoto and Katsurahama Beach, accompanied by the Yosakoi melody.
７．Shikoku Karst
One of Japan’s three major karsts, it spans both Ehime and Kochi Prefectures. The karst plateau consists of Daenokaido, Himesanbai, Godan Kogen, and Tengu Kogen, extending over about 25 kilometers with scattered white limestone rocks. In Kochi Prefecture, the Tengu Kogen stands at an elevation of 1,485 meters. It is often referred to as the ‘holy land for campers.
８．Ashizuri Cape
This cape marks the southernmost tip of Shikoku. There are two observatories, each offering a 270-degree panoramic view. To the east, you can see the beautiful coastline from Ashizuri Cape to Nojima.
９．Muroto Cape
Located within the Muroto-Anan Kaigan Quasi-National Park, it is the easternmost point of Shikoku. The coastal area features a roughly 2-kilometer rugged reef promenade, as well as the Myokosan Gongen-do cave, said to be where Kobo Daishi attained enlightenment, the Yusui-no-Ike pond, and the Mezui-no-Ike pond, known for its legend of curing eye diseases.
１０．Kochi Prefecture Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial Museum
Renewed in the spring of 2018, this museum now provides a more comprehensive insight into Ryoma Sakamoto’s life and activities, from his early years to his passing. The exhibition prominently features Ryoma’s letters, offering a better understanding of his character.”