Where to visit in Kochi🐟

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.