Kochi Prefecture is blessed with beautiful and abundant nature under a shining sun such as the coastline with the Kuroshio Current (Japan Current), clear rivers such as the Shimanto River and deep green forests. It has a history and environment which produced many pioneers and great men such as Sakamoto Ryoma. Kochi's free and daring characteristics have created generous yet deeply strong residents called "Igosso" or "Hachikin," and the wisdom and activity of the people of Kochi, who are full of ideas, gave birth to special gardening crops and industrial technologies. Also, the unique regional culture represented by "Yosakoi Festival" has been developed.
Kochi Prefecture`s Appeal
There are a variety of cultural traditions that have been nurtured in Kochi over a long period of history, including “Tosa washi” – traditional handmade Japanese paper. Historical townscapes such as Kochi Castle, old sake breweries, traditional markets and railways are well preserved. These spots are popular with many local residents not just because of their value as historical legacies but also as symbols of their hometowns. The prefecture is dotted with hot springs where you can refresh yourself both physically and mentally while visiting these tourist spots.
Sightseeing Spots
Katsurahama
The beach is one of the most picturesque spots in Kochi Prefecture. A deep green pine grove behind the coast, five-colored beach gravel and the azure ocean chime perfectly with one another like a miniature garden to produce a stunning landscape. The beach has been known since ancient times as a popular venue for viewing the moon. The lyrics of “Yosakoi-bushi,” a traditional folk song in Kochi Prefecture, partly read: “The popular venue for viewing the moon is Katsurahama…” A bronze statue of Sakamoto Ryoma, who played a key role in overthrowing the Tokugawa shogunate in the late 19th century, stands on Cape Ryuzu, situated at the east end of the beach, and faces the raging waves of the Pacific Ocean.
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Ryugado
The beautiful stalactites and stalagmites were created over 175,000,000 years. At the entrance of the cave is the ruins of a Yayoi period cave dweller site. The Yayoi era earthenware, covered in calc-sinter, is of global importance. In 1934 the site was designated as a National Natural History Site and National Historical Site. In addition to the approximately 1 km Tourism Course, you can squeeze through the narrow spaces together with a navigator and ascend a wooden ladder on the Adventure Course (reservation required). ON the second Sunday of each month (except August), the lights in the 400 meter stretch from the entrance is turned off from 10:00-11:00, and you can explore the cave with flashlights on the Dark Tour.
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Ashizurimisaki
This is Shikoku’s southernmost outcrop, and has been designated as the Ashizuri Uwakai National Park. The horizon appears with a slight arch, meaning that you can actually feel the round shape of the earth. The power of the waves as they crash into the cliffs is also something to experience.Local guides are available to provide tours on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, national holidays, summer vacation and Golden Week, but reservations are required. You can use the Manjiro Foot Spa Hotspring for free (close on Wednesdays). The Hakua Ashizuri-misaki lighthouse is so beautiful that it has been chosen as one of Japan’s 50 Best Lighthouses. The combination of the panoramic Pacific view and the lighthouse is very romantic, and it has come to be a symbol of the outcrop. It is just a 10 minute walk from the Asuzuri parking lot along the footpath.
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Activity
Against a backdrop of the rugged Shikoku mountain range and overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Shikoku is a treasure house of nature and a paradise for outdoor activities as people can have nature-based experiences in the bountiful ocean, mountains and rivers. Fresh bounty from the ocean, mountains and rivers can be cooked and consumed on the spot. Shikoku offers opportunities for various experiences ranging from the active to the therapeutic.
Kochi Gourmet
Kochi is endowed with a warm climate and rich natural environment as well as an abundant variety of foods from the sea, mountains and rivers. Kochi is famous in Japan for its repertoire of delicious dishes ranging from the stunning “Sawachi cuisine” that represents the temperament of the people of Kochi Prefecture, comprising subtle but flavorful and nutritious dishes, and processed items based on innovative ideas. A number of questionnaire surveys have given Kochi the top spot on the list of prefectures offering delicious local specialty food.
Yosakoi Festival
Kochi holds a wide variety of festivals and events. They include the Yosakoi Festival, an energetic fiesta which draws Japanese and foreign dancers alike, and local festivals which are hundreds of years old. You will never tire of watching them, so please enjoy them if your itinerary enables you to visit one of these festivals.
