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A Friendly Guide to Japan’s Lively Southern Prefecture

Kochi is one of Japan’s most relaxed and welcoming prefectures, known for its dramatic nature, deep samurai history, and incredible food culture. Even if you’ve traveled around Japan before, Kochi feels refreshingly different. open, sunny, and full of local charm.

Here are the must-visit spots and local experiences that will make your trip unforgettable.

🏯 1. Kochi Castle – One of Japan’s 12 Original Castles

Kochi Castle is worth a visit even if you’ve been to Matsuyama Castle.

It’s the only castle in Japan where the entire central keep area remains intact, letting you experience an authentic Edo-period atmosphere.

Compact, beautiful, and right in the city center great for photos and an easy historical stop.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/Fqk19JfRBZcoepws6?g_st=ic

🐟 2. Try “Warayaki” Bonito Tataki (Straw-Fired Seared Fish)

This is the signature experience in Kochi.

Bonito fish is seared with a huge flame made from burning straw, creating a smoky aroma you can’t get anywhere else.

Some restaurants let you watch the dramatic flame show, and others even let you try making it yourself.

A must-eat.

https://www.tataki.co.jp/en/index.html

🍺 3. Hirome Market – Lively Local Food Hall

Hirome Market is a vibrant food hall where locals and travelers share long tables, drink beer, and enjoy Kochi’s specialties.

Try bonito tataki, gyoza, tempura, or anything that catches your eye.

It’s casual, loud, friendly and the best way to feel Kochi’s personality.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/v5bNigrkqN3iVgqM6?g_st=ic

🌿 4. Sunday Market (If You’re There on Sunday Morning)

If your trip includes Sunday morning, don’t miss the 300-year-old street market stretching over 1km.

Fresh produce, local snacks, handmade crafts—perfect for wandering.

(If you arrive Sunday night, it’s still good to know for future trips!)

https://www.city.kochi.kochi.jp/soshiki/5/translation-service.html

🌊 5. Katsurahama Beach & Sakamoto Ryoma Statue

Katsurahama is a beautiful beach located in Kochi City, Kochi Prefecture, overlooking Tosa Bay.

It is also known as a “famous spot for the moon,” where the moonlight reflects on the sea during full-moon nights, creating a magical scenery.

Katsurahama is famous as a tourist destination for the Sakamoto Ryoma statue, attracting history enthusiasts as well.

With its stunning coastal views and historical significance, Katsurahama is one of Kochi’s most iconic attractions.

Beautiful at sunset great spot for photos.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/RsqDxRbP93qghAqJ9?g_st=ic

🐳 6. Whale Watching (Seasonal)

Kochi is one of Japan’s best places for whale watching.

You can often see Bryde’s whales, dolphins, and sometimes even larger species.

Tours depart from nearby harbors and are popular with nature lovers.

https://nitarikujira.com/reservation-in-english/

📚 7. Kochi Prefectural Museum of History

A good stop for anyone interested in samurai culture or the Ryoma era.

Exhibits are clear and foreign-friendly, with English explanations.

https://visitkochijapan.com/en/see-and-do/10487

🗡️8. Ryoma Memorial Museum

Visiting Kochi without seeing Sakamoto Ryoma-related spots would be like visiting Kyoto without seeing Kinkaku-ji.

Ryoma is a symbol of modern Japan, and Kochi celebrates him everywhere.

A museum where you can learn about Sakamoto Ryoma’s life and his role in Japan’s modernization.

• Located in Kochi City, it offers exhibits with English explanations, historical artifacts, and insights into the Edo–Meiji era.

🍜 9. Local Foods You Should Try

1. Seared Bonito (Katsuo Tataki)

A Kochi signature dish: bonito seared over a straw flame for a smoky aroma.

2. Moray Eel (Utsubo)

Rare local seafood, often deep-fried or served as sashimi.

3. Shimanto Eel

Fresh eel from the Shimanto River, prized for its rich flavor.

4. Dorome (Baby Sardines)

Tiny fresh sardines served with ponzu and chopped green onions, a springtime specialty.

5. Muroto Kinme Bowl

A bowl topped with golden-eye snapper, a local coastal fish specialty.

Perfect for seafood lovers.

6. Sawachi Cuisine

A giant platter of local specialties including seafood, tempura, and vegetables.

Great for sharing with friends and experiencing a traditional feast.

7. Country Sushi (Inaka Sushi)

Rustic sushi made with local mountain and river ingredients.

• Sunny Mart Tosanosato Oza Branch – famous for its regional “country-style” sushi.

8. Gomenkenka Shamo Chicken

A local breed of chicken with firm texture and rich flavor.

9. Shimanto Pork

Pork raised in the Shimanto area, flavorful and tender.

• Yuing Shimanto – specializes in Shimanto pork dishes.

10. Nabeyaki Ramen

Hot noodle soup cooked and served in a small pot.

• Hashimoto Shokudo – try this comforting Kochi-style ramen.

11. Chunichi Soba

Thick, chewy buckwheat noodles served in a rich broth.

• Tosao Shoten – a local favorite for Chunichi soba.

12. Salted Chive Fried Noodles

Crispy fried noodles flavored with chives and salt.

• Hirosueya – famous for this simple yet addictive dish.

13. Street Food Gyoza

Fried dumplings sold at street stalls, perfect for a snack while walking around.

• Yatai Yasubei – popular for Kochi’s street-food-style gyoza.

14. Potato Tempura (Imoten)

Thinly sliced sweet potatoes fried until crispy.

• Nichiyoichi Imoten – a must-try local snack.

15. Sweet Potato Chips (Imo kenobi)

Crunchy and sweet snack made from local sweet potatoes.

🎯 Summary: Why Kochi Is Worth Visiting

Kochi is warm, relaxed, and full of character.

You get a mix of nature, history, food, and hands-on local experiences.

It’s especially great for visitors who want to go beyond Japan’s “classic” travel route and discover something more authentic.

After days of exploration, today was all about unwinding. We started with a leisurely breakfast at our hotel’s buffet, which featured an unexpected indulgence—sparkling wine in the morning. A tempting way to begin the day, indeed.

Our main plan for the day was something we had long anticipated: a traditional Thai massage. We called the spa in the morning to make a same-day reservation, and soon after, we arrived at The Hummingbird Massage . The exterior was painted in soft pink, making it stand out charmingly on the street. We had arrived a bit early, but the staff welcomed us with tea and invited us to participate in a complimentary herbal compress workshop.

Instead of waiting until after our massage, as was customary, we decided to take part before our session. We were given full freedom to choose and mix herbs to our liking—I opted for a refreshing blend heavy on menthol, perfect for clearing the sinuses.

Then, it was time for our very first Thai massage. Often referred to as “two-person yoga,” Thai massage incorporates deep stretching and rhythmic pressure techniques. We had booked a 60-minute session for 750 THB and were led to a semi-private space, separated by a curtain. While I had imagined more extensive yoga-like stretching, in reality, those elements only lasted about 10 minutes. The rest of the session focused on oil-based massage, which was deeply relaxing but left us wishing for a bit more of the signature Thai-style movements.

Post-massage, we were served sweet tea and fresh fruit—one of those small but utterly satisfying moments that always mark the end of a great spa experience.

A Unique Culinary Experience: Crispy Fish and Green Curry with a Twist

Feeling rejuvenated, we headed out for lunch. We ordered rice noodles, deep-fried fish, and green curry—but what truly captured our attention was the sheer size of the fish. Larger than my hand, it was deep-fried to perfection, with a crisp golden exterior giving way to soft, juicy flesh inside.

Even more intriguing was the way the green curry was served—not as a side dish for rice but as a dip for the rice noodles. The curry was on the spicier side, but dipping the noodles into it mellowed the heat, creating a beautifully balanced dish. While Japan has a rich seafood culture, we rarely come across deep-fried fish of this magnitude, making it a new and exciting culinary experience.

Afternoon Serenity: Poolside Reading & Reflections on Pakistan

After lunch, we retreated to the hotel’s poolside, allowing the afternoon to slip by at a slower pace. My husband, engrossed in his latest read, had chosen a book on Pakistan—Pakistan: A Hard Country by Anatol Lieven. Written in 2011, this non-fiction work offers a deep dive into the country’s complex realities, exploring themes of history, politics, religion, and social structures.

A few key takeaways from the book:

• The Strength of Kinship: Pakistani society is deeply rooted in familial and tribal bonds, which serve as both a source of resilience and a challenge to national unity.

• The Role of Islam: While religion is a defining aspect of Pakistan’s identity, interpretations of Islam vary significantly across different regions.

• Military Influence: The military remains the most powerful institution in the country, exerting a strong influence over political affairs.

• Historical and Geopolitical Complexities: The book delves into Pakistan’s troubled relationship with India, its colonial past, and its strategic role in global politics.

Rather than portraying Pakistan as a “failed state,” Lieven presents a nuanced perspective, encouraging readers to see the country through a more informed and critical lens. It’s a thought-provoking read for anyone interested in international affairs and South Asian geopolitics.

An Evening of Celebration: A Surprise Birthday Dinner Cruise

As the sun began to set, we set off toward ICONSIAM, one of Bangkok’s most renowned shopping and entertainment complexes. Unbeknownst to my husband, I had planned a surprise: a birthday dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya River.

Looking back, we seem to have a habit of taking dinner cruises during our travels—we did the same last year in Hong Kong. While perhaps it’s time to diversify our experiences, there’s something undeniably magical about dining on a boat, gliding past illuminated cityscapes.

This cruise was no exception. As we drifted along the river, we dined on a lavish buffet featuring fresh seafood, Thai specialties, and international cuisine. The highlight, beyond the food and the glowing skyline, was the onboard entertainment. A skilled DJ kept the energy high, engaging passengers by asking where they were from and then singing songs from their home countries. Guests from Russia, Indonesia, and India had their national hits performed, which sparked a lively and inclusive atmosphere.

Surprisingly, despite several Japanese guests onboard, no Japanese songs were played. It was a minor disappointment, but the overall experience more than made up for it.

As the night drew to a close, the crew presented a beautifully designed birthday cake—vividly colored and unmistakably Thai in its decorative style. My husband, delighted by the celebration, looked genuinely happy.

However, our return to ICONSIAM coincided with its 10 PM closing rush, meaning long taxi queues and heavy traffic congestion. Instead of waiting, we decided to walk a little further to find a less crowded spot for a Grab ride, which we successfully hailed in about ten minutes.

Back at the hotel, we took down the birthday balloons, marking the official end of the celebrations. Tomorrow, we fly back to Japan.

Good night, Bangkok. Until next time.